Last week the Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker divorced his wife of 6 years, Danielle Bux. This was Lineker’s second marriage, having split from the mother of his children, Michelle Cockayne, after 20 years of marriage.
Reports have suggested that the split was due to Lineker’s reluctance to have any more children at the age of 55. His former wife is 36.
Both parties have issued statements that suggest the separation has been amicable. Lineker said “Thank you all for your kind words. Danielle Bux and I had many wonderful years together. We remain very close and the greatest of friends”. This sentiment was echoed by Bux, “We have shared the most incredible 8 years that I will always cherish. We will remain the best of friends”.
The couple divorced using the “quickie” divorce procedure. This is only available to couples who can agree about financial matters and the grounds for the divorce.
Many commentators in the press have expressed surprise that someone of Lineker’s wealth – estimated to be around £30million – would opt for a quickie divorce.
Lineker’s divorce highlights that if a couple can co-operate and agree about the matters of the separation, a divorce does not need to be an expensive, drawn-out and painful courtroom battle.
How to divorce
The most important aspect of minimising stress and cost during a divorce is to try to work together and come to agreement on as many matters as possible.
To divorce in England and Wales, you need to have been married for at least one year. The most common ground for divorce is “irretrievable breakdown” which can be proved by adultery, unreasonable behaviour (e.g. violence, abuse or drug taking), desertion, living apart for more than two years and both parties agree to the divorce or living apart for five years.
In an undefended divorce, such as Lineker’s, it would be possible to divorce without using a solicitor at all. However, it is advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced family lawyer before you make decisions about how your property will be split and your children will be cared for.
If the divorce is defended, then you will need to go to court.
Separation agreement
Many separating couples come to a separation agreement. A separation agreement can be used to organise the day-to-day practicalities of separating from your spouse or civil partner. You can agree about matters such as savings, who will stay in the family home and child care. This allows couple to come to a mutually agreed contract about the terms of their separation. Some couples use a separation agreement to give themselves some time to think about things before going ahead with a divorce. You may find that having a separation agreement in place can make the divorce much cheaper, faster and easier to obtain because the principal matters will have already been sorted out.
Liverpool divorce lawyers
Liverpool Family Law is a team of friendly and highly experienced divorce lawyers. We understand this can be a very difficult time for families and accordingly handle any enquiries with confidentiality and care.
Contact us by completing our online enquiry form.
