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Divorce solicitors in Bedlington and Blyth

It’s been described as one of the most stressful things you can experience, and sometimes with good reason. But getting a good divorce lawyer feels empowering. Having a good solicitor to advise, guide and support you throughout their divorce is something that many of our clients tell us was invaluable. We can explain the process, suggest what options you have, and then advise you when we think you should or shouldn’t proceed.

At QualitySolicitors Lawson and Thompson we simply want to help you through your divorce and on to a successful resolution.  As your representatives, we can handle all the paperwork, deal with the other party, act on any specific instructions you might have, and offer options and advice whenever appropriate. We even offer a fixed fee divorce package.

Come in, sit down, and we’ll chat over a coffee.  We’ll advise you about what you could do, as well as what you can’t do.  And together we’ll draw up a plan of action to guide you through the whole process from start to finish.

Then we’ll work very hard to ensure you get all the legal advice, support and guidance you need to get the best possible resolution.

One of the reasons we’re different from other law firms is because customer service is a very important thing for us. 

Maintaining a friendly working relationship while we support our clients with top class legal advice is very important to us.  That’s why we take care to listen to your wants and needs, and then always keep you informed every step of the way, but if you ever have any questions then use the direct lawyer contact details that we’ll give you, and your solicitor will do everything they can to get you a same-day response.

We’re even open and upfront about what our legal fees are.  We’re happy explain our fees before we get started so with QualitySolicitors Lawson and Thompson you’ll find no hidden costs on our bill. We offer a fixed price divorce package for £400 plus vat. Speak to us about this package.

We have expert solicitors who are happy to deal with your divorce from our Bedlington or Blyth offices.

As well as providing our clients with top quality divorce advice, we can also help with more specific aspects of divorce-related law as and when required.  Naturally we believe you would rather work with a friendly knowledgeable lawyer who can handle any specific details as quickly and efficiently as possible, which is why our solicitors also offer legal services relating to arrangements for children, change of name, domestic violence, family mediation, and separation.

If you’re looking for expert divorce solicitors in Bedlington or Blyth then we can help.

Tim Barker is a partner here at QualitySolicitors Lawson and Thompson; “Most divorce clients tell us they need the full support of a solicitor whom they can trust to look after their best interests.  We approach each and every divorce with care and attention, so we can really understand your worries and concerns.  Most people have many more options than they think they have, and it’s only by talking to a divorce expert that you can clarify your position and put together a practical plan of action.

Our divorce solicitors in Bedlington and Blyth are experts that will provide all the legal advice you want.

If you’d like to talk to us to see how we could help you, call 01670 751 679.

You can tell us about your situation and then we can suggest what your next steps might be, for just the cost of a phone call.

Call us today on 01670 751 679 for a friendly free chat with one of our specialist legal representatives.

 

No Fault Divorce

On 6 April 2022, the No Fault Divorce came into effect.

A No Fault Divorce allows couples to leave their marriage without having to use one of the five facts to prove your marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’, you can simply make a declaration together saying that it has.

Can a couple jointly apply for a no fault divorce?

Yes. A couple can apply for a no fault divorce singly or jointly. Previously one spouse had to issue divorce proceedings against the other.

The new law doesn’t change that a solicitor can only act for one of you in any child or financial arrangements.

There might be the need to consider what would happen if one of you changes your mind due to a breakdown during discussions on child or financial arrangements.

How long does a no fault divorce take?

If everything therefore runs smoothly and there are no other issues, the minimum length of time to get a divorce now will be six months.

No Fault Divorce process.

  • A couple apply for a divorce individually or together. This means they can choose to make a statement together explaining their marriage has irretrievably broken down. They don't need to explain why.
  • A period of 20 weeks will apply as a ‘cooling off period’
  • After 20 weeks and the couple are still looking to proceed, a Conditional Order is granted by the court. At this point you can now file a financial consent order with the court following the Condition Order being granted and (if you are having one) the financial order sealed (agreed) you can apply for your final divorce order
  • A 6-week period
  • After the 6 weeks is over a Final Order is made by the court.
  • The minimum length of time to get a No Fault Divorce will be 6 months.

