Going through divorce or a separation from a spouse is one of the most stressful times in life, and it is made even harder by the complicated legal decisions, processes and paperwork you often have to navigate. Our divorce solicitors support you every step of the way, no matter what your situation.
Why Hepburn Delaney Divorce Solicitors?
Our expert Family Law team put you at the centre throughout the entire process. We will provide you with an initial consultation to fully understand your unique circumstances, and work with you to find solutions that are the best for your needs. We provide compassionate, expert advice and help shoulder the burden of this complex and often stressful process, so you can have peace of mind that all legal matters are in capable hands.
Our focus is on your objectives and what you want to achieve. We ensure that you feel in control of the process in terms of decision making, timing and costs.
Our Divorce and Separation Services
Providing Legal Advice on Divorce or Civil Partnership Dissolution
Our divorce solicitors will help you navigate the online Divorce process. No fault divorce is now the best way to minimise conflict and animosity but there are still a number of important processes that need to be completed. We will meet with you to understand your unique circumstances and provide advice and guidance on the procedural steps involved and importantly the timing of any application or any final order. We can also handle any communications following the filing to give you peace of mind through the entire process.
Our comprehensive guide to divorce and separation covers everything you need to know about the process, your rights, and what to expect. Download your free copy today.
Advising and Applying for Child Arrangement Orders
Negotiating and agreeing on arrangement regarding children is perhaps the most emotionally challenging part of the divorce process. Some couples will not require one, however our team can support you and provide expert advice on agreeing on and applying for Child Arrangement Orders, which lay out who the child lives with and when they see each parent. Our family law solicitors can also help to resolve any disputes around parental responsibility or child maintenance.
Negotiating and Advising on Financial Settlements
Often, the financial aspects of a divorce are some of the most complicated, especially regarding the division of assets between a couple. Our divorce solicitors work with you to understand your financial circumstances and existing arrangements in order to help negotiate a fair settlement regarding savings, property, pensions, investments and debts. We also prepare Consent Orders to make these financial settlements legally binding.
Advising on Asset Protection & Property
Our wealth management and divorce solicitors work with you to understand your current and future needs. We will help you to decide what division of assets would suit your requirements best, such as who keeps the matrimonial home, any valuable assets and even who keeps the family pets. We will work with you to consider the outcome that is best suited to you, your needs and aspirations. Whatever your goals, our experts can help negotiate a financial agreement that best protects your interests so you can begin to look to the future. Read more about asset protection in divorce .
Drafting Separation Agreements
A separation agreement is an ideal choice for couples who are either not eligible for a divorce or simply do not feel ready for one. Our experts can assist in drafting separation agreements, ensuring they cover everything from finances and property to child arrangements. Our team can also draft and submit a deed of separation to outline how these things will be split after separating.
Advising on Asset Protection & Property
Our wealth management and divorce solicitors work with you to understand your current and future needs. We will help you to decide what division of assets would suit your requirements best, such as who keeps the matrimonial home, any valuable assets and even who keeps the family pets. We will work with you to consider the outcome that is best suited to you, your needs and aspirations. Whatever your goals, our experts can help negotiate a financial agreement that best protects your interests so you can begin to look to the future. Read more about asset protection in divorce.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
The divorce process can sometimes be complicated and difficult, and often both parties will not come to an agreement on finances or child arrangements straight away. Our family law team have decades of experience in family mediation and dispute resolution which aims to reach a fair outcome for all without the need to go to court, which can end up being more costly.
Providing Advice After Divorce
The stress and questions surrounding divorce do not end when the divorce is finalised. You might have questions about a certain aspect of your financial agreement, or your former spouse may not be adhering to arrangements regarding child maintenance or parental responsibility. If you have any questions or concerns, our family team are here to advise and guide you.
The cost of a divorce depends on the method you choose, your unique situation and the complexity of the case.
For an uncontested divorce, with a solicitor is acting, the cost of preparing the paperwork and progressing the proceedings can be as little as £1000 plus VAT on top of the standard court fee of £593. However, this cost will vary based on the experience of the solicitor you choose to work with.
When there are financial and/or child arrangements to resolve, solicitor costs can typically range from £2,500 to £25,000, especially if additional court proceedings are required. At Hepburn Delaney, we will tailor the advice and costs accordingly based on your situation as no two divorces are the same.
What is a consent order?
Marriage opens financial obligations towards your spouse, which are not automatically brought to an end through divorce proceedings. A consent order is legal document drafted by a solicitor that explains to the court how you intend to split assets such as money, property, pensions and savings. If you have a situation where both parties have agreed the financial settlement the consent order will be sent to a judge for approval as part of the divorce proceedings but without the need for a court hearing.
A consent order can include:
Financial claims such as capital income and pensions to be distributed
End date for claims, to stop them from continuing indefinitely
Enforcement for delayed or withheld maintenance payments from an ex-spouse
Obligations for certain assets such as pensions to be paid
The consent order is the only means by which you can be certain that any agreement will be upheld by both spouses.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
Obtaining a divorce in the UK can take as little as 6 months if the divorce is uncontested, you have finalised as much as you can beforehand with your spouse and there are no problems with sending documents to each other. Then it is a case of filling out paperwork.
However, it is important to note that whilst bringing the marriage to an end is relatively quick, the process often takes longer, particularly if agreement can’t be reached on financial matters and/or children arrangements. On average ending a marriage and agreeing a financial settlement takes around 12 months.
Why are the financial aspects for divorce separate from the divorce process?
Divorce is the act of terminating the marriage by the Court and is not concerned with the Financial side of the marriage.
Can I get legal aid for divorce?
Legal Aid is no longer available to pay the legal costs of divorce or dissolution unless there are specific circumstances. We do not provide Divorce under Legal Aid.
There are several ways Hepburn Delaney Solicitors can support you through your divorce. If your divorce is going to be agreed between you and your spouse, we offer an agreed estimated fee to undertake all the work from drafting the Application, right through to obtaining the final order. The only additional cost will be the Court fee and any additional work associated with financial remedy.
Alternatively, we can offer ad-hoc advice
All this is available at our competitive hourly rates.
