I don't agree with the examples of unreasonable behaviour that my spouse has included in their divorce petition. What can I do?

It is good practice for a draft copy of the divorce petition to be sent to the Respondent before the Petitioner sends the same to the Court. This allows the Respondent opportunity to request any amendments if they feel strongly about anything included within the petition. It is intended that this will help to begin the divorce process in as amicable way as possible.

If amendments cannot be agreed or if the petition has already been sent to the Court, the Respondent has the option within the Acknowledgement of Service form to confirm that whilst they agree to the divorce proceeding they do not admit the allegations raised against them.

Alternatively, the Respondent can attempt to defend the divorce. However, this is a step that is taken very infrequently and, dependent of course on the circumstances of the case, is often not advised.

If you are the Respondent in a divorce and have received a copy of the divorce petition and wish to seek advice in respect of the same, then please contact our specialist Family Solicitors. Please call our Wolverhampton Office on 01902 328 365 or our Cradley Heath office on 01384 410 410.

George Green have offices based in Wolverhampton and Cradley Heath and serve clients across the West Midlands and Black Country including Stourbridge, Wolverhampton, Halesowen, Birmingham and beyond. If you complete our online enquiry form, a member of our team will contact you for an initial discussion.