Family Law Solicitors England

WELCOME

A SPECIALIST FAMILY LAW FIRM

Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom

We acknowledge the distinct difficulties that accompany familial conflicts, separation, and divorce. Hence, we adopt a compassionate approach in extending legal assistance to our clients as we navigate them through this emotionally taxing journey.

ABOUT US

Family Solicitors & Divorce Lawyers Bedfordshire

We have extensive knowledge and experience in various areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, alimony, property division, prenuptial agreements, post-separation living arrangements, and more. Our dedicated lawyers provide comprehensive and effective legal representation, aiming to minimise conflicts and secure favorable outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, litigation.

family solicitors

WHAT WE DO

Legal Practice Areas

Going through a divorce and seeking legal advice?  Our team of accredited family lawyers will guide you every step of the way, helping you secure an amicable separation with dignity, fairness and professionalism when things are feeling rough.

Dealing with a child custody arrangement can be one of the most difficult parts in getting through a divorce. Whether it’s just one parent or shared custody, we can tailor our services to whatever would be the best for your children.

Prenups can cover everything from property rights, custody standards all the way down to how alimony payments should be handled. We offer comprehensive prenuptial agreements tailored specifically to an early separation like a divorce.

When couples get divorced,  immediate legal action is needed if one parent wishes to maintain custody or visitation while impairing another’s ability to see their own child. We help you make sure that the parental rights and well-being of your children are protected with forethought.

Separating from your spouse is never easy, or even more difficult if you have children. Knowing how to handle this situation effectively will help create a smoother transition, enabling family members get back on their feet, emotionally and financially.

In the event of a divorce, many couples find themselves facing difficulties during the financial transition. We are here to help you determine an equitable solution that can be mutually beneficial for both spouses seeking a financial settlement.

WHY CHOOSE US

Why You Need A Family & Divorce Lawyer

Dealing with family and divorce matters can be an overwhelming and emotionally taxing experience. That's why it is essential to have the support of a skilled family and divorce lawyer. These legal professionals possess extensive knowledge of the legal system and specialise in handling complex issues like child custody, asset division, alimony, and more. By enlisting their services, you gain invaluable guidance, protection of your rights, and representation that prioritises your best interests. With their expertise, they can empower you to make informed decisions, negotiate equitable settlements, and, if necessary, advocate for you in court. Having a dedicated family and divorce lawyer ensures that you have a strong ally who can alleviate the legal burden and increase the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.

Our family law firm stands out for several reasons. We have a team of experienced attorneys who specialise in a wide range of family law matters, bringing in-depth knowledge and expertise to each case. What sets us apart is our compassionate approach, understanding the emotional challenges that come with family disputes and providing a safe and supportive environment for our clients. We prioritise personalized attention, tailoring our legal strategies to meet your unique needs and advocating for your rights and interests. With clear communication, we keep you informed throughout the process, and our commitment to efficiency ensures timely resolutions. Whether you need assistance with divorce, child custody, alimony, property division, prenuptial agreements, or any other family law issue, our firm is dedicated to providing exceptional representation and making a positive impact on your family's future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can assist you.

Areas of Expertise

Family Law

Areas of Expertise

Wills & Probate

Areas of Expertise

Litigation

FAQ'S

Commonly Asked Questions

In the UK, there are five grounds for divorce:

  1. Adultery: This is when one spouse has had sexual intercourse with someone else of the opposite sex while they were still married. This is only applicable if the other spouse finds it intolerable to live with the adulterous spouse and wants to bring the marriage to an end.

  2. Unreasonable behavior: This is when one spouse has behaved in such a way that the other spouse cannot reasonably be expected to live with them. Examples of unreasonable behavior include physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, neglect, or constant arguing.

  3. Desertion: This is when one spouse has left the other without their agreement and without a good reason for two or more years.

  4. Separation: This is when the spouses have lived apart for two or more years and both agree to a divorce.

  5. Five years’ separation: This is when the spouses have lived apart for five or more years and one spouse wants a divorce, regardless of whether the other spouse agrees or not.

It is worth noting that in order to file for divorce in the UK, you must have been married for at least one year. In addition, you must also have lived in England or Wales for at least a year or have lived in England or Wales and your spouse must have lived in England or Wales for at least six months prior to starting the divorce process.

