Individuals and organisations have increased their use of digital technology in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, and the legal services industry is not an exception to this trend.
The online divorce filing process is a crucial component of a larger programme that will cost more than one billion dollars and will aim to modernise the legal system to increase efficiency, accessibility, and user-friendliness for everybody.
In 2017, the government announced the testing of an online divorce application. The application was accessible to anyone seeking a divorce, and those who submitted it were provided with helpful counsel and information. They would be required to print and submit to the court the completed papers.
In January of 2018, the entire procedure was digitised, permitting online submission of all forms, payments, and supporting documents. Approximately 130 applications were received throughout the first week.
The majority of comments were positive, and the reduction of rejected applications owing to errors by more than 90 percent constituted a substantial improvement. People appreciated not having to worry about critical correspondence being lost or delayed.
The pilot project received excellent feedback, and the improved version was released to the public in May of 2018. Subsequently, the system was distributed to authorised representatives.
Nigel Shepherd, a former Chair of Resolution, was pleased about the transition to an all digital system, which, if successful for both parties, would align it with other government-provided services.
Despite the fact that the system was designed to be utilised by persons without access to legal counsel, we must insist that you retain an attorney to represent you. This is a crucial consideration to keep in mind. The website can be used to legally dissolve a marriage, but it cannot provide guidance or clarification on topics such as finances and child custody.
In addition, it cannot help the emotional journey that every separated couple must endure. As soon as your divorce is finalised, you will lose all of your rights as a married person; hence, all issues require careful examination with the assistance of an attorney.
The equipment was required to be installed by HM Courts and Tribunals Service by September 2021. (HMCTS). Now, divorce applications must be submitted electronically using the MyHMCTS website, as opposed to on paper. The only exceptions to this rule are the dissolution of a civil union, legal separation, and nullity.
The new entryway provides many benefits, including the following:
Beginning in April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act of 2020 will make divorces more peaceful and have fewer negative consequences. Since couples will no longer be forced to assign fault, neither party will be held accountable for the breakdown of the marriage. The modifications will be reflected in the most recent website version.
Hearings will continue to be conducted remotely or over the phone, reducing the requirement to be physically present in court and with your spouse.
The Process of Family Mediation Worksop is an expert in all facets of family law, including divorce and the distribution of property and assets. As Resolution members, we are committed to using Worksop family mediation to resolve conflicts amicably. In the end, this will result in a more favourable conclusion for divorcing spouses and their separate families.