Divorce & Separation Solicitors

We understand that divorce or separation can be an extremely stressful and confusing experience. Our experienced team of family law solicitors can help you make the right decisions and guide you through the process.

Choosing to end your relationship requires careful thought and the right approach, especially where there are complex financial matters or children that you need to take into account.

Providing you and your partner agree the marriage is over, the divorce process can be relatively straightforward. The difficulty tends to lie in resolving practical issues resulting from the divorce such as where to live, custody of children and financial matters in deciding who gets what now and in the future.

Understandably, the issue of whether to involve lawyers is likely to be one of the most pressing when considering separation or divorce. The reality is that instructing a competent lawyer to protect your interests can help ensure that your financial position is protected.

The Family Law team at Wells Burcombe have a reputation for taking a sensible, sensitive approach to divorce and separation. We know what a difficult time this can be, so are ready to provide whatever support you need to end your relationship on the right terms for you and your loved ones.

We offer flexible payment options including fixed fees or monthly standing orders, as well as the possibility of deferred fees where your financial situation is uncertain prior to reaching a financial settlement.

Contact us today in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727840900 or email us at info@wellsburcombe.co.uk.

Our expertise with Divorce and Separation

Divorce Proceedings

Our divorce solicitors can support you through applying for a divorce or responding to a divorce application started by your spouse. We will make sure you fully understand the process, giving you the best chance of a smooth, swift divorce.

Divorce Financial Settlements

Dividing your finances can be the most complicated part of divorce and separation. Our divorce lawyers can advise on your options, including helping you to agree an amicable divorce settlement where possible, or applying to a court to decide how your finances should be divided where required.

Arrangements for Children

Sometimes referred to as ‘child custody’, working out how your children will divide their time between their parents can be tough, emotionally as well as practically. Wherever possible, we encourage parents to work together to decide on these issues, as this is usually in the best interests of the children. However, we can assist with applying to a family court for a Child Arrangements Order where the need arises.

Civil Partnership Dissolution

For those in civil partnerships, we can advise you on no fault civil partnership dissolution and guide you through the process, helping to keep things as simple and stress-free as we can.

Separation for Unmarried Couples

If you are separating from a partner you were not married to or in a civil partnership with, things can be complicated. You will have no automatic legal right to each other’s property, so there is often the need for careful negotiation. If you have a Cohabitation Agreement or other legal provisions that need to be considered, we can advise you on their application and your options.

Divorce Mediation

Mediation is now the most common method for dealing with divorce finances and child arrangements. It allows you and your former partner to work together, under the guidance of a trained mediator, to agree how these matters should be resolved.

Our divorce solicitors can advise on the suitability of mediation, help you prepare for mediation and review any agreement you make through mediation to confirm whether it reflects your best interests.

Any agreement made through mediation will be voluntary, but we can apply to a court for a Consent Order to make the agreement legally binding if required.

See how we can help with divorce mediation.

Our Divorce fees

We offer flexible payment options to cover the cost of divorce, including fixed fees or monthly standing orders to spread your costs.

Fixed Fee Divorce

For straightforward matters, we can usually work on a fixed fee basis. This means we will agree a price in advance to complete all of the work needed to handle a specific stage, such as making a divorce application. This gives you total transparency and certainty of key costs involved in your divorce.

Divorce Deferred Fee Agreements

Where appropriate, we can discuss arrangements to allow you to defer some of our fees until after a financial settlement has been agreed and you have funds available.

Divorce FAQs

What are the grounds for divorce?

The only ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. Under no-fault divorce law, couples must include a statement in their application to confirm that the relationship has broken down. Neither party needs to provide a reason for the breakdown of the marriage.

Can I get a no fault divorce in the UK?

Yes, as of April 6th 2022, couples in the UK have been eligible to apply for a no-fault divorce. Under the reformed law, divorcing parties no longer need to point blame for the ending of the relationship, allowing for streamlined divorce proceedings and potentially less conflict.

How does no fault divorce work?

Under the provisions set out in the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, anyone wishing to end their marriage will need to apply to court. Either spouse can make a divorce application, or both spouses can make a joint application.

The application will need to contain a statement that their marriage has ‘broken down irretrievably’, and the court will accept this without the need for any supporting evidence. If one spouse makes the application, the other spouse cannot block the process, removing the previous possibility of a divorce being contested or defended.

Once the court has reviewed the application, they will issue a Conditional Order stating that the court sees no reason that the divorce cannot be granted. The applicant or joint applicants must then wait at least 6 weeks before applying for the Final Order. Once this has been granted, the divorce is final.

How long does no fault divorce take?

No fault divorce can take as little as 6 months to finalise, however, divorce applicants should be aware that negotiating finances and childcare arrangements can mean the process takes longer. In cases where couples disagree on matters related to their finances and children, these proceedings may be lengthy.

Rest assured, our divorce solicitors at Wells Burcombe have plenty of experience supporting divorcing couples in negotiating such agreements. We will do our best to simplify the process and keep matters out of court where possible.

Do I need a solicitor to apply for a no fault divorce?

You can apply for no fault divorce without the support of a solicitor, however, it is recommended to seek legal advice prior to submitting any divorce application. Our solicitors can ensure that both parties understand the proceedings, legal obligations, and future implications.

Under most circumstances, divorcing couples will need expert legal support to negotiate their finances, ensuring that their rights and best interests are protected throughout the proceedings.

How much does a no fault divorce cost?

The court fee to obtain a no fault divorce is set at £593. Receiving support from a solicitor is another fee to consider. Solicitors’ fees will vary depending on the circumstances and complexity of the divorce case.

Contact our divorce solicitors in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727840900 or email us at info@wellsburcombe.co.uk.

Find out more about our Divorce and Separation services

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