Divorce
Going through a divorce is one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.
We offer a free initial consultation with a specialist divorce and finances solicitor who will help to assess how we can best assist you through your divorce process.
DETAILS
Applying for Divorce Proceedings
If you are the one starting divorce proceedings, this means you're the applicant.
You will need to complete and submit the divorce application, which we can assist you with on a fixed fee basis. We offer a fixed fee in representing the applicant in divorce from £250+VAT.
In addition to our fee, you'll also need to pay a court fee of £593.
The court fee is payable before we can apply for your divorce, but you may be eligible for help with court fees if you are on low income. For more information, visit GOV.uk. These costs relate solely to obtaining a final order for divorce to end your marriage. Additional costs may be chargeable if we assist you with other matters such as resolving your matrimonial finances, this is set out in greater detail below.
Who Pays Costs on Divorce
It is the applicant’s responsibility to pay the court fees and for their own solicitor’s fees.
In certain cases, the applicant may be able to recover costs from the respondent. It is best for the applicant to speak to the respondent about an amicable agreement as to costs and this is usually address in our initial letter. If an agreement can’t be reached, a court hearing may be needed (which would make the matter far more complex and incur additional costs on both sides).
For complex divorce cases, our fixed hourly divorce solicitor fee starts from £233 per hour.
GUIDE
Divorce Process Explained
You must be married for at least 1 year before applying for divorce.
There are a number of documents and stages involved in divorce proceeding which include but are not limited to the following:
- Issuing of divorce application
- Respondent’s acknowledgement of service
- Court issuing the conditional order (formally decree nisi)
- Court granting the final order (formally decree absolute).
How long does it take to get a divorce?
Without complications the divorce process can take between 6-12 months. Using a divorce solicitor will not affect the length of the process and paperwork that has been completed by a solicitor is less likely to contain errors. There it is more likely to be accepted by the courts. Please note: To protect your financial assets, we recommend that you resolve your finances alongside the divorce. Dependant on the fact of your case, we may recommend delaying the application for the final order until a financial order has been obtained.
We offer advice relating to divorce in all circumstances and can help advise you no matter what stage you are at in considering divorce. To discuss how we can assist you then please arrange to contact us for a free initial consultation. Call us today on 0117 967 9800 or email info@danielwoodman.co.uk.
Matrimonial Finances
It is crucial to consider your finances when beginning your divorce and you should seek expert legal advice to assist you in dealing with this. Free initial consultation – we provide a free initial consultation with a specialist divorce and finance solicitor who can discuss your current position, set out how we can assist in your case and provide clear estimates for legal costs. Our specialist divorce and finances solicitors provide tailored advice to suit your needs and circumstances and aim to assist you in obtaining a final and binding Financial Order following divorce.
For assistance in managing your matrimonial finances following separation of divorce call us today on 0117 967 9800 or email info@danielwoodman.co.uk.
Do I need a Financial Order?
Many people will not be aware that following a divorce an order is necessary to confirm how both parties assets and liabilities are to be divided up. Until that order is obtained the parties finances will remain open to be dealt with at a future date, whether the divorce is obtained or not. It is therefore important for anyone going through a divorce to consider obtaining a financial order
What assets can be included in a Financial Order?
Courts can consider and have the power to make orders in respect of both parties joint and sole financial assets, these include but are not limited to:
- Bank accounts and investments in both parties’ sole or joint names
- Pensions
- Business assets
- Property owned solely, jointly or with a third party
- Income
- Debts
There are a number of misconceptions regarding parties assets and liabilities following a divorce which we can assist you in clearing up.
What factors are relevant?
When considering a financial order parties must always be aware of what a court will take into consideration as all order will need to be put before a judge for consideration and approval. It will therefore depend heavily on the facts of your case as to what financial order is right for you. It is important that you have a solicitor who can advise you on all relevant factors that can be taken into consideration.
Some relevant factors are as follows:
- Whether it is a long or a short marriage
- Whether you have children or not
- Whether you consider your assets already dealt with
Get in touch today
For assistance in managing your matrimonial finances following separation of divorce, speak to Charles or call us today on 0117 967 9800 or email info@danielwoodman.co.uk
