Divorce Solicitors

There’s no denying that divorce or contemplating divorce can be an incredibly difficult time. Separating from a partner is rarely easy, and it is made more complex by the uncertainty of the future and the fear of the unknown.

The team at JMW understands that getting divorced is about so much more than sorting out the paperwork to bring your marriage to an end. It is about your family and your future.

We support our clients in navigating the divorce process, combining our expert advice with empathy and care. We think commercially and our advice is always pragmatic, strategic, and measured. Alongside this, we recognise that clients are coming to us in one of their most difficult stages of life and we help clients to find a route through their issues and be the best version of themselves during the process.

Our aim is to support clients to move to the next stage in their life with security and confidence.

Get in touch with our team today for an initial consultation by calling us on 0345 872 6666, or by completing our online enquiry form so we can call back at a time that is convenient for you.

If you have been married for one year or longer, then you can divorce if you consider that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. [This is a very personal decision, and the reasons for divorce are different for each couple.

One or both individuals(either on their own behalf or via their solicitors) can make a simple statement in a form - usually online - that their marriage has irretrievably broken down, without giving any further details. This is often referred to as ‘no fault divorce’.

Obtaining a divorce is a relatively straightforward process. Although the court has to grant the divorce, only a tiny minority of couples will actually need to appear in front of a judge in relation to this aspect of their case.

The Divorce Process

The divorce process will typically follow these steps:

1. Applying for divorce: the person seeking the divorce makes a divorce application to the court. This can be done by one person on their own or by both people together.
2. Acknowledgment of service: if the divorce application has been made by one person, the other person receives the divorce papers and must acknowledge them, indicating whether they intend to agree to or contest the divorce.
3. Conditional Order (formerly known as decree nisi): assuming the divorce application is not contested, then the court grants a conditional order, which is the mid-point of the divorce. As this stage, you are still legally married, but the court recognises that you are entitled to a divorce.
4. Final Order (formerly known as decree absolute): after a minimum of six weeks and one day from the date of the conditional order, the person who originally applied for the divorce can apply for a final order. This legally dissolves the marriage.

Each case is unique, so these steps can vary in complexity and duration. Our expert divorce lawyers can guide you through the entire divorce process.

What happens once I’m divorced?

Once the final order is granted, this legally ends your marriage. It does not deal with your financial arrangements or the arrangements for any children of the family. These are separate legal issues that we can resolve for you alongside your divorce, so that once your final order is granted you feel equipped and ready to move forward with your life.

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, here both parties agree on all matters, can be finalised within six to nine months. However, if there are contested issues, especially involving finances or arrangements for children, the process 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 to this, if you do not deal with the application yourself online then you will have your solicitors’ fees for preparing the divorce application and dealing with the relevant stages of the divorce.

Solicitors usually charge on an hourly rate basis and typically, a non-contested divorce will cost in the region of £500 plus VAT. Many people prefer to apply online to save these costs as the government portal for divorce applications is considered to be very user-friendly:

Get a divorce: How to apply - GOV.UK

Q

DO I HAVE TO USE A SOLICITOR TO GET DIVORCED?

A

You don’t have to use a solicitor, but it can be beneficial to have one of our family law experts by your side. One of the most critical aspects of a separation is ensuring that a financial agreement is reached that meets your needs and ensures that your financial future is secure. When it comes to sharing assets, things can quickly become complicated if you or your spouse holds significant property, savings, or investments. We have strong relationships with other professionals you may need to work with including wealth planners, tax advisors and accountants. Our team will help you understand who is entitled to what and put the right people in place around you to resolve your case.

Q

I'VE JUST RECEIVED DIVORCE PAPERS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A

There are time limits for responding to an application for divorce, which should be complied with and in some cases these time limits can be crucially important. We can provide you with preliminary advice and guide you through responding to the application.

Q

DO I HAVE TO GO TO COURT TO GET A DIVORCE

A

Only the court can grant divorces; however, in reality, the divorce process generally takes place online with electronic forms passing between the parties and the court. Only a tiny minority of cases need substantive input from a judge and very few couples actually have to attend court to deal with the divorce itself.

Q

DOES THE REASON FOR DIVORCE AFFECT THE FINANICAL SETTLEMENT/CHILD ARRANGEMENTS?

A

In all but the most extreme cases, the reasons why your marriage broke down will have no effect on the financial outcome. There are exceptions in circumstances where misconduct has been very extreme or has led to an objectively significant financial consequence.