How Will The Third Lockdown Impact On My Divorce?

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday (4^th January) night, England has now been plunged into the third lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic. January is always a busy time for divorce solicitors and divorce courts, so how will lockdown three impact on those wishing to divorce or those already in the process?

Getting a divorce during lockdown three

Well, one bit of good news is that the courts have adjusted fairly well to new ways of working over the course of the pandemic. Online divorces are being piloted throughout the country and our experience is that they are working much quicker than the paper process did, even in “normal”, pre-Covid times. The reports of 50 week plus delays in divorces that we experienced in March through to June of 2020 are almost a thing of the past for those solicitors who have access to the online divorce and financial remedy portals. We are finding that, in many ways, the process is much quicker and more streamlined.

The courts have had no choice but to move swiftly with the times and acquire the technology required to facilitate remote hearings and whilst some hearings are still taking place face to face, in the case of divorce and financial remedy proceedings, these tend to be limited to final hearings only.

How we can help

Whilst many solicitors are working from home, at Nelsons, we have all the technology required to work in the best way for our clients. Although our offices are closed, we have been able to continue to best serve our client’s needs by offering telephone and video meetings and are carrying on as normal, working hard to empower our clients.

Whilst the situation is by no means perfect, anyone who is considering separation or divorce should not be put off by the pandemic. Perhaps it is even more important for those wanting to end failing relationships to take legal advice and think about starting the process for the benefit of their own wellbeing in such challenging times.