 

The length of time it takes to get a divorce in the UK varies depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of both parties. However, on average, it takes between four to six months from the date of filing the divorce petition to the final grant of a divorce decree.

The first step in the divorce process is to file a divorce petition with the court, which is then served on the other spouse. If the other spouse agrees to the divorce, they will sign an acknowledgement of service form, which confirms that they have received the divorce papers.

If the other spouse does not agree to the divorce or if there are disputes over financial or children arrangements, the process can take longer as the parties may need to attend court or engage in negotiations to reach a resolution.

Once the divorce papers have been filed and the other spouse has acknowledged receipt, the court will send a certificate of entitlement to a decree nisi, which is a court order indicating that the divorce may proceed. If there are no objections, the court will grant a decree nisi, which becomes absolute after a period of six weeks.

Once the Decree Nisi has become absolute, the divorce is final, and both parties are free to remarry if they wish.

It is important to keep in mind that the length of the divorce process can be affected by various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the cooperation of both parties, and the backlog of cases in the court system.

The cost of a divorce in the UK varies depending on the complexity of the case and the level of legal representation required. However, on average, a divorce can cost between £500 to £15,000 or more.

The initial cost of filing a divorce petition with the court is £550. This fee covers the cost of processing the divorce papers and issuing the certificate of entitlement to a decree nisi. If you are seeking a divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behavior or adultery, you will also need to pay for a solicitor to draft the divorce petition and represent you in court.

If there are disputes over financial or children arrangements, the cost of a divorce can increase significantly as the parties may need to attend court or engage in negotiations to reach a resolution. In such cases, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified legal professional to help guide you through the process and ensure that your interests are protected.

In addition to legal fees, other costs associated with a divorce may include court fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining financial or other reports.

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of a divorce can be affected by various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the cooperation of both parties, and the backlog of cases in the court system.

 

In the UK, it is possible to get a divorce without the consent of your spouse if you meet certain criteria.

One of the grounds for divorce is five years’ separation, which means that if you and your spouse have been separated for five or more years, you can get a divorce even if your spouse does not agree. In such cases, one spouse must apply for a divorce by filing a divorce petition with the court and the other spouse will be notified of the proceedings.

If the other spouse does not agree to the divorce, they can defend the divorce by challenging the facts or the grounds on which the divorce has been based. However, if there are no objections, the court will proceed to grant a divorce.

It is worth noting that if you are seeking a divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behavior or adultery, you will need the consent of your spouse as these grounds require a signed admission of the behavior.

During a divorce in the UK, the court will consider the financial and property arrangements for both parties. The court will take into account any assets, property, and debts that were acquired during the marriage and will aim to divide them fairly between both parties. This process is known as property settlement or financial settlement.

The court will consider various factors when dividing assets and property, such as the income, earning capacity, property, and other financial resources of each party, the financial needs, obligations, and responsibilities of each party, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.

In some cases, the parties may be able to reach a settlement through negotiations or mediation. If a settlement cannot be reached, the court will make a decision on the division of assets and property.

A divorce petition is a legal document that is filed with the court to initiate divorce proceedings. It sets out the grounds for the divorce and details the parties’ circumstances, including their names, addresses, and the date of the marriage.

To file a divorce petition in the UK, you must meet the eligibility criteria, which include being married and living in England or Wales for at least a year, or being habitually resident in England or Wales if you are a British national.

The following steps outline the process of filing a divorce petition in the UK:

  1. Prepare the divorce petition: This document must include the details of your marriage, the grounds for the divorce, and any supporting evidence. You can prepare the petition yourself or seek the assistance of a solicitor.

  2. File the divorce petition with the court: The divorce petition must be filed with the county court or the Principal Registry of the Family Division, depending on your location.

  3. Serve the divorce petition on your spouse: After filing the divorce petition, you must serve a copy on your spouse. This can be done by post, or by a process server if your spouse cannot be found.

  4. Wait for your spouse’s response: Your spouse will have a chance to respond to the divorce petition within eight days if they were served in the UK or within twenty-eight days if they were served outside of the UK.

  5. Attend a court hearing: If your spouse agrees to the divorce, the court will grant a decree nisi, which is a provisional order that indicates that the court considers the marriage to have ended. If your spouse disagrees with the divorce, a court hearing may be necessary to resolve the dispute.

