Family law solicitors & divorce lawyers Newbury

The cost of a divorce depends on the individual circumstances of your case. Once your solicitor understands your situation, they can provide an initial cost estimate tailored to you. Cases that involve agreeing financial settlements, property, or child arrangements can be more complex and this will affect the overall cost. Our divorce costs guide offers further information, and you can learn more about our hourly rate package and funding options in our divorce pricing information. For straightforward divorces, we also offer a fixed-fee divorce service.

If you are based in Newbury, your hearing will usually take place at Reading County Court and Family Court on Friar Street in Reading town centre. Our solicitors will ensure you are fully prepared and supported throughout the process.

Reading County Court and Family Court is located at 160–163 Friar Street in Reading town centre, close to Reading Station, The Oracle shopping centre, Reading Town Hall and Forbury Gardens. From Reading Station, it is a 5–10 minute walk via Station Road, heading straight onto Friar Street towards the town centre, with the court situated along this route.

From our Newbury office at Oxford House, the court is approximately a 25–35 minute drive via the A4 towards Reading, following signs for the town centre and The Oracle, then continuing onto Friar Street. Nearby cafés include Starbucks and Pret A Manger on Friar Street and Workhouse Coffee on London Street if you arrive early.

Divorce in England and Wales follows a set legal process. One or both spouses apply for divorce, either jointly or on a sole basis. If the court is satisfied that the application is in order, it will make a conditional order, confirming that there is no legal reason the divorce cannot proceed. A final order later brings the marriage to an end.

Financial matters and child arrangements do not need to wait until the divorce is finalised and are often dealt with alongside the divorce process. The structure and timing of divorce in England and Wales follow a fixed legal timetable, including mandatory waiting periods.

Our divorce solicitors in Newbury regularly advise clients on how these stages fit together with their circumstances to help them receive the best possible outcome.

No. Divorce in England and Wales is now based on a no-fault divorce law.
This means there is no requirement to prove blame or explain why the marriage ended.

One or both spouses can apply for divorce, and the court will not examine past behaviour. While the legal test is straightforward, many people still choose to take legal advice to ensure the divorce process is handled correctly, particularly where finances or children are involved.

There is no automatic rule that everything is split equally on divorce. Financial settlements can include property, savings, pensions, income, and debts. The court’s focus is on fairness, assessed by reference to legal factors such as housing needs, income, earning capacity and, where relevant, the needs of any children.

Much of the confusion comes from the assumption that everything is split 50/50 on divorce, when the law is instead concerned with needs and fairness. As divorce lawyers in Newbury, our advisers regularly help clients understand how these principles apply to their circumstances.

Any agreement should be legally approved, and financial claims can remain open after the divorce is complete.

The family home is often a key issue during separation. Moving out does not usually mean giving up ownership or financial rights. However, leaving without legal advice can affect practical matters, such as who remains in the property and how future discussions about finances are approached.

Whether it is sensible to stay or move out depends on factors such as property ownership, whether children live there, and the overall financial position.
These are the same issues that tend to shape decisions about property in divorce. Additionally, taking advice early from our divorce lawyers can help clarify the implications before decisions are made.

Child arrangements are based on what is in the child’s best interests. There is no automatic entitlement for either parent. In legal terms, the focus is on matters such as the child’s routine, stability, emotional needs and how arrangements fit around school and daily life.

Many parents reach an agreement without court proceedings, often through discussion or mediation. Where advice is needed, solicitors can help parents focus on practical arrangements that support the child’s welfare.

Our divorce lawyers in Newbury help families put clear and workable arrangements in place.