In this article
Previously, you had to cite one of five grounds to file for a divorce. Unreasonable behaviour was one of these grounds. In this article, our solicitors outline what unreasonable behaviour was, and how it has been affected by the divorce changes in 2022.
For more information, please visit our divorce page. Furthermore, if you want to contact a solicitor today, please call us directly on 020 3007 5500.
What is unreasonable behaviour in a divorce?
Unreasonable behaviour was an umbrella term for many different types of behaviour. Therefore, it was hard to know what was classed as unreasonable behaviour in a divorce. Below, we have outlined the most common forms of unreasonable behaviour below:
- Domestic abuse
- Unreasonable sexual demands
- Excessive/lack of sex
- Financial recklessness/ debt
- Verbal abuse and intimidating behaviour
- Social isolation
- Coercive/controlling behaviour
- Inappropriate relationship with another person
- Drunkenness
Unreasonable behaviour divorce examples.
Here are some real-life examples of how unreasonable behaviour was used as a ground for divorce.
Example 1
Simon’s wife monitors his whereabouts and has put a stop to him seeing his family and friends. This behaviour is coercive control.
Example 2
Sarah’s husband is an alcoholic who spends all his time drunk down at the local pub. This has put a massive strain on their marriage.
Example 3
Tony’s wife has developed a gambling addiction. She is spending all of her salary gambling down at the local betting shop rather than helping Tony with the mortgage repayments and supporting their children.
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How long does divorce take?
A straightforward divorce, which doesn’t include any children or assets, can be approved in at least 4 months. However, a divorce can take up to 12 months through the sorting of financial settlements and child arrangements.
How did you prove unreasonable behaviour?
When citing unreasonable behaviour, you had to prove that the other party behaved in such a way that you could no longer live with them. By doing so, they proved that marriage had irretrievably broken down.
- Bank statements from joint accounts to prove financial recklessness
- Charge sheet from the police or medical report to prove domestic abuse
- Witness statements from a neighbour regarding verbal abuse
What were the other grounds for divorce?
Previously, when getting a divorce, you had to cite one of the five grounds. The grounds for divorce were as follows:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two years separation with consent
- Five years separation without consent
Visit our grounds for divorce blog for more information on what exactly these reasons were.
What changed with divorce?
As of April 6th 2022, you now no longer have to cite a reason as to why you want a divorce. This means that if you want a divorce, and your previously would have cited unreasonable behaviour, you no longer have to prove anything. This has streamlined the divorce process, thus making it more accessible with much less conflict.
For a full breakdown on the changes to divorce, visit our blog on no-fault divorce.
How can Britton and Time Solicitors help?
Divorce is a complex and emotionally stressful area of law, especially when children and finances are involved. As a result, it’s always beneficial to instruct a divorce solicitor to ensure you don’t make avoidable yet costly mistakes. In any divorce case, our solicitors will require an initial consultation, our solicitors guarantee:
- Unlimited time to go through the details of your case and ask any questions you may have
- An overview of your legal standpoint and your available options
- A precise time and fee estimate for your case
To arrange your initial consultation with one of our solicitors, simply call us on 020 3007 5500.
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Hi Corine,
We’re pleased that you found our article on unreasonable behaviour in divorce helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Dominic