Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A CLICKIE DIVORCE?
Unhappy couples can end marriage online for £550
COUPLES can now divorce online via an official Government website that has a step-by-step guide.
The new service, which has just been rolled out across England and Wales following trials, has been a hit with 91 per cent of people saying they were happy with it.
It offers prompts and guidance to assist people in completing their application, and does away with jargon terms.
The whole process can be completed online, including payment and uploading supporting documents. The process costs £550, with reduced rates for those on benefits.
Justice Minister Lucy
Frazer said: “Allowing divorce applications to be made online will help make sure we are best supporting people going through an often difficult and painful time. Online systems will cut waste, speed up services, and otherwise better fit with modern day life.”
More than 1,000 divorce petitions were issued through the new system during the trial period.
The system, at www.apply-divorce.service.gov.uk, went live on May 1.
Court staff currently spend 13,000 hours dealing with complex paper divorce forms, but this simpler and less technical online service has already contributed to a 95 per cent drop in the number of applications being returned because of mistakes.
The changes are part of £1billion programme to transform the court system, making it quicker, more accessible and easier to use.
The reasons for the marriage ending have to be set out and agreed before a decree nisi is granted. Couples must also agree how to split properties and childcare beforehand. A decree absolute is issued six weeks later legally ending the marriage.
It will help make sure we are supporting people going through an often painful time
JUSTICE MINISTER LUCY FRAZER ON ONLINE APPLICATIONS