Divorce Solicitors

Both parents are encouraged to agree on arrangements. If they cannot, the court decides based on the child’s best interests. Find out more Child Custody & Child Arrangement Order.

In most divorces, businesses and their value are treated as part of the matrimonial asset pot, alongside savings, property, pensions, and investments. These assets are taken into account in the financial settlement, even if one spouse never worked in the business. The Courts have wide discretion in how to deal with businesses for example allowing the business owner to keep the company or shares and compensate the other spouse with a larger share of other assets or spousal maintenance. The Court can also in certain circumstances order transfer or sale of shares and ultimately the business. Each case is unique so expert legal advice is required at the outset to ensure your position is protected.

You are not legally required to use a solicitor to get a divorce or separate, but it’s highly recommended, especially if there are children, property, or finances involved. A family law solicitor ensures your rights are protected, helps with paperwork, and can negotiate fair divorce financial settlements. Find out more in our advice article Do I Need a Solicitor for a Divorce?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case and the solicitor’s experience. We offer fixed-fee packages and transparent hourly rates. We also offer a free consultation where we will give a clear breakdown of fees. Find more on our family law fees. Find out more on How Much Does Divorce Cost?

Since April 2022, the no-fault divorce law means you no longer need your spouse’s consent or to assign blame. You can apply independently, and they cannot contest the divorce except in limited circumstances.

Yes. Most divorces do not require a court appearance unless there are disputes over finances or child arrangements. Our family law solicitors always explaore alternative dispute resolution options (ADR) and we can help you resolve issues through negotiation.

On average, a divorce takes 8–10 months, but complex cases can take longer. Timescales depend on how quickly agreements are reached and court processing times.

Look for a solicitor who specialises in family law and has experience handling divorce cases, as they will understand the complexities of financial settlements, child arrangements, and property division. Clear communication is key—your solicitor should explain legal terms in plain English and keep you informed throughout. Ask about transparent pricing and consider fixed-fee options to avoid unexpected costs. Accreditation matters too; solicitors who are members of Resolution follow a constructive, non-confrontational approach.

Each party usually pays their own legal costs. The total cost includes the court fee and solicitor fees. Ask us about fixed-fee divorce options for transparency.

Yes, but DIY divorces carry risks—especially if there are disputes over finances or children. Without legal advice, you may overlook important rights and obligations. Find out more in our advice guide DIY Divorce in the UK: Is It Worth It?

Protecting assets can be complex. Speak to a family law solicitor about options to safeguard your interests. Find out more in our advice guide Protecting Assets During a Divorce

Yes. Early legal advice and cooperation can help achieve a friendly, stress-free divorce. Mediation and collaborative law are effective options. Resolution accredited practitioners such as at Howells aim for an amicable divorce and to keep costs and stress to a minimum. Find out more in our advice guide How to Achieve an Amicable Divorce in the UK

You apply jointly or individually, stating the marriage has irretrievably broken down. No blame is assigned, making the process simpler and less confrontational.

To start a divorce in England and Wales, you’ll need your marriage certificate, proof of identity, and details of your spouse’s address. If you don’t have the original marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the registry office. Additional documents may be required for financial disclosure later in the process.

Yes. You can apply for divorce in England and Wales if you meet certain jurisdiction requirements, such as being domiciled or habitually resident in the this country. Serving papers abroad may take longer, but our solicitors can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with international service rules.

If your spouse ignores the divorce application, you can apply for a deemed service or alternative service order. In some cases, the court may allow the divorce to proceed without their response. Our team can help you navigate these steps quickly.

If your ex breaches a financial order or child arrangements order, you can apply to enforce it. The court may impose penalties, including fines, asset seizure, or even imprisonment in extreme cases. Acting quickly is essential to protect your rights.

Since April 2022, no-fault divorce applies in England and Wales. You simply state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down—no blame or evidence required. Learn more on Grounds for Divorce

The court considers factors like children’s needs, financial contributions, and future housing requirements. Options include selling the property, transferring ownership, or deferred sale agreements. Learn more in our advice guide What Happens to the Home After Separation?