It is important to keep in mind that the process of filing a divorce petition and obtaining a divorce can be complex and time-consuming. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified legal professional to help guide you through the process and ensure that your interests are protected.

The divorce process in the UK involves several stages and can take several months to complete, depending on the circumstances. The following steps outline what happens during the divorce process:

  1. Filing the divorce petition: The first step in the divorce process is to file a divorce petition with the court. This document sets out the grounds for the divorce and details the parties’ circumstances.

  2. Serving the divorce petition: After filing the divorce petition, a copy must be served on the other party. This can be done by post or by a process server.

  3. Acknowledgment of service: The recipient of the divorce petition must complete and return an acknowledgment of service form to the court within eight days if they were served in the UK or within twenty-eight days if they were served outside of the UK.

  4. Applying for a decree nisi: If the recipient of the divorce petition agrees to the divorce, the petitioner can apply for a decree nisi, which is a provisional order indicating that the court considers the marriage to have ended.

  5. Decree nisi hearing: A hearing will be held to determine whether to grant the decree nisi. The petitioner must attend the hearing if the recipient of the divorce petition does not agree to the divorce.

  6. Applying for a decree absolute: After six weeks and one day from the date of the decree nisi, the petitioner can apply for a decree absolute, which is the final order that ends the marriage.

  7. Resolving financial and property matters: During the divorce process, the parties must also resolve any financial and property matters, such as the division of assets and property, the payment of maintenance, and the arrangements for any children.

Child custody and maintenance are important considerations during a divorce, and they can have a significant impact on the lives of both the parents and the children.

In the UK, the court’s primary concern when making decisions regarding child custody and maintenance is the welfare of the children. The court will consider several factors when making a decision, including the child’s best interests, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the parents’ ability to meet the child’s needs.

Child custody: In the UK, there are two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as their education, health, and religion. Physical custody refers to the right to have the child live with you.

The court will generally try to award joint custody, which means that both parents have legal and physical custody of the child. However, if one parent is deemed to be unsuitable, the court may award sole custody to the other parent.

Maintenance: Maintenance is the financial support that one parent provides to the other for the benefit of the children. The court will consider the needs of the children and the financial resources of both parents when making a decision on maintenance.

In the UK, child maintenance can be agreed upon by the parents, or it can be ordered by the court. The Child Maintenance Service can also be used to help parents reach a maintenance agreement or to enforce an existing agreement.

When going through any divorce or separation, you’ll need to have an attorney who knows the ins and outs of these proceedings. Family law attorneys are experts in matrimonial law – they have extensive knowledge about all aspects of marriage dissolution, custody rights for children as well as other legal issues that arise from loved ones separating. If you’re facing such challenges and want qualified guidance, contact us today!

It’s not just about divorce, it can be any number of issues. You might need to negotiate child custody or alimony agreements. If you’re in trouble with the IRS and owe back taxes, you may have been contacted by them already on behalf of your spouse, but if they haven’t reached out yet then this is an indicator too!

It’s impossible to say for sure but the number of hours will depend on what type of service they provide as well as how complicated and in-depth any other disputes are.

One thing that is certain though, is that it can take months if not years before a divorce settlement has been agreed.

Although family lawyers can help with divorces, there are special rules about child custody that need to be followed in a family law case. Family lawyers will typically run through your options for both marriage dissolution or separation agreements before recommending one over another. The best way to know what you’re facing is to speak with someone who understands all of the nuances of family law!

An experienced lawyer will take care of everything necessary so you don’t have any worries – they’ll handle negotiations and paperwork too if need be. They’ll also make sure things go as smoothly as possible while taking care of every detail.

If the conflict in a divorce case is high, we would recommend that both parties hire family solicitors to represent them.

If this type of situation occurs, it’s best for everyone involved – especially children and other family members – that there are two separate lawyers representing each side as their respective interests will be protected. The chances of an agreement being reached by parents who have different opinions about how things should work out may increase with their own solicitor advocating on behalf of their point of view.

It can also help lower tension levels when one party feels they’re not getting a fair hearing from the court system because they’ve got someone on their side looking after their interests.

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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.

*Disclaimer: This website copy is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
For personalised legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, book an initial consultation with our family law solicitors HERE.