Further information about plans to centralise divorce case processing

Further information about plans to centralise divorce case processing

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It’s been known for a while that plans are progress to centralise the processing of divorce applications but little was known about how it would actually work until recently.
For ordinary cases of divorce (i.e. uncontested and non-urgent matters) and applications for financial remedies these processing centres will be the only point of entry into the Courts and Tribunals system. Entry points for Children Act matters are to remain as they are now – with applications being made at a large number of local courts across England and Wales.

One case sparked the drive for centralisation: hundreds of Italian couples were granted divorces at over 100 courts across England and Wales, all claiming to live at a small number of addresses in Berkshire. The scam allowed couples to divorce much sooner than the equivalent Italian rules. The drive to centralise the processing of applications seeks to avoid anything like this occurring in the future as it is hoped that any fraudulent ‘bulk’ applications will be spotted quickly.

You can read the full judgment in the case here: Rapisarda v Colladon [2014] EWFC 1406 (08 May 2014).

When hearings are required

Where hearings are needed in either type of case, divorce or financial, the matter will be passed from the divorce processing centre to a local court. If the parties do not reside in the same area then a central location will be chosen.

Legal Advisers

Another major change is that rather than a District Judge being required to consider a Decree Nisi application, legal advisers will be empowered to consider directions for trial and DN applications. They will deal with a greater amount of routine work, the aim being to clear the diaries of District Judges so they can focus on more complex parts of the process. The increase in legal adviser involvement also aims to reduce delays in processing cases. They will be supervised by District Judges and will not deal with financial remedy applications, uncontested divorce only. The divorce petition is expected to see changes to allow parties to indicate where they would like any hearing to take place.

Go Live plans

A number of centres are already in operation with the centre for London and the South East, located in Bury St Edmunds, planned to be operational from November 2015. The dates at which new cases should be sent to the processing centre instead of local courts will vary from court to court within each region. District Judges will be present at each regional processing centre.

We’ll let you know once we have more information on this important change.

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

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At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

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At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

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Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

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