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Specialist divorce solicitors

Get expert legal advice on your divorce

Every couple’s relationship, circumstances and finances are unique. That’s why it’s so important to receive expert advice from an experienced divorce solicitor based on your individual situation and the options available to you.

Book your consultation with a specialist divorce solicitor today

Call us now on 0800 422 0123 or contact us online to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist divorce solicitors.

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Our expertise in the complexities of divorce

There’s no question that divorce is a life-changing event, however amicable it may be. Our specialist divorce solicitors can help you untie your relationship sensitively, efficiently and with compassion to everyone involved, but most importantly, your children.

We’ll always advise you on the best way to deal with your divorce cost-effectively and with dignity, from family mediation to firm litigious action if needed.

We also have the experience and expertise you need to resolve highly sensitive disputes over children or money, as well as other complex issues, including jointly owned property pension funds, offshore assets and family business concerns.

Divorce financial settlements

Our divorce solicitors can guide you through your financial settlement and will seek a voluntary agreement through mediation wherever possible to save you money and additional stress.

We specialise in all aspects of divorce financial settlements and can advise you on protecting or dividing assets – including pensions, trusts and company partnership interests. We have particular expertise in divorces involving a family farm and we understand the specific issues that can arise from these complex disputes.

We can also consult our specialist commercial law and private wealth colleagues and draw on our strong links to counsel and expert third-party advice to ensure you receive the highest quality, all-encompassing guidance needed to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Arrangements for children following divorce

Agreeing arrangements for your children following divorce is often the most contentious and emotional issue to resolve. Our aim is to make the decision-making process as smooth as possible and, above all, focussed on the best interests of your children.

We can help you agree:

  • How your children will be financially supported
  • Who your children will live with
  • How much contact you will each have with your children

Protecting pre-marital assets from divorce

Our specialist divorce solicitors can advise you on how best to ‘ring-fence’ any assets you had before your marriage or civil partnership to help to protect them if your relationship breaks down in the future.

We can help you identify pre-marital assets and collect evidence that would support your claims if they were challenged in Court by your ex-spouse. We can also explain how to stop your pre-marital assets being counted as joint assets in a divorce financial settlement.

Why choose our specialist divorce solicitors?

  • Sensitive and caring approach
  • Highly rated in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK
  • Members of Resolution and committed to its Code of Practice
  • Trained collaborative lawyers and mediators
  • Specialists across the firm can advise on complex aspects of your case
  • Competitive pricing and tight cost control

Try our relationship breakdown tool

Our Parting Ways tool is a great first step in guiding you through the legalities of a relationship breakdown. If your marriage or civil partnership has broken down irreparably, our free easy-to-use tool provides an overview of what you need to consider from a legal perspective.

It only takes a few minutes to complete, and you will receive a guide tailored to your responses. You will not be asked for any personal information unless you decide you would like to speak with one of our divorce solicitors.

Get your guide

Speak to a solicitor specialising in divorce

To arrange your consultation, call 0800 422 0123 or contact us online to get expert legal advice on divorce and family law issues.

What our clients say

“Adam Maguire assembled the facts concerning my divorce methodically and comprehensively. He always gave sound advice, demonstrated a mastery of family law issues and gave due consideration to keeping costs in check.” Chambers and Partners, 2022
“I cannot praise Clare Webb enough for her genuine support, professional advice and quick responses. Her attitude to her work is incredibly admirable and she, unlike others, actually cares and looks for the best outcome for all.” Client
“I feel in totally safe hands with Gareth Schofield and Hannah Livesey. Their proactive advice in a very difficult situation has been invaluable and I feel totally reassured having them support me through this difficult time. Always providing considered, practical advice.” Client

Divorce frequently asked questions

What do I need to get a divorce?

To get a divorce you need to have been married for over 12 months.

The good news is, you no longer need to prove to the Court that your marriage has irretrievably broken down on the grounds of adultery, unreasonable behaviour, two years separation with consent, desertion or five years separation.

To apply for a divorce, you will need:

  • Your marriage certificate. If you do not have it, you can obtain a copy from a register office. (If it is not in English, you will need a certified translation.)
  • You and your spouse’s full name and address. If your spouse’s address is unknown, the Court will expect you to show that you have made reasonable attempts to locate them and make them aware of the proceedings.
  • Proof of your name if you have changed it since getting married.

How much does it cost to get divorced?

The total cost of a divorce will always depend on the complexity of the case in question, but the costs related to the divorce process alone should be a roughly known figure that we can confirm once we know your circumstances.  Orders for one party to pay the other’s divorce costs are now rare and you should expect to meet your own costs and the Court fee.

If you and your partner mutually agree that your marriage is over, the cost of divorce is generally lower and can potentially be agreed to be shared. Costs tend to increase if you can’t agree on important matters such as the financial settlement and childcare arrangements, particularly if it goes to Court.

No matter your situation, our divorce solicitors will always discuss the potential financial consequences with you and provide you with a quotation at the start giving our best view on how much your divorce will cost.

Who must pay the costs if my divorce goes to Court?

The general rule in the divorce itself is that each party should expect to pay their own costs, and the Court fees needed, unless they agree otherwise between them.

