The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted both individuals and businesses to increase their use of digital technology, and the legal services industry is not an exception to this trend.
The online divorce filing process is a significant component of a broader programme that will cost more than one billion dollars and will strive to modernise the legal system to promote efficiency, accessibility, and user-friendliness for all.
The government said in 2017 that it will experiment with an online divorce application. It was available to anyone who desired a divorce, and when they filled out the application, it gave them with helpful suggestions and information. After completion, they would have to print off the document and send it to the court.
In January of 2018, the process was fully digitised, allowing all forms, payments, and supporting documentation to be uploaded and submitted online. In the first week, approximately 130 applications were received.
The majority of answers were positive, and a notable improvement was the reduction of rejected applications due to mistakes by over 90 percent. People welcomed not having to worry about crucial information being delayed or lost in the mail.
The pilot programme was appraised well, and in May of 2018 the upgraded version was introduced to the public. The final step was distributing the system to authorised representatives.
At the time, Nigel Shepherd, who had previously served as Chair of Resolution, stated his delight for the shift to a completely digital system, which would bring it in line with other government-provided services if it worked well for all parties involved.
Even though the system was built from the outset to be utilised by those without access to legal advice, we must urge that you appoint a lawyer to act on your behalf. This is an essential factor to remember. The website can be used to legally dissolve a marriage, but it cannot provide guidance or clarification on problems such as finances or child custody.
In addition, it is incapable of assisting with the emotional journey that all divorced spouses must endure. As soon as your divorce is finalised, you will lose all of your rights as a married person; therefore, all concerns require careful consideration with the advice of a professional.
The system was required to be installed by September 2021 by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Legal professionals are now expected to submit divorce petitions digitally via the MyHMCTS portal, as opposed to on paper. There are just three exceptions to this rule: the dissolution of civil unions, judicial separation, and nullity.
The new entrance offers numerous advantages, including the following:
Beginning in April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act of 2020 will make the divorce process more friendly and result in fewer negative consequences. Because couples will no longer be required to assign blame to one spouse, neither party will be held responsible for the relationship’s failure. The changes will be reflected in the most recent version of the website.
Hearings will continue to take place remotely or over the phone, decreasing the need to appear to court and be in the same physical location as the person you are divorcing.
We are very knowledgeable in all aspects of family law, including divorce and the distribution of property and assets at Family Mediation Bicester. As members of Resolution, we are dedicated to resolving conflicts in a manner that does not involve confrontation via the use of family mediation Bicester. This will ultimately result in a more favourable resolution for divorcing spouses and their families.