Divorce Solicitors

Divorce & Relationship Breakdown

It is always a difficult time when a relationship is breaking down or has ended.  The decision to divorce or separate is never an easy one and aside from the emotional impact and upheaval it is important to consider how the separation will affect other aspects of your life.

We can offer advice and assistance from the early stages, as and when you are ready to discuss your options. Every relationship and family is different and we understand this. We will listen to your individual circumstances and provide relevant and specific advice as to your individual case. Your marriage must have lasted one year before applying for a divorce.

Grounds for Divorce

In order to file a Divorce Petition you must rely on one of five facts in order to prove the ground that, your marriage has irretrievably broken down.  The five facts are as follows:-

• That your ex-partner has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to continue to live with them;
• That your ex-partner has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them;
• That your ex-partner has deserted you for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the Petition;
• That you and your ex-partner have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the Petition and your ex-partner consents to a Decree being granted;
• That you and your ex-partner have lived apart for a continuous period of at least five years immediately preceding the presentation of the Petition.

We will discuss with you which is the appropriate fact to be established in your case and draft the Divorce Petition accordingly.

Filing for Divorce

If you decide to commence divorce proceedings then there is a legal process that you must follow. Our expert Divorce Law Solicitors can deal with drafting all of the Court paperwork on your behalf, advising and assisting you through the process and discussing any issues as and when they arise.

There can often be issues with regards to filing of the Court documents, service of the documents upon the Respondent, as well as children and financial matters. Our specialist Divorce Solicitors are able to advise and assist on all these matters.

Following on from the initial filing of the Divorce Petition, the papers need to be served upon the Respondent before Applications can then be made for the Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute, in order to finalise the proceedings.

It is important to consider whether divorce proceedings are the correct step. Judicial separation or annulment proceedings may be more appropriate in some circumstances so it is important to consider all of your options before deciding how best to proceed.

Responding to Divorce Proceedings

If you are the Respondent within divorce proceedings then we can advise and assist you with regards to completing the Court documents, as well as the implications of this.  As a Respondent you can choose to contest the proceedings, however in most circumstances this is not advisable. You can also cross petition, or make your own applications in respect of children and financial matters.  It is important to consider all of your options in deciding how best to proceed.

Fixed Fee Divorce Packages

We currently offer a fixed fee for a straightforward uncontested divorce of £595 plus VAT plus Court fees.  The Court fees are currently £550.

Our fixed fee for responding to an uncontested divorce is £400 plus VAT.

You may be entitled to a fee remission so you do not have to pay the Court fees quoted above. We can advise if you are eligible for this and how to apply including the documents required by the Court when you instruct us.

If there are complications or if the matter becomes contested then there may be additional charges and further Court fees payable.

Call our specialist Divorce Solicitors now on 0844 800 9860 for a free telephone consultation or request a call back through this website.