Divorce - Agreement or Court Hearing

The next step is to try and negotiate a settlement. A " round-table" meeting in the early stages between husband, wife and their solicitors is often helpful, even if it only narrows down the areas of agreement and dispute. Agreement is usually reached by correspondence between solicitors, and the court will then be asked to confirm the agreement so that it becomes irrevocable.

If agreement cannot be reached, there has to be a court hearing. Negotiations usually continue right up to the time of the hearing. The length and expense of the hearing depends on how complicated the financial position is and on how many aspects are in dispute. By this stage, the husband and the wife will usually each be represented by a solicitor and a barrister. They must both give evidence and be cross-examined. Other witnesses may be called. The judge or district judge will then make an order.