Divorce Solicitors

It’s not unheard of for divorce proceedings to reignite a couple’s relationship. Strange as it may sound, the prospect of a line being drawn under the marriage and embarking on separate lives can bring home the value of what a couple had. That realisation can dawn some way down the line when things have already started to get expensive, so it’s important to be as sure as you possibly can be that your marriage is over before heading down the divorce route.

Your marriage must have lasted at least one year before you’re able to divorce.

Apart from that all you have to do is state to the Court that your marriage has broken down.

The idea of going to see a family lawyer may seem like a big step to take and one which will bring home the reality of your situation. The support of a good lawyer really can make the divorce process a lot easier to handle. Find someone you like, who understands your situation and who you trust to fight your corner.

Many of our clients have never had to deal with family finances. Relationships often work that way, with one spouse handling the mortgage and investments and the other playing a different (but just as significant) part in running the house. When it comes to dividing assets and apportioning liabilities, each person needs some understanding of where they stand. We can help with that – it’s what we do – but any lawyer will ask you for certain pieces of financial information. So start pulling these together as soon as you can.

We understand that you’re going through a very difficult time. You need advice, reassurance and support – and you should never be afraid to ask your solicitor a question because you think you should know the answer. You can count on us having been asked every “silly” question plenty of times before.

Not every divorce culminates in a court hearing. There are alternatives which your solicitor will be able to discuss with you. Mediation and collaborative law are just two frequently used routes to amicable settlement; they may be right for you.

This could well be the last thing you’re inclined to do, but it can make a positive difference to the divorce process. Imagine, for example, that you accepted some time ago that your marriage was over. Your spouse might be taking longer to come to terms with that. Recognising this will help you understand why they now behave as they do (perhaps they are reluctant to move the process on). We’re not saying that you should accommodate your spouse at the expense of getting the resolution you need, but it’s helpful to get the measure of them and of the situation.

We fight hard for our clients, but we always advise them to be realistic and reasonable. That doesn’t mean giving in and it doesn’t mean losing; it’s about being clear on what really matters.

Your lawyer will explain the divorce process to you. As you’d probably expect there are rules about what must be done and when, and it’s important to take these on board. For example, your lawyer will ask you for your original marriage certificate because this will need to be filed at court when you issue your divorce application. There will be court deadlines to adhere to and documents to be prepared on time, so you should expect your lawyer to be contacting you fairly regularly.

Divorce is all-consuming. It can be stressful, emotional and tiring, but the process won’t go on forever. Treat it as a stepping stone to a new life in which the past is an influence, but the future is what counts. We are alongside clients when things are tough and we’re there when they come out the other side – and they do!