The family law team at Norwich solicitors Cozens-Hardy has joined a new online scheme that aims to dramatically reduce the time it takes divorcing couples to obtain a formal court order finalising their financial settlement.
It can currently take up to four months for couples to get a formal order even when they have already agreed its terms – but the new fast-track scheme could slash this frustrating delay by three quarters, to less than two weeks.
Jane Anderson, head of the family team at Cozens-Hardy:
“Divorcing couples are often left in financial limbo for many weeks. These delays are frequently out of solicitors’ hands, but they cause complications and give rise to additional stress at what it is already a sad and difficult time for divorcing couples. When clients take the decision to divorce they are often very surprised to learn how long it is likely to take to sort out the divorce and financial matters, even if an agreement is reached at an early stage.
“We are delighted to be part of the pilot scheme. This year has been very difficult as we have frequently found that, even once an agreement is reached about the finances, it can take up to three months for a court order to be finalised – and even then it can sometimes be another four weeks before the agreed order is sent out. This new scheme has the potential to ensure that agreed financial settlements submitted to the court online will take just one or two weeks to be turned around.”
The pilot scheme for submitting paperwork online has been launched by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service to combat administrative delays.
“The Office for National Statistics recently revealed that divorces are at their lowest level since 1971 – but that is at least partly due to the administrative backlog,” said Mrs Anderson.
For further information please contact:
Clare Haylett ph: 07764 270570 and [email protected]