Family Law solicitors & divorce lawyers Bolton, Greater Manchester

No. You don’t have to use a solicitor to apply for a divorce in England and Wales. Some people do manage it themselves.
It tends to feel more complicated once finances, property or children are involved, or if communication has broken down. While the application itself is fairly straightforward, the wider steps involved in a divorce can catch people out.
Our divorce solicitors in Bolton often speak to people who want to understand the process before deciding what support they want. A lawyer can advise based on individual circumstances.

No. Under the no-fault divorce system, you don’t need to explain what went wrong or blame your spouse.
One or both of you apply by confirming that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. There is still a set legal structure and minimum timeframes to follow, but the court does not examine the reasons for the divorce.
One of our divorce lawyers in Bolton can explain how this usually works in practice.

No, and this is a very common assumption. There’s no automatic rule that everything is divided equally. What the court looks for is a fair outcome, based on factors such as housing needs, income, pensions and whether there are children.
In many cases, meeting needs comes before equal division. This is why the idea of everything being split 50/50 during a divorce is often misleading.
A solicitor can explain how this approach is usually applied.

There isn’t a fixed entitlement. Financial settlements can include property, savings, pensions and income, but outcomes are shaped by what’s available and what each person reasonably needs.
The law doesn’t apply a formula. It works within defined principles of needs and fairness. This is often where expectations don’t quite match legal reality.
Our Bolton solicitors regularly help clients understand what a realistic outcome might look like for them. A divorce lawyer can advise based on individual circumstances.

The starting point is always what’s best for the child. This means looking at where the child feels settled and how day-to-day life works for them. Things like school, routines and time with each parent all matter.
Many parents can agree on arrangements themselves, sometimes with professional support. If they can’t, a court can step in and make a decision using the same considerations. A family law solicitor can explain how this usually works.

The costs associated with a divorce will depend on the matters requiring resolution in each case. Once your solicitor has reviewed your individual circumstances, they will be able to provide an initial estimate of costs. Cases involving financial arrangements, property issues, or child-related matters may add complexity, require additional work, and affect the overall cost. Further information is available in our guide to divorce costs and family law fees guide. For straightforward divorces, we also offer a fixed-fee divorce service.

If you are based in Bolton or the surrounding area and a hearing is required, your case will usually be heard at Manchester Civil Justice Centre at 1 Bridge Street West in Spinningfields (M60 9DJ). Our solicitors will ensure you are fully prepared and supported throughout the process.

Manchester Civil Justice Centre is located at 1 Bridge Street West in Spinningfields, close to Deansgate, Manchester Cathedral, the River Irwell and the National Football Museum. The court’s distinctive glass building is around a 15-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station via Exchange Square and Deansgate towards Spinningfields.

From our Bolton office at 120 Bark Street (BL1 2AX), the court is approximately a 30–40 minute drive via the M61 and A635(M) into Manchester city centre, or a direct train journey from Bolton Station to Manchester Victoria followed by a short walk through Deansgate. Nearby cafés include Pret A Manger on Deansgate, Starbucks in Spinningfields and independent favourite Pot Kettle Black in Barton Arcade if you arrive early.

If driving, parking is available at Spinningfields NCP, Q-Park Deansgate North and Great Northern Warehouse car parks, all within walking distance of the court.

We understand that when a relationship breaks down, organising your child’s custody contact between the two parents can be extremely challenging. That’s why having an expert child lawyer by your side can help ensure your child’s needs are the priority. Our award-winning team will be more than happy to provide bespoke solutions to your situation, so your family can begin to move forward.

Absolutely. We recognise that marriage isn’t for everyone. This is why we offer a range of legal services for couples who aren’t married, including living together agreements, fertility advice, and child law services.

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