Divorce Solicitors

There is no denying that getting a divorce, or even contemplating it, can be an emotionally challenging time. Separating from a partner is rarely straightforward, and divorce proceedings are often made more complex by uncertainty about the future and concerns about financial and family arrangements.

At JMW, our divorce solicitors understand that the divorce process is about far more than obtaining a final order to bring a marriage or civil partnership to an end. It is about safeguarding your family, protecting your financial position and securing a fair settlement that reflects your individual circumstances. Whether your case involves straightforward arrangements or complex finances, inherited wealth or high net worth divorce issues, our experienced divorce lawyers provide expert legal advice tailored to you.

We support clients throughout every stage of their divorce application, from issuing a joint divorce application under the no-fault divorce laws to resolving financial matters and child arrangements. Our family divorce solicitors take a pragmatic and strategic approach to achieving a fair outcome, while remaining sensitive to the pressures that often accompany divorce and separation. We focus on clear advice, careful planning and effective resolution, whether through agreement or, if necessary, court proceedings.

Our aim is to help you reach a legally binding financial settlement and workable arrangements for your family, so you can move forward with greater stability and confidence.

To speak to one of our specialist divorce solicitors, call 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we will arrange an initial consultation at a time that suits you.

How JMW Can Help

The professional divorce solicitors at JMW have decades of experience in family law and work efficiently to make the divorce process as clear and manageable as possible. We take responsibility for the legal process so you can focus on your children, your financial matters and your plans for the future.

From the outset, our family law team provides straightforward legal advice in plain, jargon-free language. We remain transparent throughout your divorce proceedings, whether you are making a sole or joint divorce application under the no-fault divorce laws. You will always understand the next step, the likely timescales and the legal costs involved.

Our divorce services cover every aspect of divorce and separation, including:

• Preparing and managing your divorce application, including joint divorce applications, and responding to proceedings.
• Advising on financial settlement and securing a legally binding financial consent order.
• Handling complex finances, including business interests, inherited wealth and high net worth divorce matters.
• Advising on child arrangements and, where necessary, applying for a child arrangements order.
• Representing you in court proceedings where agreement cannot be reached.
• Providing urgent advice in cases involving domestic abuse or international divorce issues.

We are recognised by the Legal 500 for our work in divorce law, reflecting the strength of our specialist team and the quality of our legal expertise. Our experienced divorce lawyers regularly advise clients across England and Wales, from those seeking a fixed-fee divorce to individuals facing complex or high-value disputes.

To learn more about why you can trust JMW’s divorce and family law services, browse our accreditations page or read about our recent family law successes.

What Is the Divorce Process?

If you have been married for at least one year and consider that your marriage has irretrievably broken down, you can begin divorce proceedings in England and Wales. This is a deeply personal decision, and the reasons behind a divorce will depend on each couple’s circumstances.

Under the no-fault divorce laws, one or both individuals - either independently or with the support of their divorce solicitors - can make a simple statement within the divorce application confirming that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. No further explanation or allegations, such as unreasonable behaviour, are required.

In most cases, obtaining a divorce is a straightforward legal process. Although the court must grant the divorce, only a small minority of cases involve contested court proceedings where a judge hears evidence. Our experienced divorce solicitors manage the divorce process from start to finish and, wherever possible, help clients avoid unnecessary court appearances.

The divorce process generally follows these stages:

• Applying for divorce: the person seeking the divorce makes a divorce application to the court. This can be done by one party acting as a sole applicant, or by both people as joint applicants.
• Acknowledgement of service: if the divorce application is made by one party, the other party (the former spouse or civil partner) receives the divorce papers and must acknowledge them, confirming whether they agree or intend to contest the divorce.
• Conditional order (formerly known as decree nisi): if the divorce application is not contested, the court grants a conditional order. This is the mid-point of the process - you remain legally married, but the court recognises that the marriage or civil partnership has irretrievably broken down.
• Final order (formerly known as decree absolute): after a minimum of six weeks and one day from the conditional order, the applicant can apply for a final order. This legally dissolves the marriage or civil partnership.

Every divorce is different. The complexity and timescales can vary depending on financial matters, child arrangements and whether both parties are able to reach agreement on a financial settlement. Our specialist divorce lawyers provide clear legal advice and practical guidance throughout, to make sure the legal process runs smoothly while protecting your interests and working towards a fair outcome.

