| Term | Main definition |
|---|---|
| Ultra Vires | (Latin: “beyond the powers”) decision made beyond the jurisdiction of the Court. |
| Unbundling | provision of legal services in which the traditional full service is broken down into “discrete acts of legal assistance”. |
| Undertaking | Solemn written promise made to the Court that a party will do or not do a specified act. |
| Unilateral Divorce | Decision to end a marriage made by one spouse only and without reference to the other. |
| Unimpeachable | Signifies a party who cannot be doubted, questioned or criticised. |
| Unmeritorious | Without merit; especially of unmarried fathers, to justify the denial of automatic Parental Responsibility; also used of an application deemed to be without prospect of success. |
| Unreasonable behaviour | This is the 'catch-all' reason used when none of the other reasons for divorce apply. It is probably the most common reason given for divorce because: a) it allows you to begin a divorce immediately and b) you don't need your spouse to admit to the unreasonable behaviour (unlike adultery) and so they cannot block the divorce. |