Divorce Solicitors

Divorce is often a challenging process, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about how to handle it all. That’s where an experienced divorce solicitor can make a real difference. They’ll help you navigate each step so that when it’s finalised, everything is legally set and you can move on with your lives. If you’d like to use our services, feel free to fill out our contact form, and one of our reliable divorce solicitors will be in touch to discuss your needs.

Grounds for Divorce

Before April 2022, couples in England and Wales needed to choose one of five specific grounds for divorce. You may already be aware of some of these, but here’s a quick rundown for clarity:

• Adultery: If your spouse was unfaithful, you have six months to cite this reason—unless you continued to live with them after discovering it.
• Unreasonable behaviour: If your partner’s actions make it impossible to live together (like physical or verbal abuse, substance issues, or financial irresponsibility).
• Separation for two years: You’ve lived apart for two years and both agree to the divorce.
• Separation for five years: If you’ve lived apart for five years, you don’t need your partner’s consent to start divorce proceedings.
• Desertion: Your spouse has left for two or more years without your consent.

Since April 2022, there is the option to apply for a no-fault divorce. This just requires a statement that the marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’, taking blame out of the equation. If one of the original grounds applies to your situation, you can still use it, and a Family Law solicitor can help determine the best route for you.

Filing for Divorce: The Process

If you’re ready to start the divorce process, a Family Law solicitor is your first point of contact. They’ll handle the paperwork and any legal details so you can focus on moving forward.

There are two options for starting proceedings – you can apply for divorce alone or jointly. If it’s an individual application, a divorce petition is sent to your spouse, who has 14 days to respond. After that, there’s a 20-week reflection period to settle arrangements like finances, childcare, and housing.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the steps that follow:

1. Apply for a Conditional Order: This happens after the reflection period.
2. Final waiting period: After six weeks, you can apply for a Final Order. If the Applicant does not apply, the Respondent can do so three months later.
3. Final Order: Once issued, your divorce is final and legally binding.

Pensions and Divorce

Pensions are often significant assets in a divorce. Here are the main options that you may wish to discuss with your solicitor:

• Pension sharing: Split the pension pot as it stands at the time of divorce.
• Pension offsetting: Balance pension rights with other assets.
• Pension earmarking: Designate a portion of one spouse’s pension to be paid to the other in the future.

Do You Need a Divorce Solicitor?

Working with a local solicitor like Fitzhugh Gates ensures your divorce is handled professionally, working in a way that suits you. Our team takes care of court submissions, offers legal advice, and provides emotional support. We also offer mediation services to encourage decision-making without the need to take things to court, and make sure you’re kept in the loop throughout the process.

While it’s possible to get a divorce without a solicitor, we recommend legal support to ensure fairness and to manage any unexpected issues smoothly.

How Much Does Divorce Cost?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the general cost of a divorce as it depends on whether it’s smooth throughout, or if any complications come to the forefront. 

Some online divorce services start at a few hundred pounds, but aren’t usually recommended.

With Fitzhugh Gates’ fixed fee divorce, you will pay £1,403 inc. VAT, payable in three installments. This includes the Court fee, and our fees. 

Ready to talk? Connect with us today and see how Fitzhugh Gates can support you.