Our solicitors understand what you are going through including the challenges and emotions involved. They also understand how to overcome those hurdles and guide you through the entire process with the best possible legal counsel, and by connecting you to our extensive network of support professionals and resources – helping you to move on and rebuild.
We will start by listening to your unique circumstances before explaining the options available to you and the pros and cons of each. You may for instance be looking to apply for divorce, in which case you will be known as ‘the Petitioner’ once the application has been received by the divorce centre. If your spouse applies first, you will be known as ‘the Respondent’. Specific and distinct actions are required at different times by the Petitioner and the Respondent. Your divorce lawyer will explain what these are and what routes are available to you and the advantages of each. Next, we will take a look at some prime examples that apply to many clients and how we can help.
Divorce in or out of court?
Our standard approach is to listen and support you to help resolve family matters around the table rather than in court, where possible. If court proceedings are necessary, we have the legal knowledge and expertise to achieve the right result; however, avoiding court is often better for all involved due to the additional time, stress and expense that typically comes with litigation. Most importantly though, avoiding litigation is better for the most vulnerable family members to relationship breakdown and separation. Children can be deeply affected by divorce including much later in life. The welfare of children is the primary concern in divorce and separation proceedings, including in the eyes of a Family Court Judge.
Out of court routes offered by the firm include arbitration, mediation and collaborative law.
Our divorce lawyers are expert litigators should dialogue between the parties be unsuccessful.
Understanding your finances and tax efficiency
You may be unsure about the size of the matrimonial pot because you suspect your spouse is hiding assets. Or you may just want to avoid a 28% capital gains tax on the family home, or a property or business portfolio or other assets.
Whatever your situation, as part of our divorce service you will have access to our in-house accounting team, who’s extensive experience of tax, property, valuations, business assets, shares, trusts and funds, accounts and pensions, will ensure you have a clear picture of the finances and assets from the outset. This is also key to achieving a fair settlement.
Appointing the best solicitor for your situation
While our family solicitors are knowledgeable and experienced in all family law matters. Some of them have been involved in cases with unique elements or case law that could be more relevant to your situation. For example some of our family law solicitors have a very strong focus on child law including special guardianship orders, international child abduction and Hague Convention. Some of our solicitors have dealt in matters with cryptocurrency elements and offshore trusts. Others are specialists in assisting professional sports people or families with farming and agricultural businesses.
Because this law firm specialises in divorce and separation, and with so many family solicitors across the country, your solicitor has an unrivalled support network to tap into if needed.
How long will your divorce take?
If divorcing out of court it is possible to go from submitting the divorce application to decree absolute in 4-6 months. This does not include cases where: i) one party disagrees to the divorce – which makes it a contested divorce and ii) where there are disagreements over children and finances
Going to court will slow the process.
The average divorce takes about 12 months.
It is impossible to give a more exact estimate without first understanding the specifics of a divorce matter.
Useful resources
Our guide on how to get divorced
A more detailed look at how long divorce takes in the UK
The Divorce Directory – a resource full of support professionals to help you through relationship breakdown and rebuilding
Frequently asked questions
The most useful resources are our solicitors so please get in touch should you need advice on any urgent or serious family matter.