In financial or child arrangement cases, each party should still prepare to pay their own costs, although there are circumstances where that may not be the case. Applications or orders for costs can be considered, for instance where one party has no income to rely on for legal fees in their financial claims on divorce.

We will always discuss with you the likely costs consequences of taking a matter to Court before deciding on the best course of action.

Will I have to pay my legal fees before my divorce is finalised?

Whether or not you get some or all of your costs back, you will need to fund your legal fees yourself in the first instance. However, there are a number of ways that your legal costs can be paid, for example:

  • Fixed fees – you may be able to get a fixed fee structure put in place for part, or all, of the divorce process.
  • Litigation loans – you could get a litigation loan to cover your legal fees. This means that you borrow the funds you need for the fees, with the loan secured on the assets you retain.
  • Legal expense allowance – if there’s a significant imbalance in wealth between you and your ex-partner and you have no other way to meet your legal fees, we can advise you on applying to the Court to have them cover your fees on an ongoing basis.

We understand that divorce costs can be a concern during an already stressful time and will regularly update you throughout your case.

How long does it take to get a divorce?

The answer is: it depends. The efficiency of the Court in processing divorce applications may affect how long the process takes. The divorce process itself takes some 26 weeks from when it’s officially started. Other factors, such as dealing with any financial matters, may delay completion of your divorce for some time longer.

Generally, if you go through mediation or collaboration, it can take less time to resolve these matters than through Court litigation.

What is the divorce process in England and Wales?

The process varies slightly depending on whether you are a sole applicant or have applied jointly with your husband or wife. The timeframe for joint and sole applications is more or less equal.

According to government guidelines, the divorce process in England and Wales is:

  1. You submit your divorce application (either sole or joint)
  2. Your application is checked and if everything is in order, you and your spouse will be sent the necessary documents
  3. You must wait 20 weeks before you can apply for a conditional order (previously referred to as a decree nisi)
  4. If the judge agrees, you receive a certificate telling you the time and date your conditional order will be granted
  5. You will then have to wait 43 days (6 weeks and 1 day) before you can apply for a final order (previously referred to as a decree absolute)
  6. Once your final order is granted, you are divorced.

Will I have to go to Court?

Going to Court is usually the last resort in divorce cases. Resolving issues through mediation or collaboration often negates the need to go to Court.

You may have to go to Court if one party contests the divorce going ahead, although this now is very rare.

While the settling of arrangements for children and financial issues takes place separately from your divorce, you may need to go to Court if they cannot be agreed on by both parties.

How are property and finances divided in divorce?

Every divorce is different, and the Court will use its discretion to try and divide assets as fairly as possible.

When a divorce application has been filed at Court, either party can apply for financial orders. The orders available (in brief) include the following:

  • Periodical payments (also known as maintenance)
  • Lump sum orders (money)
  • Property adjustment orders (altering the ownership of the property)
  • Pension sharing orders and pension attachment orders.

Divorce financial settlements can be the most complicated aspect of the process and an equal split in property and finances between the two parties will not be suitable in every case.

Dependent children and their needs will affect how the Court decides to divide assets. Other factors that can have a bearing on the division of assets include:

  • The earning potential of each party following the divorce
  • The future financial responsibilities of each party
  • In cases including children, each party’s involvement in the family’s welfare – for example, unpaid childcare or maintaining the family home will be taken into account by the Court.

Contact an expert divorce solicitor

If you need legal advice on the breakdown of your relationship, book your consultation with a divorce solicitor now on 0800 422 0123 or contact us online. There’s no obligation to go further than the first meeting.

We have divorce solicitors ready to help in Bristol, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Southampton and Taunton.

Recommendations

They are thoroughly impressive from top to bottom, from excellent trainees through to partners. The moment you walk through their office door you get a good impression and they are wonderful to work with.

Chambers UK 2022

Your key contacts

Rayner Grice

Partner

Birmingham
Rayner advises on the issues that arise for an individual following the breakdown of a relationship in relation to divorce/civil partnership dissolution, their financial affairs and their children.
View profile for Rayner Grice >

Adam Maguire

Partner

Birmingham
Adam specialises in divorce and family law. He advises clients regarding all aspects of private family law including cohabitation, separation, divorce and related financial issues, disputes concerning children and nuptial agreements.
View profile for Adam Maguire >

Clare Webb

Partner

Bristol
Clare has built her practice with a commitment to helping her clients resolve their issues in a constructive and conciliatory way. In doing so, she will always have regard to the longterm hopes and aspirations for the family as a whole, whilst of course protecting her client’s interest.
View profile for Clare Webb >

Philippa Yeo

Partner

Bristol
Philippa is committed to helping couples navigate all aspects of the legal process on the breakdown of their relationship in a pragmatic, collaborative and family-focused way including supporting couples to reach arrangements for their children and achieve healthy future co-parenting relationships.
View profile for Philippa Yeo >

Latest news and updates

Divorce and family law

Fair shares and non marital assets

Bristol University and the Nuffield Foundation have recently released their report, “Fair shares? Sorting out money and property on divorce”.
Read more on Fair shares and non marital assets

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