Family Law
What it is: Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage in England and Wales. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce, either or both spouses can apply without having to prove blame, citing only that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The process moves from application to conditional order and, finally, to a final order that legally dissolves the marriage. When it applies: You can apply once you have been married for at least one year. Divorce deals with ending the marriage itself; arrangements for children and division of finances are handled separately, although they often run alongside. How a solicitor helps: A family solicitor explains your options, prepares and files the divorce application correctly, and ensures deadlines are met. Crucially, they advise on the financial settlement, which is not automatically resolved by the divorce itself, and can help negotiate a consent order to make any agreement legally binding. Where matters are contested, they represent your interests and can guide you through mediation or court proceedings. First steps: Gather your marriage certificate and basic details of your finances, then arrange an initial consultation. Your solicitor will assess your circumstances, explain likely timescales and costs, and advise whether to pursue a financial order alongside the divorce. Scotland has a separate divorce system with different grounds and procedures.
