By Anthony Jones, Solicitor, Chafes Solicitors LLP

The big celebrity divorce doing the rounds at the moment is that of Katie Price and Alex Reid.  Katie has announced on her new television show her disapproval of Alex Reid’s dress sense.  Alex would often dress as a ‘college boy’, ‘Roxanne’ (his cross dressing altered ego), or a ‘50 year old bouncer’.  Is Alex’s dress sense one of the Particulars of his unreasonable behaviour within the Petition filed by Katie this month?

The only ground for divorce in this country is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.  That ground must then be supported by one of five facts (adultery, unreasonable behaviour, 2 years separation with consent, 2 years desertion and 5 years separation).

When a Petition is filed on the basis of the other party’s unreasonable behaviour, the party citing such behaviour would need to include a number of examples of that behaviour.  In the Katie Price divorce she could have cited Alex Reid’s “naff dress sense” but that example alone would be insufficient for the Court to grant her a divorce.  It is likely, therefore, that there have been significant deeper problems within Katie and Alex’s relationship, particularly as the parties separated before their first anniversary.

Regrettably the divorce law in this country does not assist those who want to go ahead with a ‘no-fault’ divorce immediately following the separation. Instead allegations have to be raised regarding the other spouses behaviour or the other spouse would need to admit to any adultery. The closest facts to a no fault divorce are based upon 2 or 5 years separation.

To discuss your options in more detail contact Anthony Jones at Chafes Solicitors on 01625 531676. He can provide advice on how to divorce less stressfully as well as keeping you out of court.