Divorce & Separation 

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About Divorce & Separation

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force on the 6th of April 2022 and marks a significant change to how couples will divorce in England and Wales. Couples are no longer required to cite blame for the reason why their marriage has broken down. Instead, the only reason for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The no-fault divorce proceedings have made the divorce process a lot simpler for couples or civil partnerships to end their relationship in the eyes of the law.

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How It Works

If you are looking for legal advice on matters relating to divorce and separation, Townsend Family Law is here to support you.

Application

Either party can apply to start divorce proceedings or both parties can do so jointly without having to apportion blame.  To submit the divorce application you will need to pay the court fee of £593.

Petition

The divorce petition cannot be contested save for exceptional circumstances such as a challenge to whether a marriage was valid or for jurisdictional reasons.  

Conditional Order

The period between the application for the divorce and the grant of a Conditional Order (formerly a Decree Nisi Order) is a minimum of 20 weeks. There will then be a further six weeks between the Conditional Order and the Final Order.

Final Order

It now takes a minimum of 26 weeks to dissolve a marriage starting from the application for Divorce to the granting of the Final Order (formerly Decree Absolute).  

There is a delay of six weeks between the conditional and the final order to give couples some time to think about whether they want to end their marriage.

The time it takes to get a divorce in the UK can vary depending on the circumstances. If both parties agree to the divorce and there are no complications, it can take 26 weeks. However, disagreements about issues such as child custody, financial arrangements, or the grounds for divorce take much longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Choose Townsend Family Law?

Townsend Family Law is a well-respected law firm operating in Waltham Abbey, that specialises in providing legal services for divorce and separation cases.

If you are looking for divorce solicitors to help you begin divorce proceedings, or you are looking for advice on separation and the divorce process, then Townsend Family Law would be an ideal choice for you.

Expertise in Divorce and Separation Cases

Townsend Family Law has extensive experience in handling divorce and separation cases. The firm has a team of highly qualified and experienced solicitors who have a deep understanding of the complexities of family law. They are well-versed in legal procedures involved in divorce and separation cases and can provide you with the right guidance to help you navigate the process.

Personalised Attention

With Townsend Family Law, you can expect to receive personalised attention from your divorce solicitor. We understand that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach, whether this be for a marriage or civil partnership. Our divorce solicitors will take the time to understand your specific needs and circumstances and will work closely with you to develop a strategy that is best suited to your situation. The divorce lawyer will also keep you informed every step of the way while also providing you with expert legal advice to ensure that you are fully aware of the progress of your case.

Cost-Effective Services

Townsend Family Law is committed to providing cost-effective services to its clients. The firm understands that legal fees can be a significant burden on clients, especially those facing financial disputes and divorce and separation. This is why we offer a low-cost fixed-rate divorce package to clients who do not have the added complexity of settling their financial settlements or agreeing on arrangements for their children. We also offer a no strings attached fixed fee consultation at a cost of £125 plus VAT, this meeting can be in person, over Skype or by telephone. It is important to note that you are under no obligation to instruct us after the initial consultation but if you do decide to instruct, we will provide you with an estimate of the costs you are likely to incur at each stage of the proceedings.  As members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Resolution, we are committed to following the Law Society’s Family Law Protocol and Resolution’s code of practice. Following the industry standards for family law practitioners and we advocate and promote a non-confrontational approach to family breakdown.

Compassionate and Supportive Approach

Divorce and separation can be emotionally challenging and stressful processes. Our divorce solicitors at Townsend Family Law understand this and will provide you with compassionate and supportive guidance throughout the duration of the process. Our divorce solicitors will listen to your concerns and provide you with the support you need to get through this difficult time. They will also work with you to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

If you are looking for legal advice on matters relating to divorce and separation, Townsend Family Law is here to support you.

Divorce Information

How long does it take to get a divorce?

The time it takes to get a divorce in the UK can vary depending on the circumstances. If both parties agree to the divorce and there are no complications, it can take 26 weeks. However, disagreements about issues such as child custody, financial arrangements, or the grounds for divorce take much longer.

Who can apply for a divorce?

Either spouse can apply for a divorce if they have been married for at least one year and the relationship has broken down. Same-sex couples can also apply for a divorce. If a couple has been married for less than one year, they can apply for an annulment instead of a divorce, however, the circumstances in which you can apply for an annulment are very limited. Our solicitors can guide you through your options in your consultation.

How is property divided during a divorce?

This will depend on the individual circumstances of each case. All assets are considered to include property, pensions, savings and investments. Children are always the first consideration.  Property and assets will be shared firstly to meet the needs of the separated family and secondly to share what is left in the fairest way possible. The court can order a clean break if it is satisfied that the separated family can adjust to life after divorce without ongoing financial support otherwise, the court can make a spousal maintenance order usually set for a fixed term.

Can I contest a divorce?

It is possible to contest a divorce, but it is very difficult to do so. If one spouse contests the divorce, they can file a response to the divorce petition and attend court hearings. However, the court will usually grant the divorce if one party wants it, so it can be challenging to successfully contest a divorce. If a divorce is contested, it can take much longer to finalise than an uncontested divorce.

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