Taking the first step in asking for legal assistance is often hardest. Family matters such as separation, child custody and maintenance are very serious and the approach you take and decisions you make now are likely to affect your life for years to come.

The first time you meet your divorce lawyer, they will focus on understanding your situation including: family structure and finances, separation circumstances and desired outcomes. You will then be advised on the legal processes and routes and options available to help you achieve those outcomes.

Apart from giving you direction, we aim for every client to walk away from the initial appointment with a clear plan and feeling calmer and confident, whether it be a separation, divorce, child or financial matter, or all of the above. This approach will increase your chances of achieving your goals and avoiding delays in the divorce process.

The first appointment is also an opportunity for you to decide if you want to entrust your case to us and the divorce solicitor giving you that initial advice.

The person initiating the divorce submits a divorce application to the court and is thereafter known as the Applicant. If your ex-partner has already done that, then you will be referred to as the Respondent. The divorce process requires different actions of Applicants and Respondents at different times, and there are strategic implications for both, especially if one of you lives overseas.

In England & Wales, for straightforward divorce cases, the process can take between 6 – 8 months. On average, the whole process takes approximately one year. Longer than 12 months is common for cases where there are drawn out disagreements on child and financial matters. It is impossible to predict exactly how long a divorce will take, though a good a divorce lawyer will help give you an educated estimate.

The cost of a divorce includes the court fee (currently £593) and the costs of the solicitors who assist the parties with the divorce process if they are instructed.

The person applying for the divorce (the applicant) will be responsible for covering the court fee. If the application is a joint one, applicant 1 will pay the court fee. 

It is important to note that costs relating to the divorce are different from those incurred in negotiating a financial settlement and/or child arrangements.

Child arrangements depend largely on what the family decides, the suitability of each parent, the child’s wishes and where applicable, the ruling of a family court Judge. Resulting arrangements can include sole custody, where one parent is the sole caretaker of the child, joint custody and third-party custody where a third party such as a grandparent becomes responsible for the child’s welfare.

As a starting point in a divorce, assets are split 50:50.  As the family home is often the largest asset in the matrimonial pot, then it is common for it to be split between the parties. If a family has other assets, then the house could be given to one party and the other assets to the other.  Children are another factor that affects financial arrangements during a divorce. To answer this question accurately, a comprehensive understanding will be required of your family finances.

Why choose Stowe Family Law Stockport?

Family law services Stockport

Child law and custody Stockport

Single Parent & Post Divorce Resources In Stockport

What Is The Divorce Rate In Stockport?

How To Become A Family Lawyer In Stockport

How To Get To Stowe Family Law Stockport

What To Expect At Stockport County Court and Family Court

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