We are here to support you
Facing the challenges of divorce or separation can be an overwhelming life event for any couple or family. It’s a time filled with high emotions, adjustments, and uncertainties. We recognise how challenging it can be to deal with all this alongside trying to understand your legal rights and navigate the divorce process which is why we try to simplify the legalities while providing empathetic support.
While the procedure for divorce itself has become more straightforward, the practical aspects surrounding divorce, such as child arrangements, financial matters, and related issues, remain as complex as ever and often pose the primary challenges in any divorce or separation.
We recognise the multifaceted challenges that accompany divorce and acknowledge that the advice you need may extend beyond legal matters. With this in mind, while we help you navigate the legal formalities, we work closely with counsellors, therapists and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach that can support you and your family through the emotional, relational and practical aspects of divorce.
We understand that seeking help from a solicitor can be a daunting step. However, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of seeking expert advice at an early stage. Whether you choose to explore options together as a couple or individually, our initial meeting provides a safe space to navigate this crucial juncture. Feel free to reach out and have a chat with us – we’re here to help when you are ready.
This provides a formal recognition by the court that a couple is no longer living together and enables the court to make orders in respect of finances (other than pension orders) while still maintaining the legal marital status. It isn’t often advised as any financial order made during judicial separation is not automatically binding in any subsequent divorce. However, it can be helpful in circumstances where there is a religious or moral obligation to stay married or where pension rights, that would be lost on divorce, want to be preserved.
In the context of a civil partnership, a dissolution is the equivalent of a divorce for married couples. It is a legal process that formally ends the partnership, addressing matters like finances and children in the same way as divorce does for married couples. The difference lies in the terminology used; dissolution is applied to civil partnerships and divorce is used for marriage.
In April 2022, significant changes were introduced to divorce law in the UK. Couples can now divorce without proving that one party was at fault, making the process less adversarial. The grounds for divorce and dissolution are now the same; both proceed on the basis that the marriage/civil partnership has irretrievably broken down and they have been legally together for at least 12 months.
Whilst the changes to a No-Fault process in April 2022 streamlined the application process it did also extend the time frame for divorce proceedings and couples now have to wait 20 weeks form the date the divorce petition is issued until they can obtain the Conditional Order (Decree Nisi). There is then a further 6 week and 1 day “cooling off” period from the granting of the Conditional Order until the Final Order (Decree Absolute) can be applied for.
However, in practice divorce usually takes longer than 26 weeks as there are many practical issues to reach agreement on. Understanding the timeline is important and we will help you harmonise crucial elements like financial settlements and children matters seamlessly within the divorce process.
The court fee for filing the divorce is £593. However, the total cost of the divorce will depend on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case. Our fees are better explained in our pricing section, but the overall cost will be contingent on the specific work required and the unique aspects of the case.
We can give you a clearer estimate of likely fees at an initial meeting once we better know your personal situation.
Yes! Although it may all seem insurmountable now, we’re here to deal with the necessary legalities, and provide a sensitive, steady hand to guide you at every step of the way.
