Those contemplating a divorce when the Bill becomes law should set about proving that they have lived apart from their spouses for four out of the last five years.
This will be easy if they have lived in different homes. If they have lived totally separate lives under the one roof (in different rooms of the house, communicating only through children, etc.) it will be more difficult, but not impossible.
They should also contact solicitors, to discuss with them the possibility of reconciliation and mediation specified in the Bill.
Then they should start saving. Like all legal procedures, a divorce could be expensive, depending on whether it is contested, the amount of property involved, and, indeed, the solicitor chosen.
If it is straightforward for example, if a judicial separation is already granted and all matters relating to children, maintenance and property have been agreed - it could cost as little as a couple of hundred pounds, according to a family lawyer.
However if there is a lot of property involved, if it has to be established through "discovery", if the divorce is acrimonious, the cost could run to tens of thousands of pounds.
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