Can you contest a no fault divorce?

No, you cannot contest a no fault divorce. The reason for contesting a divorce is the mistaken belief that admitting fault will affect access to children and the fair division of financial assets.

Although a no fault divorce cannot be contested, the terms of the divorce can. For example, financial arrangements and arrangements for children. In this case terms may be agreed through mediation or, failing that, through the court.

What happens about the parenting arrangements and finances?

You will need to reach an agreement on how the arrangements for parenting and how the assets and finances are agreed whilst living separately, as these are separate parts of your divorce and are not covered under the no fault divorce law. 

If you are having difficulty on coming to an agreement between yourselves, mediation is the next reasonable step as it is a pre-requisite for going to court for a decision in most cases.

How much does a no fault divorce cost?

A no fault divorce may be less costly than the current divorce process because it is less contentious. It is hoped that more amicable agreements can be reached more quickly so outcomes are less expensive.

Arrangements for children and matters relating to property and finances will still need to be agreed. The associated costs here will be the same as any type of divorce.

We offer a range of clearly priced divorce services, so you can choose what best suits your circumstances. 

 

 

 

Team members

Tim Barker
Member, Head of Family Law and Children panel member
Bedlington
Contact
Michelle Lamond
Children panel member
Blyth Law Shop
Contact

Expert legal advice you can rely on:


Family law

Top quality legal advice for your family


QualitySolicitors Lawson & Thompson are one of the leading Family Law Practices in the Northumberland/Newcastle area. As such we recognise that in today’s modern world there are no such things as an “average” family or “normal” relationship. Have a look at our pages in relation to Adoption, Children, Change of Name, Court of Protection, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Living together, Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Separation for more specific information on the services we can offer.

Adoption

If you decide to adopt a child, either in the UK or from overseas, having expert legal advice is key. QualitySolicitors Lawson & Thompson can support you in this highly complex legal area.

Arrangements for children

When a relationship breaks down and children are involved, your main concern will be to protect their wellbeing. So it’s good to know that at QualitySolicitors Lawson & Thompson we make your children our number one priority too.

Change of name

If you decide to change your name, QualitySolicitors Lawson & Thompson can help you to do this legally and properly.

Court of Protection

When people are unable to make their own decisions because of a mental illness, other people may be required to make decisions on their behalf. Sometimes there may be disagreements surrounding these decisions and that is where the Court of Protection can help.

Divorce

It’s been described as one of the most stressful things you can experience, and sometimes with good reason. But getting a good divorce lawyer feels empowering. Having a good solicitor to advise, guide and support you throughout their divorce is something that many of our clients tell us was invaluable. We can explain the process, suggest what options you have, and then advise you when we think you should or shouldn’t proceed.

Domestic violence

If you’re in a relationship that isn't working for you, either because you feel threatened or are with a violent or abusive partner, it can be difficult to know where to turn to for help - but it’s important not to suffer in silence. Asking for help is the first step to resolving the situation.

Living together

More and more couples are choosing to live together and share their lives without getting married. And whilst emotionally, you may feel no different to a married couple; under the law, couples that live together without getting married do not share the same legal rights as those who marry. This can make things difficult if the relationship breaks down in the future particularly in regards to finance and property. And if children are involved, it’s important to protect their future too.

Prenuptial agreements

Planning a wedding is an exciting time - and also a time when you start thinking about your long-term future. You’re probably looking forward to a long and happy marriage but it’s also natural to wonder what unexpected twists and turns life might bring.

Separation

Making the decision to end a relationship and separate is rarely easy and sometimes you may need professional legal help to ensure the separation process is handled fairly. Whether you’re facing a marriage separation or are ending a relationship after living together, it’s likely that you’ll have lots of questions and concerns. You’ll want to know what will happen regarding your home, possessions and finances. And if children are involved, you’ll want to ensure that their wellbeing is the main priority.

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Why QualitySolicitors Lawson & Thompson?

QualitySolicitors is the largest network of law firms in the UK, with local law firms spanning the whole of England and Wales and customer service at the heart of everything we do.

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal advice and expertise for our clients, but in a way that’s far friendlier, more accessible and clear-talking than you might expect from a law firm.