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Divorce - the legal process

If you have reached the stage where you believe your marriage is over and the issues with your partner cannot be resolved, then you may be ready to bring the relationship to a formal end with a divorce.

Understanding the divorce process

If you believe your marriage to be over and consider issues with your partner unresolvable, you may be ready to bring the relationship to a formal end with a divorce.

Circumstances vary by couple, and may include:

  1. Those still living together.
  2. Those that have separated and lost contact.
  3. Those that have separated but may now be on friendly terms.
 

If you are approaching the divorce process, you are either initiating the divorce (the applicant) or are the person being divorced (the respondent).

Call us on 0808 223 0563 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Legal services relating to relationship breakdown

No two relationship breakdowns are identical and, while some splits are finalised relatively quickly and simply, others find certain issues crop up that are out of the ordinary.

We offer specialist relationship breakdown services designed to help you move quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively through the separation process.

Call us on 0808 258 1958 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Civil partnership dissolution

When a civil partnership breaks down, you may decide it’s time to end the relationship and go your separate ways. As with divorce, there is a legal process for ending a civil partnership, known as civil partnership dissolution.

From 2014, it has been possible for same-sex couples to get married and divorced. Prior to this, only civil partnerships were permitted. If you are married the relevant process for ending your marriage is divorce and the process is described above. If you have a civil partnership the process for ending your relationship is dissolution, This is similar to the process for divorce, although there are some slight differences.

How we can help

QualitySolicitors has experts in dissolution and can guide you through the process every step of the way.

The court will need proof the civil partnership has broken down, but we can help with this and will explain exactly what is required.

If you are thinking about civil partnership dissolution, it’s likely you will have lots of questions regarding your home, possessions and finances. If children are involved, you’ll want to ensure their wellbeing is protected too. Our legal experts will answer all the questions you have, providing advice and support to make the process easier.

Deciding to end a relationship can be tough, but our lawyers will explain all of your options so you can start to plan for the future. We’ll ensure you are treated fairly during and after the dissolution.

Everything will be explained in a clear and easy to understand way, using plain English, free of legal jargon. We offer a free, initial, over-the-phone chat and will explain costs and timescales up front, so you always know what to expect.

Do you need experienced advice about the dissolution of a civil partnership>?

Call us on 0808 258 1958 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Separation advice

Whether you’re facing a marriage separation, civil partnership breakdown or are ending a relationship after living together, it’s likely you’ll have lots of questions and concerns about your home, possessions, finances and children.

How we can help

We offer practical and sympathetic legal support to separating couples and can help you put a separation agreement in place to make the process easier.

If you’re considering a trial separation, we can provide help and advice. Whether you then choose to rebuild your relationship, or make the separation permanent, we’ll help you understand your options, so you can make the right decisions.

Our friendly and knowledgeable lawyers will get to know you and your circumstances, so we can provide the best possible advice tailored to your unique situation.

Everything will be explained clearly in a language free of legal jargon. With QualitySolicitors’ free, initial over-the-phone chat with a legal expert, it won’t cost you a penny to see how we can help you. Plus we’ll explain the costs and timescales involved up front.

Our advice is confidential so if there is anything you are unsure of you can be confident that you will get the best possible advice and what you discuss with us will be held in the strictest confidence.

Do you need advice about a separation matter?

Call us on 0808 258 1958 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Separation, civil partnership dissolution, and divorce advice

During a divorce or separation, it is important to be prepared. At times, the process can seem confusing and it’s easy to miss important steps that could cause you additional hassle in the future.

Below is a handy checklist of practical steps to take, to give you a little more clarity during this unsettling time.

Divorce, Civil Partnership Dissolution and Separation checklist

This checklist will guide you through some of the first steps you should make when divorcing, dissolving your civil partnership or separating.

I. Preparing your family+

If there are children involved, divorce or separation can be a confusing time for them. The following tips may help maintain as smooth a transition as possible for all concerned:

Explain the situation as best you can to your children: They should be informed of the impending change. Generally, the more they know, the better they can learn to adapt.

Do not pass blame onto children for the relationship breakdown: Ensure you reiterate to children that parents, as well as grandparents and other family members, will still be involved in their lives.

Try to stay in contact with your in-laws: This is for your children’s benefit as well as your own. They can act as extra support for you, which can help maintain the family unit for your children’s wellbeing.

If you can, create a parenting schedule: This is to set out when and where children will see you and your ex-partner.  Stick to it as best you can; the routine will help them to adjust to their new circumstances.

Avoid acting or speaking negatively about your ex-partner to your children: You may want to vent, but if you do this to your children they may feel like they need to choose or favour one parent over another.

Inform your children’s schools: Not only for administration reasons, but to make the school aware of your family’s change in circumstance. This way, they can support your child in extra ways, should they need it.

II. Getting to grips with your finances+

Essential paperwork

If you’re going through a divorce, civil partnership dissolution or separation, it’s important to understand your financial situation and regain financial independence.

First, there are some questions you should ask yourself:

  • Can you keep your family home, or will you need to sell?
  • How will you divide personal property, assets, cars etc.?
  • Where will your ex-partner live?
  • How will the children’s financial payments be divided?

Organise and understand your finances

Gather financial documents for any outstanding debts, investments and savings: This will give you a clearer picture of your situation, saving save time if and when you choose to talk to a lawyer.

Create a new spending budget: Your spending habits may need to change during and after the separation, divorce or dissolution, so evaluate your disposable income, set yourself a budget and stick to it.