What Happens Once I’m Divorced?

Once the final order is granted, your marriage or civil partnership is legally dissolved. However, the divorce order itself does not automatically resolve financial issues or child arrangements. These are separate matters under family law that need to be addressed alongside your divorce proceedings.

Our expert divorce solicitors can help you reach agreements on financial settlements, dividing assets such as the family home, and obtaining a financial consent order where required. We also provide legal services and representation in relation to child arrangements, making sure that the best interests of your children are prioritised.

By dealing with financial matters and arrangements for children at the same time as your divorce application, you can move forward post-divorce with greater certainty, knowing that these key aspects of your life have been resolved.

Meet the Team

Our family law team provides expert advice and compassionate support for individuals going through divorce, helping you navigate the legal process and reach fair, practical outcomes for your future.

Q

How long will the divorce process take?

A

The duration of the divorce process depends on how complex the case is, how amicable the separation is, and how much the court will need to be involved. A straightforward divorce, where both parties agree on all matters, can usually be finalised within six to nine months. However, if there are contested issues, especially involving finances, dividing assets or child arrangements, proceedings can take much longer.

Q

How much does a divorce cost?

A

The court fee to apply for a divorce is currently £612. In addition, if you do not deal with the divorce application yourself online, you will also need to cover your solicitors’ fees for preparing the application and handling the relevant stages of the divorce process. Divorce solicitors usually charge on an hourly basis, and typically a non-contested divorce will cost around £500 plus VAT.

Q

Do I have to use a solicitor to get divorced?

A

You don’t have to use a solicitor, but it can be very beneficial to seek advice from one of our expert divorce solicitors. One of the most important aspects of separation is reaching a financial settlement that secures your future. When it comes to dividing assets, such as the family home, pensions, savings, or investments, things can become complex very quickly. Our family law team works with a wide range of trusted professionals, including wealth planners, tax advisers, and accountants, to give you the right legal advice and support to resolve your case.

Q

I’ve just received divorce papers. What should I do?

A

There are time limits for responding to a divorce application, and these must be complied with. In some cases, these time limits can be very important. We can provide you with preliminary legal advice and guide you through responding to the application and the acknowledgement of service.

Q

Does the reason for divorce affect the financial settlement or child arrangements?

A

In almost all cases, the reasons why a marriage has irretrievably broken down will not affect the financial settlement or child arrangements. There are exceptions where misconduct has been very extreme or has caused a direct financial consequence, but these are rare.

Q

Can a divorce be contested?

A

Under the current no-fault divorce laws in England and Wales, it is no longer possible to contest a divorce simply because one party disagrees with the decision to end the marriage. A divorce application is based on a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, and the court will accept that statement as conclusive evidence.

A divorce can only be disputed in very limited circumstances - for example, if there is a question about the validity of the marriage, the court’s legal jurisdiction, or whether the divorce process has been followed correctly. These situations are relatively rare.

It is important to distinguish between contesting the divorce itself and disputing related financial matters or child arrangements. While the divorce process may proceed on an administrative basis, disagreements about financial settlement or arrangements for children can still lead to negotiation, mediation or court proceedings. Our divorce solicitors advise on all aspects of separation, ensuring that your wider legal rights are protected.

Q

Do I have to prove grounds for divorce? Can a divorce be refused by a judge?

A

You do not have to prove fault or provide evidence of unreasonable behaviour in order to obtain a divorce. The introduction of no-fault divorce means that the court does not investigate the reasons for the relationship breakdown. A statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down is sufficient.

A judge will only refuse a divorce in very limited and exceptional circumstances, such as where the court does not have jurisdiction in England and Wales, the marriage is not legally valid, or the correct procedure has not been followed.

Q

Will I have to go to court to get a divorce?

A

In the vast majority of cases, you will not need to attend court in person to obtain a divorce. The divorce process is largely dealt with through the online system and administrative steps handled by the court and the HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

Most divorces proceed without a court appearance, particularly where the application is straightforward and uncontested. Our experienced divorce solicitors manage the process on your behalf, ensuring that all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted.

However, separate court hearings may be required if there are disputes over financial matters, such as a financial settlement, or over child arrangements. These issues are dealt with through the family court and are distinct from the legal process of ending the marriage itself.