Sultan Lloyd has long offered services in the area of matrimonial law. The breakdown of a relationship can prove to be one of the most difficult and emotionally painstaking processes in an individual's life and so we use our best endeavours to ensure this process is as smooth and simple as possible. There is only one ground for divorce which is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

However, a court cannot hold that the marriage has irretrievably broken down unless the petitioner (the one bringing the action for divorce) satisfies the court of one or more of the five facts for divorce which include:-

1. that the respondent (whom the action is against) has committed adultery and the petitioner finds it intolerable to live with the respondent;
2. that the respondent has behaved in such a way that the petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the respondent;
3. that the respondent has deserted the petitioner for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the petition;
4. that the parties of the marriage have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the petition and the respondent consents to a decree being granted (two years' separation and consent);
5. that the parties to the marriage have lived apart for a continuous period of at least five years immediately preceding the presentation of the petition.

It must be noted that divorce proceedings cannot be instituted within the first year of marriage, no matter how unhappy your marriage. There may however be alternative steps available to you which you can discuss with your solicitor.