Divorce, Matrimonial & Separation

The decision to separate or divorce is invariably difficult and emotional, particularly if there are children involved, and our experienced and skilled team of matrimonial lawyers can advise you and support you through this process. We will provide realistic and practical advice as to the most cost effective and efficient way of proceeding with your divorce or separation, depending on the particular circumstances of your case.

Divorce is the formal and legal dissolution of your marriage, it is usually a paper based process and we will do our best to ensure that the process is as straight forward as it can be. We will discuss with you whether you are able to demonstrate the only ground for divorce, namely that your marriage has suffered “irretrievable breakdown”. It is not possible to provide an average time for the divorce process, although it may take approximately 4 to 6 months if there are no exceptional circumstances involved, but it may take longer.

Finances

We recognise that when couples separate and divorce that sorting out the financial arrangements can be a difficult and complex task, and our team work with skill and experience with the aim of achieving a fair settlement for our clients.

We recognise that no two cases are the same, and accordingly we will advise each client on the individual merits of their respective case. In the first instance, we will endeavour to resolve cases by way of negotiation in order to ensure that you are able to decide on the financial settlement reached, and in order to reduce costs. However, if it is not possible to reach a negotiated settlement, we will advise and assist you through any application to the Court for a Financial Order.

Cohabitation

We are also experienced in advising clients who have been living with someone that they are not married to. It is the case that if you have been living with someone to whom you are not legally married or not formed a civil partnership with, and your relationship ends, then you are not likely to have as many legal rights as you may expect. Cohabitants should understand that no matter how long they have been living with their partner, they are not afforded the same rights upon the breakdown of the relationship as those which arise on divorce. What you are entitled to on separation is likely to depend on what financial contributions you have made to your property, savings, etc during the period that you have lived together. We will be able to provide you with practical and realistic advice as to your rights and options on separation.

Costs

Our work is charged on an hourly rate, depending on the seniority and experience of the lawyer handling your case. At your first meeting, we will advise you as to the anticipated level of our fees for your case and as to the hourly rate of the fee earner working on your case. This information will be confirmed to you in our client care letter.
We are happy to deal with Legal Aid cases, and we are franchised by the Legal Services Commission. Accordingly, we may be able to deal with all or part of your case on a Legal Aid basis, subject to your eligibility for public funding.

Our Specialists