Are you looking for an affordable divorce solicitor in London? Please contact our fixed-fee family law solicitors to get the legal advice and help you need.

Divorce and separation are very difficult decisions to make and should never be taken lightly. We are aware of the sensitivity and complexity involved in divorce matters. To make your life easier, our highly trained and experienced divorce lawyers will guide and support you at each step of the divorce process.

To contact our specialist divorce and family law solicitors, call us on 0203 417 3700, or complete our online enquiry form.

  1. Getting a divorce or ending your civil partnership
  2. What is a no-fault divorce?
  3. How to file for divorce?
  4. What information is required to apply for divorce
  5. How long does a divorce normally take in the UK?
  6. Financial settlement in divorce
  7. Spousal maintenance after divorce
  8. How much does a divorce cost?
  9. How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
  10. Divorce lawyers in London
  11. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Getting a divorce or ending your civil partnership

Divorce in England & Wales is a legal process to end a marriage between husband and wife after the relationship between them has broken down irretrievably.

We understand that the process of divorce and dissolution of a civil partnership can be extremely difficult for all concerned, especially children.

Our divorce Solicitors will combine their legal expertise and experience with their pragmatic, empathetic and sensitive approach to make sure your separation proceeds as fairly and smoothly as possible.

Your interests and those of your children are paramount, and we will do all we can to ensure these are upheld and protected at all times. You can be assured that any costs for your divorce or dissolution will be fully explained before proceedings start, giving you the confidence that you know exactly what to expect.

What is a no-fault divorce?

On 6th April 2022, the new Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) came into force, allowing separating couples to divorce without needing to prove who was at fault. This means that there is no longer a need to cite one of the five grounds for divorce. In turn, it is hoped this will reduce much of the anger and resentment associated with blaming the other person for the breakdown of the marriage.

The other important changes include:

  • It is no longer possible to contest a divorce petition
  • Separating couples can file jointly for divorce
  • There is a minimum mandatory period of 20 weeks between the start of the divorce process and the granting of a Conditional Order.

How to file for divorce?

You can apply for divorce in England or Wales if you have been legally married for over a year and your relationship has permanently broken down.

Before you apply for a divorce, you must decide whether you want to make a joint application with your husband or wife or whether you want to apply on your own.

You can apply for a divorce or to dissolve a civil partnership online or by using paper form D8.

What information is required to apply for divorce

When you apply for a divorce, you will need to provide the following information:

  • your husband or wife’s full name and address
  • your original marriage certificate or a certified copy
  • proof of your name change, if you have changed it since you got married

You must try to find your husband or wife’s current address if you do not know it. The court will need it to send them a copy of the divorce petition.

How long does a divorce normally take in the UK?

A divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership usually takes 6 months to complete the process. However, it may take longer depending on the complexity of the matter.

The no-fault divorce process removes the requirement for separating couples to be separated for two or five years, but a final divorce is still not granted immediately upon application.

Firstly, there is a mandatory 20-week period between filing the petition and the Conditional Order.

Secondly, there is a six-week period between the Conditional Order and the Final Order. As such, even the smoothest divorce is likely to take at least six months to reach completion.

If there are disagreements between the separating parties regarding financial matters and children, it may take much longer than six months to complete the divorce process.

If you choose Wembley Solicitors to represent you, you can be assured that we will do everything we can to make your divorce or civil dissolution proceed as quickly as possible and with your best interests and those of your children as our primary focus.

Financial settlement in divorce

The financial settlement is a key stage of the divorce process where the Court decides how to divide finances and other assets between both parties.

General people think that all the financial ties will automatically end once the marriage is legally ended but unfortunately this is not true.

If you are applying for a divorce and want to discuss your financial settlement options, contact our financial settlement solicitors at 0203 417 3700.

Spousal maintenance after divorce

Spousal maintenance is an amount awarded by the Family Courts to be paid by a former husband or wife to their ex-partner after divorce or dissolution.

Spousal maintenance is usually paid on a monthly basis and continues either for a defined period (term of years) or for the remainder of the parties’ life (known as a “joint lives order”).

If you need legal advice or assistance with spousal maintenance, please make a free enquiry by calling us on 0203 417 3700 or filling out our online enquiry form.

How much does a divorce cost?

The court fee for filing a divorce in England & Wales is £593 which needs to be paid at the time of submitting your divorce petition to the family court.

Additionally, you will pay the legal costs of divorce solicitors if are represented by a divorce solicitor in your divorce matter.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

At Wembley Solicitors, we can offer affordable divorce related legal services on a fixed fee basis with no hidden costs or nasty financial surprises.

Our divorce solicitors in London charge a fixed fee from £1000-£1500 (Plus VAT) for complete legal services regarding your divorce application.

Divorce lawyers in London

Our team of family law solicitors in London has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with all types of complex divorce and family law matters.

We understand that divorce and dissolution are never easy. It is often fraught with anger, resentment, worry, fear, and doubt. We also know that with great change comes hope, optimism, and confidence about your future. When engaging our services, we will do all we can to empower you by explaining your legal position and the remedies available. We will work by your side to help ensure you and your children are as best prepared for the next stage of your life as possible.

Call on 0203 417 3700 to speak to our family law solicitors in Wembley, London today or fill in the enquiry form for immediate advice & assistance with your divorce matter.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You can get divorced in England & Wales only after you have been married for at least one year.

If your marriage was not consummated, you may be able to apply for annulment of your marriage even if you are married for less than a year.

Yes, you can start divorce proceedings in England if you have a valid marriage certificate. The key issue is determining whether the marriage is valid and legal in the country within which the ceremony took place, with the local custom being observed. If the marriage has been carried out by the local laws and customs of the country in which it took place, it is usually a valid legal marriage.

You should also meet all the following requirements for getting divorced in England & Wales:

  • you have been married for over a year
  • your relationship has permanently broken down
  • your marriage is legally recognised in England & Wales (including same-sex marriage)
  • Either you or your husband/wife is habitually resident in England & Wales

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