Divorce and Dividing Assets
Reasons to choose Wilson Browne
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*Before you call us please read the important information in the drop-down below:
Free initial call / exploratory discussion.
During the initial phone call with either a member of our New Enquiries Team, or an appropriate member of our Family Law Team, we’ll discuss the key aspects of your enquiry.
During this call we will take all of the necessary information to enable us to determine whether we can help – think of it as essential fact-finding. From here we can guide you on the best course of action, and the likely costs.
It is important to understand that we do not offer free initial meetings and neither do we offer free legal advice: we are unable to give legal advice until you formally retain our services and become a client.
Divorce solicitors in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire
As an award-winning law firm with an extensive team of experienced lawyers, each with their own strengths and specialisms, we know that divorce can be one of the most difficult stages in an individual’s life. For quality legal support from both experienced and qualified divorce solicitors, we can help.
Founded in 2009, we have over a decade of invaluable experience supporting our clients from the moment they file for divorce through to the pronouncement of the Decree Absolute. Known for our outstanding client service and legal advice, you can rest assured safe in the knowledge that all our lawyers are members of Resolution – a community of family justice professionals that aim to resolve issues in a constructive way.
What does getting divorced mean?
For a married couple (including same-sex couples, or those in a civil partnership) divorce or dissolution is the legal process of ending a marriage/civil partnership through a Court procedure. However, it rarely involves the necessity to attend Court. Many divorces proceed uncontested (not challenged or disputed) which helps to save time and money, while also reducing stress and acrimony between parties.
What is financial settlement in divorce?
A financial divorce settlement includes much more than just savings and investments. It also covers property and its contents including personal items (the family home), pensions, life insurance policies, vehicles, businesses and even debts, loans and credit cards.
The family home is often particularly central to the break-up as it’s likely to be the single biggest asset. By working with you, we aim to reach the best possible settlement for you and your family – this could be in the form of a lump sum payment, legal title transfer or complete sale of the property. All finances should be declared to the former spouse as part of this settlement process.
If your former partner is not willing to sell or come to a financial divorce agreement, we can issue Court proceedings on your behalf. The Court can then determine the best route forward taking into consideration your respective interests and/or a sale of the property, allowing you to get on with your life.
How does a No-Fault Divorce work?
In April 2022, after many years of advocation from Family Law practitioners, significant reforms to the Divorce process in England and Wales were introduced – the first substantial reforms in 50 years. The most momentous of these reforms led to the ‘No Fault Divorce’ – an amicable approach to divorce where couples won’t be required to blame their former partner for the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage.
The aim of the long-awaited Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 is to avoid forcing parties into point scoring and finger-pointing. Instead, it hopes to encourage amicable separations – especially important for marriages with children. Under previous legislation, if a couple had been separated for less than two years, one party was required to ‘blame’ the other for the breakdown of the relationship in the divorce application.
To do this, they would either need to provide evidence of their former partner’s adultery or detail examples of their unreasonable behaviour. While the divorce solicitors at Wilson Browne welcome these reforms encouraging amicable separations, we also acknowledge that they are not without limitations, the full extent of which is still yet to be determined.
How long does it take to obtain a divorce?
Typically, a divorce or dissolution can take anywhere between six to eight months if it’s not defended, and proceedings can be issued after one year of either getting married or committing to a civil partnership. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that additional issues relating to money, property or children could draw out this process for even longer.
According to official Government guidance, in order to obtain a divorce in England or Wales you must have been married/part of the civil partnership for over a year, the relationship should be in a state or permanent disrepair, and it should be legally recognised in the UK (this includes same-sex marriage).
How much do solicitors charge for divorce?
Unfortunately, both divorce and separation can be costly. However, here at Wilson Browne, we aim to keep these costs affordable, manageable and predictable. Prior to beginning any soliciting work on your behalf, you’ll receive an estimate of our fees.
Only once you’ve confirmed that you’re happy with our estimated costs will we start the divorce proceedings. Upon receipt of your instruction to work with us, we’ll keep you informed of costs every step of the way, ensuring every cost is both clear and understandable.
Why Wilson Browne divorce solicitors?
Not only are our team of solicitors qualified and highly-experienced in their own legal fields, but they’re also award-winning to boot. Recognised and recommended by The Legal 500, the world’s leading guide to the best law firms across the globe, their 2022 editorial confirmed expertise in 9 areas with no less than 15 lawyers recognised as Leading Lawyers.
Not to mention, we also come highly commended by The Law Society, an independent professional body for solicitors in England and Wales, as part of their 2020 national Excellence Awards, while the Northamptonshire Law Society has awarded us Law Firm of the Year in both 2019 and 2021. Plus, the media often look to us to provide professional advice on a wide range of important legal matters, cementing our reputation as a well-informed and reliable firm.
Searching for ‘divorce solicitors near me’?
With offices spread out across both Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, you’re never far from an established team of expert divorce solicitors. You can find our offices in Northampton, Leicester, Kettering and Corby, Higham Ferrers and Wellingborough, so please feel free to schedule a meeting at your local branch.
End the search for a divorce solicitor today. To get in contact with an experienced member of our team at Wilson Brownse Solicitors, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0800 088 6004. Alternatively, you can also use our convenient online contact form to send us your enquiry. Simply fill in your basic contact details, contact preferences, enquiry details and nearest office, and we’ll be in touch shortly to discuss your family law and divorce solicitor requirements.
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