



Domestic Violence & Abuse
Blanchards Law is a niche family law practice with divorce solicitors, mediators and collaborative lawyers.
Can we help you? Please call us on 0845 658 6639 or email us at info@blanchardslaw.co.uk
Can I get divorced on domestic abuse grounds?
Yes, you can get a divorce by citing domestic abuse.
In the UK there are five scenarios in which a divorce can be granted, they are:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two years’ separation with the other party’s consent
- Five years’ separation
Domestic abuse is clear evidence of unreasonable behaviour and can certainly form the basis for a divorce within the UK system.
In order to clarify what we mean by domestic abuse it is worth looking at the definition provided by the Government:
Any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass but is not limited to:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
Any one or combination of these behaviours can be used in a divorce petition as evidence of unreasonable behaviour.
Many of our clients come to us in circumstances where they have been the victim of abuse within their marriage, both women and men.
The majority of domestic abuse is emotional and psychological. An abusive spouse may escalate their behaviours to physical abuse where they become violent or sexually aggressive. If you are the victim of these abuses within a marriage, we can build up an effective case that your marriage has broken down due to unreasonable behaviour.
As a client you will always receive a completely confidential, discreet and empathic service. We are very aware that talking about abuse is difficult, but you can be assured that here at Blanchards Law you will be given the time you need in comfortable surroundings to talk about abuse related issues. We will then help you navigate a safe and effective way out.
Coercive Control & Divorce
While physical and sexual abuse tends to be more recognisable, other forms of abuse are equally relevant when discussing unreasonable behaviour. These may include psychological, financial and emotional manipulation of one spouse by another.
These three forms of abuse can all be considered as forms of coercive control. Indeed the 2015 Serious Crime Act has criminalised coercive control punishable by up to five years imprisonment.
The legislation sets out controlling behaviour as:
A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from the source of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their regulating their everyday behaviour.
Many victims of domestic abuse will recognise these behaviours and we can use evidence of them in a divorce petition.
Examples of these behaviours would include, but are not limited to:
- Being prevented from working
- Being told what to wear and how to behave
- Having their social life controlled
- Being threatened with violence
- Having children, family members or pets threatened
- Having little or no access to finances, cash or cards
- Being isolated from friends and family
- Being told what to eat and drink
- Having online and social media accounts monitored or controlled
- Being blamed for problems caused by the perpetrator
- Being repeatedly humiliated and verbally abused
- Feeling frightened all the time
Controlling behaviour affects men as well as women, though men can find it more difficult to “open up” and talk about it. We treat all our clients equally without judgement. Blanchards Law’s clients receive an empathetic service, sound advice and an effective strategy built around your individual circumstances.
We know divorce as a result of domestic violence can be intimidating, but our sympathetic solicitors will confidently guide you through the legal system to arrive at a safe and fair settlement.
Remember that you are not alone, and advice from solicitors is only one of the many resources available to you:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline
- Women’s Aid
- Men’s Advice Hotline
- Galop for LGBTQ+ domestic abuse
- Karma Nirvana for forced marriage
- National Stalking Hotline
Can we help you? Please call us on 0845 658 6639 or email us at info@blanchardslaw.co.uk
Ask the Solicitor for free
Please let us have brief details about your enquiry or call us today on 0845 658 6639.
This is what our clients say about us
Punam is an excellent family lawyer. She gives good sensible advice on divorce and child matters at what is often a particularly distressing time. I would not hesitate to recommend her for the most complex matters; her legal knowledge combined with her ability to see the bigger picture are invaluable.
Rob Alloway
I instructed Punam to make a financial relief application under Part III Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984. Punam is very professional, knowledgeable and kind. I would not hesitate to instruct her again on any legal matter. Thank you for all your support.
Aline Michele
Divorce is a very harrowing, stressful and personal event Punam was warm and approachable but super efficient and succinct with it. Genuinely staggered at how smooth a process she made it. I wholeheartedly recommend Punam after a very positive experience myself.
Sam Cowan
Punam is an experienced and tenacious lawyer offering warm, compassionate and intelligent advice on a wide variety of family matters. She has acted for us for over a decade both in the city and in her own practice on divorce proceedings and complex family and child matters. We would not hesitate to recommend her.
Sue Evans
Blanchards supported my difficult and complex legal proceedings. They navigated every detail with high competence and provided confidence and reassurance at every step. Was most grateful for the human touch of doing the right thing at all times, and for their comforting professionalism even when times were very tough. Fully recommend and thank you.
Steve James
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