Couples risk developing unrealistic expectations of divorce and separation as a result of celebrity divorces reported in the media, the Law Society for England and Wales has warned.

It points out that the speed of divorces such as Nigella Lawson’s from Charles Saatchi owes a lot to the fact that neither side was making a financial claim against the other, a situation that doesn’t exist in most divorces.

'Even the most straightforward divorce cases, where a couple have neither children nor significant assets and where they both agree not to contest, can develop into complicated and stressful legal actions,” said Law Society president Nicholas Fluck.

However, he reassured separating couples that the legal process of getting a divorce is a relatively straightforward process.

'What is generally much more complex is sorting out the practical issues such as where each person will live, who gets what, and arrangements for any children. A family law solicitor will advise about your rights and the options available to you.”

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