Life Has No “Edit” Button, But We Sure Can Proofread Divorce Applications

Life Has No “Edit” Button, But We Sure Can Proofread Divorce Applications

Life Has No “edit” Button, But We Sure Can Proofread Divorce Applications

Marriage is full of ups and downs: celebrations receiving a sparkly engagement ring and marking each passing year with an anniversary; and sometimes, sadly, relationship breakdown and break up. Time passes by quickly when you are having fun, but it can be painfully slow if a stressful separation is not handled carefully and efficiently.

One of the main causes of delay in the divorce process – based on results revealed earlier this month – is a need by divorce centres to send back flawed or inaccurate divorce petitions. “Nationally, broadly 40% of petitions had to be returned for correction.” It is unclear what the base numbers, but what is extremely clear is that the common application mistakes are not at all difficult to avoid. They do not require a huge amount of money to fix. They do not need a whole lot of time and energy either. They simply require a little care and attention.

The top error is the lack of any enclosed fee. Whether caused by oversight or confusion, this petty application defect should not come at the expense of the lives of newly separated ex-spouses waiting eagerly for their freedom and peace of mind. Other reasons for returned documents include: incorrect marriage details (names, places, dates), incomplete jurisdiction pages, inconsistent grounds or more than one ground for divorce selected, insufficient detail about the statement of case, no proper marriage certificate received (either only a photocopy, or there is no translation provided where relevant), absence of certificate of reconciliation from a solicitor and of fee remission contribution, and lastly, inadequate service details (where to send the petition so the other party receives it and the divorce can proceed).

And it is not simply the application procedure itself that is at risk of evolving into a giant hurdle. This is not merely a matter of expediting and accelerating. For every hour that goes to waste, a time bomb is slowly but surely getting built and activated – to the extent that ultimately down the road it will take a toll on the divorce outcome itself.

For one, the postponement could add insult to injury. Distance between former partners is obviously a natural result of the situation, but the more unnecessary delay there is, the less likely they can salvage civil relations between them either as co-parents, and friends. The prolonged limbo that precludes a status of “official divorcee” may also cause some discomfort once the pursuit of a new relationship begins. Also, more and more people get dragged into the commotion unnecessarily.

But why do these errors happen over and over again, when all it takes is a little care and attention to avoid them?  Well, life isn’t that simple.  When you’re divorcing you have a million and one things to think about – where will you live, what about finances, what about the children, what do I do now?  The last thing you have time for is to worry about a missing comma or a misspelling of the place you married.  And it’s highly unlikely you’re a legal expert who can successfully navigate through the very specific meanings of each of the grounds for divorce or the reasons on which to base the jurisdiction without extra stress and worry.

That’s why our advice is always to seek out the best advice you can afford – it’s not just peace of mind for today, it’s an investment in your future.  Proper, thorough advice from an experienced legal professional will benefit you and your family in the long run and avoid wasting any more of your precious time.

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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. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

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.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

Whether it's a complex family law issue or a multifaceted private client law matter, our network of trusted specialists allows us to draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients. These partnerships ensure that we can offer comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of your case, providing you with a holistic approach to your legal (and personal) needs. 

By collaborating with specialists in various legal fields, we can navigate intricate legal challenges more effectively, saving you time, effort, and potential complications. Our commitment to strategic partnerships means that we stay informed about the latest developments in family law and private client law, ensuring that our advice and strategies are up-to-date and relevant. 

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.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

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.  

Our ultimate goal is to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with legal matters. We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of family law and private client law, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you. Trust Grayfords to provide you with the specialised legal services you deserve, backed by our expertise, integrity, and dedication to your success.