paperwork

I guess I just need some input. 2 different times I've completed and paid for paperwork to be processed for a divorce. Stupidly, I paid cash and didn't ask for a receipt. This was back in "99-01".(things were a little cheaper then) both times my paperwork was either "lost" or "misfiled". Since I don't have a receipt, I can't prove it. I can't afford the financial burden of paying for this again. Even though my husband agreed to a divorce, he was never completly for it and I know he would not cover the cost of filing so legally we are still married even though we haven't been together since "93". I just want this to end. What can I do

If no finances or children involved, can divorce not be achieved re period of non cohabitation with no possibility of reconciliation and affidavits to the Sheriff Clerk to that effect? I would be interested in the legal experts help here as I have been informed that I can use this avenue to progress my situation. Thanx in advance
Elle

Elle,

I've copied and pasted my blog post about the Scottish simplified divorce. In E&W it's a tad different because the divorce doesn't stop future financial claims being made and the divorce now costs £300 but I'm not sure much can be done if the papers were lost and a complaint wasn't dealt with at the time.

Simplified Procedure
Conditions
• the ground for the divorce being relied upon is one of the separation grounds
• the action is not being defended by the other party to the marriage
• there are no children under 16
• neither party is applying for an order for financial provision on divorce
• there is no indication that either of the parties is unable to manage his/her affairs because of mental illness or impairment

To apply for a divorce under this procedure the applicant will have to fill in a form giving the reason for the divorce and information to support it. If the ground for divorce is a one year separation with the agreement of the other party, Form SPA is used and the applicant will have to get the other party to sign a consent form. Form SPB is used if the ground for divorce is two years without agreement.

The applicant must swear that the facts stated on the form are correct before a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace who will sign the form, free of charge. The completed form, the marriage certificate and a fee is returned to the local sheriff court or Court of Session. The court will send a copy of the application for divorce to the other party. The other party then has time to object to the divorce. As mentioned above, if he or she does object then the simplified procedure cannot go ahead.


If the other party does not object to the divorce, the court will consider the application and let both parties know the result. If the application is successful the court will grant a ‘decree of divorce’ The whole process usually takes about eight weeks.

Thanx Fiona
I am hoping Proof goes ahead on Monday, albeit usual motions against from opposition. Will keep you posted.
Elle

I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed

Good luck.