Guildford divorce & family solicitors

Legally ending a relationship is a key life decision that is not taken lightly.  For most people, it is the only remaining course of action following considerable time and effort trying to save a marriage.  Whether you want to start the divorce process or have received divorce papers (called a divorce petition) from your spouse, our divorce solicitors give expert divorce advice in a language you will understand.  They do so with compassion and empathy.

The divorce process is probably new to you.  Many aspects will feel unfamiliar, such as archaic legal jargon and the many forms that will need filling out and posting.  The divorce process often causes confusion and frustration, instead of providing much-needed clarity.  Our solicitors take great care in delivering that clarity as well as guidance on the emotional, legal and practical challenges ahead.

After understanding your situation and goals, we will explain how things are likely to play out.  We will present alternative options where appropriate, to help you achieve the result you need.

Non-confrontational approach

Our divorce solicitors are members of Resolution, an organisation that promotes a non-confrontational approach for divorce.  In our experience, this provides better outcomes for families and also reduces the possibility of an acrimonious divorce in court, which can slow the process and increase costs.  Where possible we will encourage and facilitate dialogue between both parties so that at least basic arrangements can be agreed for family finances and children.

We also offer mediation, which is a process conducted by one of our qualified mediators to help both parties reach a compromise on any sticking points.  These points are usually children and finance related.  We offer mediation to help encourage openness and willingness to communicate.  Two alternatives to divorce mediation are collaborative law and divorce arbitration – you can read more about all three here and your solicitor can explain further.

We understand that sometimes it is not possible to reach agreements without going to court and having a Family Court judge decide.  We are expert litigators with an excellent track record in court.

Child arrangements

The most emotive part of a divorce or separation is often child arrangements (formerly known as child custody).  If you have children, their well-being takes precedence over everything else.  That is also the viewpoint of the family court and judge.  That’s because children are typically the most vulnerable people in a divorce, especially an acrimonious one.  This reinforces the importance of taking a non-conflict approach because the court will treat you more favourably if your efforts to find solutions with your spouse can be clearly demonstrated.  Having the support of a child law specialist can make a tremendous difference here.

Our Guildford child solicitors can suggest and advise on arrangements that are both fair and workable, for you and your family.

Drawing on their immense experience in child custody cases, our child solicitors can find the best solutions to any kind of situation.  Our goal is to achieve the best outcome for your children and where reasonably possible, help you to have a healthy relationship with your ex.