Yes. Under the no-fault divorce law, couples can apply jointly, promoting a more amicable process.

Not always. The court aims for fairness, considering income, needs, and contributions. A 50/50 split is common but the court can depart from equality depending on the circumstances especially if required to meet needs. Each case is different so expert legal advice is imperative.

A fixed-fee divorce offers a clear, upfront cost for handling your divorce, covering all standard steps without unexpected charges.

Yes. Most divorces can be processed online through the HMCTS portal. Our solicitors can handle this for you to avoid mistakes. However an online divorce will not deal with child arrangements and finances. It’s advised to have your divorce, child arrangements and finances all addressed professionally together at the same time to make the process quicker and efficient.

Pensions are considered marital assets and can be shared through pension sharing orders or offset against other assets. Professional advice is crucial to ensure your provision for retirement is appropriaely provided for or otherwise protected. Find out more on Pensions and Divorce

You can remarry once the final order is granted. It is generally advisable to ensure all financial matters are resolved before doing so.

A DIY divorce in the UK (do-it-yourself divorce) is when a couple handles the divorce process themselves, without hiring a solicitor. This means completing all the required forms, submitting documents, and navigating the court process independently, without a divorce solicitor.

A DIY divorce may seem cost-effective, but it doesn’t address any children, shared property, or complex financial arrangements that need to be resolved. These situations require legal expertise to ensure fair settlements and protect your rights. Without a solicitor, you risk overlooking important issues such as pensions, child arrangements, and future financial claims. For peace of mind and long-term security, professional legal advice is essential.

Yes. If you agree on terms, you can use a solicitor to draft a consent order and submit it to court for approval, avoiding a contested hearing.

Property division depends on individual circumstances. Courts prioritise housing needs, especially for children, and consider each party’s ability to secure accommodation. Options include selling the property, transferring ownership, or deferred sale agreements. Find out more on What Happens to the Home After Separation?

The court considers housing needs and where children will live. Joint ownership may be as joint tenants or tenants in common, which affects how property is divided. Legal advice is essential. Find out more on What Happens to the Home After Separation?

The starting point is often a 50/50 split, adjusted for factors like childcare responsibilities, earning capacity, and housing needs. Every case is different so expert legal advice is crucial.

Yes. Even if you agree on finances, you need a consent order approved by the court to make the agreement legally binding and prevent future claims. Without it, your ex could make a claim years later.

Without a court-approved settlement, your ex can make claims years later on property, inheritance, business profits, or even lottery winnings. A clean break order closes the door to future claims and protects your financial future.

Early legal advice gives you a better chance of a ‘good divorce’ as it helps you understand your rights, the divorce process, and realistic financial outcomes early before any decisions are made. It reduces stress, avoids costly mistakes, and ensures informed decisions from the start.

An amicable divorce is when both parties work together to reach fair agreements without conflict. It focuses on cooperation for asset division, child arrangements, and financial orders, helping both move forward with dignity. Find out more on How to Achieve an Amicable Divorce in the UK

Yes, you can remain married while living separately. However, this can create financial and legal complications. Seek legal advice early to understand the implications. Find out more on What Happens If You’re Separated But Not Divorced?

If you have a Will, your estate will follow its terms. Without a Will, intestacy rules apply, and your spouse will inherit—even if you’ve been separated for years. Find out more on What Happens If You’re Separated But Not Divorced?

Separation does not end financial ties. Your spouse can claim against assets acquired during separation. They may also inherit if you die without a Will. Long-term separation can complicate asset division and increase risks. Find out more on What Happens If You’re Separated But Not Divorced?

Yes, but your spouse may have a claim on the property. Specialist advice is therefore crucial.

If you are named on the mortgage, you remain jointly liable for repayments at first instance. Seek expert advice at the outset relating to your situation.