There are disadvantages in starting the legal process too soon, such as:
- unless divorce has been agreed, it will add to the tensions and personal animosity;
- it will make discussions about the children or about money much more difficult;
- it starts off legal timetables which may clash with other plans or wishes; and
- legal costs will start to run, raising the question of who should pay.
The current law makes it potentially more advantageous to “get in first”, to divorce your spouse before he or she divorces you. This is dealt with in the FAQs.
And yet, for very many people in this position, a more measured approach is still preferred.