Divorce Solicitors

Expert Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is an incredibly stressful event for any family to go through. It is therefore important to get the right legal advice from the get-go. A divorce solicitor can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.

At Eric Robinson our team of experienced family law solicitors are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and they offer specialist advice in respect of any divorce or dissolution. Regardless of the nature of your divorce and separation our lawyers offer a fixed fee divorce service.

Free Divorce Consultations

At Eric Robinson Solicitors, we understand that taking the first step towards divorce can be daunting. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation with one of our specialist family solicitors. 

This no-obligation appointment gives you the opportunity to discuss your circumstances in complete confidence, gain clarity on your options, and understand the likely costs involved. It’s your chance to get clear, practical advice from the outset, so that you can move forward with confidence. 

Book your free divorce advice session today and look forward to dedicated time with a highly experienced legal professional, free of charge.

Ground for divorce

There can be many reasons behind the breakdown in a relationship. However, the only legal grounds for divorce in the UK in 2025 is the “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage”. This means that:

• There is no reasonable chance of reconciliation
• There is no need to prove that the other party is at fault
• There is no need to spend time during court proceedings assigning ‘blame’, rather the focus can be on practical matters such as child arrangements and the division of assets. 

A former couple can apply as joint applicants or divorce proceedings can be started by a single applicant. In both cases, the applicant(s) must state that their marriage has irretrievably broken down, but there are no other grounds necessary. 

There are, however, still requirements. These still include:

• Your marriage has lasted for at least one year before you can submit a divorce application. 
• Your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK in order to divorce.
• Once you have submitted your application for divorce or dissolution you must wait at least 20 weeks before you can apply for a conditional order.
• Where your conditional order (decree nisi) is granted, you must wait at least 43 days to then apply for the final order which formally ends the marriage.

How to get a divorce

Getting a divorce and dealing with family law can be a complex process. Having divorce lawyers involved early on can provide crucial information that may enable you to avoid the need to attend a court hearing. All members of our team can advise clients on the key aspects of divorce law and they will be able to discuss with you the option of mediation, a process that seeks to resolve family disputes in a way which avoids a need to go to court thereby reducing court fees and costs.

The first stage of divorce begins when the Applicant (the person seeking the divorce) files their application with the Court online. There is a court fee which is currently £612.

After this, the Respondent (the other party involved) is sent correspondence from the court including the Application, and they have to go online and acknowledge that they have been served with the Application. Once they have done this they are no longer involved in the process.

Provided the Respondent is not disputing the proceedings, 20 weeks after the divorce application was issued you can apply for the first stage of the two-part divorce order, called the conditional order.

Once six weeks and one day have passed from the day the conditional order was made, you can apply for the final divorce order. This brings your marriage to an end, and you are then formally divorced, leaving just financial matters and any arrangements concerning children to be settled.

Legal separation

If you don’t have grounds for divorce, or don’t want to divorce your partner, you can still legally separate.

Our law firm can offer legal services including drafting a Separation Agreement for you. This agreement can include details of child or spousal maintenance (maintenance that is paid to former spouse following a divorce) as well as details concerning the financial separation.

How can our family law team help?

Our family solicitors deal with all aspects of divorce in England and Wales, ensuring divorce proceedings are dealt with promptly and efficiently.

At Eric Robinson, our expert divorce solicitors offer a divorce service we’re proud of- guiding you through the complexities of the divorce process. We can offer a fixed fee divorce package that is tailored to your specific needs.

There comes a time after every relationship breakdown when the practicalities of separation must be tackled head on. When that relationship is a marriage, it’s more complicated, especially when there are financial issues to agree and matters concerning children to resolve.

Sensible advice at the outset of a separation can avoid acrimony, costs and unnecessary court proceedings. In some cases divorce may not be the appropriate course, so seeking early advice is always best.

If you wish to learn more about how Eric Robinson Solicitors can assist with your family problems, or if you are ready to get your divorce case underway, our expert team is only one telephone call away, or alternatively, please contact us via our website, or via our telephone number, today.

Make sure you check out our useful top 10 tips guides for:

• Top 10 Tips for Divorce
• Top 10 Tips for Finances Following Divorce

Contact Your Closest Office

To speak to us and find out more, get in touch with one of our local branches at the following locations:

• Southampton
• Hedge End
• Chandlers Ford
• Winchester
• Lymington 
• Shoreham-by-Sea
• Marlborough
• Richmond Upon Thames