Detail your spending: This way you know what’s coming in and out of your accounts.​

Talk to your lawyer about what your separation will cost: This will help you to budget for your divorce or dissolution. We’ll help as much as possible so you know what you’re required to pay upfront. Talk to us about our fixed fee divorce and civil partnership dissolution options, for added peace of mind.

Contact your bank for advice about any joint accounts you may have: This can help to protect yourself against your ex-partner withdrawing money in the account without your knowledge.​

Open new savings and current bank accounts: These accounts should be opened up in your name only and at a different bank to where you hold any joint accounts, so payments and tax credits can be paid directly to you.​​

Open new credit card accounts in your name: If you don’t have them already, a new credit card can help you to start building your own credit rating.​​  Don’t be tempted to use it if you don’t need it, the last thing you want to be worrying about is debt.

Make the relevant changes to your will: If you don’t have one, make one.  This is extremely important to ensure your wishes are carried out in the event of your death and your assets are given to your chosen beneficiaries.

III. Notifying the right organisations about your divorce/civil partnership dissolution/separation+

Telling other people

It can be daunting, but telling the relevant organisations you are going to divorce or dissolve your civil partnership will save you hassle later on.  

You should let the following people know of your divorce or dissolution and any changes to your contact details and next of kin, if needed:

  • Your landlord or mortgage lender.
  • The local Council Tax department (you may be entitled to a 25% discount if you live alone).
  • Your bank and any creditors.
  • Tax Credit Office (if you receive or want to apply for Tax Credits).
  • Jobcentre Plus (if you or your partner receives benefits).
  • Local Authority (if you receive Housing Benefit).
  • Disability and Carers Service (if you receive Disability Living Allowance).
  • Your employer.
  • Utility companies.
  • Insurance companies.
  • Post Office (if you need to redirect your post to a new address).
  • DVLA.
  • Passport Office.
  • TV Licensing.
  • Doctor and dentist.

Many people delay this stage, as it’s a reminder the separation, divorce or civil partnership dissolution is real and final, but it really is better to have your general administration in order. 

Remember, we’re here to help when you need us.

Call us on 0808 223 0563 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Our other divorce process-related legal services

No two divorces are identical and, while some divorces are finalised relatively quickly and simply, others find certain issues crop up that are out of the ordinary.

We offer specialist divorce-related services designed to help you move quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively through the divorce process.

Call us on 0808 223 0563 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Mediation

The more you can agree with your  partner, regarding financial matters and arrangements for children, the quicker and less upsetting the process will be.

But, for instances where an agreement can’t be made, we offer specialist mediation services to our clients, to help them find an agreeable way through any obstacles. 

Family Mediation Services

At QualitySolicitors we offer an expert mediation service to help you get family life back on track.

Mediation is a recognised process, designed to help people resolve disputes with the help of a trained, relationship expert.

Unlike court cases, where there is typically a “winner” and a “loser", mediation tries to find a solution that works for all parties involved.

Mediation Solicitors

Our mediation service has helped many families find solutions and compromises to the problems they are facing.

Our expert mediators will put you at ease and make the process as straightforward as possible.

If you’re not ready to talk to your partner face-to-face, we can even arrange separate sessions for each of you.

Want to find out more about our mediation services now?

Call us on 0808 258 1958 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Dissolution

When a civil partnership or same sex marriage breaks down, you may decide it’s time to end the relationship and go your separate ways. As with divorce, there is a legal process for ending a civil partnership, often known as civil partnership dissolution.

From 2014, it has been possible for same-sex couples to get married and divorced. Prior to this, only civil partnerships were permitted and this guide covers the ending of civil partnerships of same–sex couples. 

How we can help

QualitySolicitors has experts in relationship dissolution and can guide you through the process every step of the way.

Courts will need proof the partnership has broken down, but we can help with this and will explain exactly what is required.

If considering partnership dissolution, it’s likely you will have lots of questions regarding your home, possessions and finances. If children are involved, you’ll want to ensure their wellbeing is protected too. Our legal experts will answer all the questions you have, providing advice and support to make the process easier.

Deciding to end a relationship can be tough, but our solicitors will explain all of your options so you can start to plan for the future. We’ll ensure you are treated fairly during and after the dissolution.

Everything will be explained in a clear and easy to understand way, using plain English, free of legal jargon. We offer a free, initial, over-the-phone chat and will explain costs and timescales up front, so you always know what to expect.

Do you need experienced advice about the dissolution of a civil partnership?

Call us on 0808 258 1958 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

Collaborative law

When you’re facing divorce, civil partnership dissolution or separation, it’s natural to feel daunted by the process – particularly if you’re worried about lengthy court battles or the financial cost. Collaborative law provides a real alternative to difficult and stressful divorce proceedings.

How we can help

Collaborative law is a process that enables couples to come to an agreement without going to court. You’ll both meet, along with each of your collaboratively trained lawyers, in the same room at the same time.

You, your partner and your lawyers sign an agreement committing to trying to resolve the issues without going to court, and preventing your lawyers from representing you if the collaborative process breaks down. This ensures that everyone is committed to finding the best possible solution without having to go through court proceedings. It also provides an opportunity for you to discuss your own situations and try to reach compromises both parties can be happy with. It gives you the opportunity to make decisions together about finances, property, and childcare.

Collaborative law can avoid the uncertainty of going to court, helps maintain good relationships, and can speed up the process, often saving you money.

At QualitySolicitors we have experienced lawyers who can represent you throughout the collaborative law process. We will ensure you receive the best legal advice and ensure you are represented fairly.

Would you like to find out more about the benefits of collaborative law? 

Call us on 0808 258 1958 and we’ll arrange Free Initial Assessment with a local law firm so you can speak to one of our solicitors today for confidential and friendly separation advice.

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