Family Law
Divorce Solicitors
When it comes to divorce, it can be exhausting, both financially and emotionally. That is why, it is both wise and necessary to hire an experienced divorce lawyer who understands what this process entails and how best to protect your interests.
At our law firm, we have many years of experience handling cases involving separation proceedings in all areas. Our team of divorce solicitors have dealt with a wide range of related legal issues that come up from those divorces or separations such as: child custody rights, spousal support orders, financial and/or property settlements including assets like home ownership or retirement funds and any other financial concerns.
We are committed to providing each client with personalised attention during an incredibly difficult time. We know how important it is for you to feel confident that your interests will be represented fairly by someone who has knowledge of the divorce laws in your country and can provide experienced guidance throughout the entire process – from negotiations through litigation if need be!
Why hire a divorce solicitor if I can handle it on my own?
It can be tempting to try and save money by dealing with the divorce yourself, but it is not usually worth the risk. A family law lawyer will handle your case differently than you would have especially when children are involved.
If you have children, it is important to consider their interests and feelings. You should speak with the family law solicitor about what kind of arrangements they are able to make for your child’s living situation after separation.
You will also need a family lawyer who can help protect both your assets and investments in case there is an additional claim on them from someone else outside of the marriage; this is referred to as “third-party” litigation.
A family law solicitor will also help you make the transition to legal separation as smooth and stress-free as possible if that is what you are hoping for, but they can also advise on how messy it may get when dealing with an ex-partner’s finances after separation.
If your family is not yet legally separated, then they may be able to help with advice on negotiating between yourself and your spouse in order to get an agreement without having to go through court proceedings. They could also draft up agreements that are acceptable to both parties as well as settle disputes if necessary.
The more information your family lawyer has about your circumstances, the better they’ll be able to protect you – not just in terms of financial matters like coming up with a way to divide assets fairly between both parties so there won’t have to be one party left out but making sure all children’s interests and feelings are taken into consideration too.
Your family law solicitor may also have some good contacts for other professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, therapists etc., which could come in handy when figuring out finances after marriage breakdowns.
Divorce settlement - what happens next?
It is important to think about coming up with a settlement that is fair to both parties before the divorce becomes final.
This can go a long way towards making sure everyone’s needs are taken care of, and there won’t have to be any animosity between you and your ex-partner in the future.
If one party requests more than what they’re entitled too or if it doesn’t seem like an equitable agreement for all involved then another lawyer may need to help arbitrate.
Sometimes family lawyers don’t cover everything when advising on how messy things might get – but this can sometimes happen because some people will not want their children put through something where they could see them arguing over who gets which asset from a jointly owned house.
What if we cannot come up with a settlement?
If you and your spouse are unable to settle on an agreement, matters such as child custody and property division will be decided by the court. It may be necessary for the family law lawyer to represent one party in court so that they can get what they ask from a judge. This is called litigation. Divorce mediation or collaborative law are other options where couples work together without involving lawyers at all (although sometimes someone will act as an advocate). A family law solicitor would refer clients to these types of arrangements depending on their individual circumstances but some people prefer not have anything go through any courts at all.
Using litigation or collaborative law will cost more money than mediation so if this is something people want to consider, then their family law solicitor should advise on how much it might set back in time and fees.
Other considerations when hiring family law solicitors:
A family law solicitor should carry out a detailed interview to find out the full facts of each client’s case and any other relevant history. This will help them decide on what kind of approach is best for their particular situation.
You should also ask about their experience because if there have been cases that seem similar or where they have handled things similarly, then your lawyer will be able to give you some advice about what might happen next. If someone has not dealt with any cases like yours, then this means that finding out from them may take much longer and cost more money too so think carefully before choosing who you want to work with.
It can be useful to get in touch with someone who has experience in this area before meeting up with your family lawyer so that they have some idea about what might happen when they meet, as well as getting an indication of how much it could all cost.
Many people also think it good to see more than one divorce lawyer during the process if possible but there may not always be time or opportunity for this. The first thing you need do is agree a fee structure beforehand because many solicitors charge on an hourly basis and it could end up being a lot more expensive than you thought.
FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements for getting a divorce in the UK?
To get a divorce in the UK, you must have been married for at least one year and show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This can be done by proving one of five legal grounds: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, living apart for at least two years (with consent), or living apart for at least five years (without consent).
How long does it take to get a divorce in the UK?
The length of time it takes to get a divorce in the UK varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether there are any disputes over finances or children. Typically, an uncontested divorce where both parties agree on the terms can take 4-6 months to finalise. However, if there are disputes, it could take much longer.
Do I need to go to court to get a divorce in the UK?
In most cases, you do not need to go to court to get a divorce in the UK. You can apply for a divorce online or by post. If the divorce is uncontested, the court will usually grant the divorce without a hearing. However, if there are disputes over finances or children, a court hearing may be necessary.
How is property divided in a divorce in the UK?
Can I get a divorce if my spouse does not want one?
Yes, you can still get a divorce in the UK even if your spouse does not want one. If you have been living apart for at least five years, you can apply for a divorce without your spouse’s consent. Alternatively, if you have been living apart for at least two years and your spouse consents to the divorce, you can also apply.
How much does it cost to get a divorce in the UK?
The cost of getting a divorce in the UK depends on a number of factors, including whether you use a solicitor and whether there are disputes over finances or children. The court fee for filing a divorce petition is currently £550. Solicitor fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the complexity of the case.
Can I change my name after a divorce?
Yes, you can change your name after a divorce. You can revert to your maiden name or choose a new name altogether. You will need to inform the relevant authorities, such as your bank and passport office, of your new name.
Can I get a divorce if I was married abroad?
Yes, you can get a divorce in the UK if you were married abroad, as long as you and your spouse are both domiciled or habitually resident in England or Wales. The process is similar to getting a divorce for a UK marriage.
Can I apply for a divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, you can still apply for a divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic. The courts are still processing divorce applications, although there may be some delays due to the increased workload.
What is the role of a solicitor in a divorce case?
A solicitor can provide legal advice and guidance throughout the divorce process, including help with completing the necessary forms, negotiating with your spouse’s solicitor, and representing you in court if necessary. However, you can choose to represent yourself in a divorce case if you prefer.
Book A Consultation for your case
Book a consultation for your case with one of our family lawyers. Initial consultation £250 including VAT or 20-minute free conversation by telephone. You will be working with a specialist divorce solicitor who is dedicated to your needs from day one. Let us help you get through this tough time so that you can focus on moving forward with your life as quickly as possible.