When a relationship breaks down it can be a very emotional period in your life, affecting you and others close to you. Else Family Law will help to guide you through the details entailed with divorce and separation, the division of property and other assets and also issues as to the children's residence and future welfare.
A petition is sent to Court. This can only be done after the first year of marriage. The person presenting the petition (the petitioner) must show that their marriage to their spouse (the respondent) has irretrievably broken down. This can due to one of five reasons: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for 2 years, separation for 2 years (with consent of the respondent) or separation for 5 years (this doesn't require the consent of the respondent)
If you are separating, rather than divorcing (because you are not married), a Separation Agreement should be drawn up to ensure you are protected.