Divorce Lawyers
Our divorce lawyers are specialists who understand that coming to the decision that your marriage or civil partnership has ended can be a difficult time.
If it is clear that your relationship has ended, then the first step is to consult a lawyer to discuss the process for divorce along with the other issues that may arise out of your decision, for example the settlement of your finances and arrangements for the care of your children.
Taking advice early can help put your mind at ease as you will be able to ask any questions that you may have and feel better informed about the process.
We offer an initial consultation to discuss your case with one of our family team – Free 15 minutes.
We do not offer legal aid.
A meeting can be arranged in any of our London, Camberley or Wokingham offices.
I have been married for less than a year – can I get divorced?
In order to divorce in England and Wales, parties must have been married for at least one year. In the event that you wish to formally record your separation and any agreement you have reached in relation to your finances, one option is to enter into a Separation Agreement which can stay in place until such time as you can divorce.
Can we apply for a no fault divorce?
It does not have to be. You may have heard that unless you have been separated from your partner for 2 years and they consent to a divorce, or 5 years and they don’t consent, then the only way you can divorce is if you rely on their unreasonable behaviour or adultery. This is the law as it stands, however, this will also change when the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 comes into effect in April 2022. Under the new law there will be no need to ‘blame’ one spouse for the divorce. In the meantime, we are experienced in drafting divorce petitions in such a way that the ‘particulars of behaviour’ are reasonably mild and anodyne if this is your preference.
My partner and I have made the joint decision to divorce – can we petition for divorce together?
No, at this time it is not possible to petition for divorce jointly. This is set to change in April 2022, when the new Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 is expected to come into force. After this, it will be possible to petition on a joint basis.
I want to finalise my divorce as soon as possible and move on. Is there anything stopping me?
Whilst the actual process for obtaining a divorce can in theory conclude within 4-6 months, most people find that the process of resolving their finances can delay matters. In most circumstances, we advise that a party to divorce does not apply for Decree Absolute (to finalise their divorce) until the resolution of their finances. One key reason for this is that if parties divorce before their financial agreement is finalised and then one of them passes away, the other spouse may lose any spousal death-in-service pension benefits that they would have been entitled to had they remained married.
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Acting for and advising a high net worth client on a division of the matrimonial assets following a short marriage. The case settled out of court and we were able to successfully negotiate a settlement whereby the majority of the assets (including high value properties held by a business in which the client had a shareholding) were retained by our client.

Business divorce
Acting for and advising high net worth overseas clients on the successful negotiation of a matrimonial settlement, including property abroad and in the UK and business interests.

International divorce
Acting for and advising high net worth overseas clients on the successful negotiation of a matrimonial settlement, including property abroad and in the UK and business interests.

Children dispute
Advising a client concerning a dispute involving children whereby the unmarried ex-partner made a claim for capital, top up of child maintenance and payment of school fees under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989.
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