We know this is a difficult time for you. Our family law experts can make the process easier and clearer. They will assist you with the procedures and ensure that you reach an agreed settlement of all the issues that need dealing with.
We offer a discounted fixed-fee initial meeting for up to one hour, to help you know what to do and how to more on with your life. The head of our family law team is a member of Resolution (the national association of family lawyers). The team follow the Resolution Code of Practice by which they commit to try to resolve family law disputes in a less confrontational manner. (For information on Resolution, please see resolution.org.uk.) This tries to reduce the emotional stress of this process and therefore resolve the matter in the most-cost effective manner for you.
With new divorce laws shortly to come into force (the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which was passed on 25 June 2020), you will no longer have to blame one party for the breakdown of the marriage. This will hopefully reduce some of the stress and hostility of the divorce process.
The divorce process (in brief)
When one spouse decides they need to start divorce proceedings, the papers can be issued in court. We can do this online. If the papers are in order the court will approve the divorce decree nisi (this is not the final stage). You will need to try and agree on (a) arrangements for the children and (b) the financial settlement. Once you have agreed on the main matters, then the divorce moves to the final stage. This is the court making the divorce order (divorce decree absolute). If you reach a swift agreement on the main issues, then the process can take as little as 4 to 6 months.
Flexible appointments
We offer meetings in person or by video conference. We can provide appointments both:
- during the week 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; and
- also on a Saturday morning, to fit in with your busy schedule.
Taking care of your other legal needs
Our colleagues in other specialist teams can take care of other legal services you need as part of the divorce. For example:
When you divorce, any will you already have is deemed void. So on divorce you will need to make a new one.
