Clear, practical legal guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
If you are experiencing difficulties in your marriage, it may be helpful to explore whether those issues can be resolved with the support of a trained relationship counsellor. If this is not possible and the relationship has broken down irretrievably, seeking legal advice early can help you understand your options and plan the next steps with confidence.
Since April 2022, the divorce process in England and Wales has moved to a no-fault system.
This means:
Under the new system, a divorce cannot usually be contested.
It can only be challenged on very limited technical grounds (such as jurisdiction), which helps reduce unnecessary conflict during the process.
The divorce itself does not resolve financial matters. These must be dealt with separately to ensure a fair outcome.
Children:
Arrangements for children are handled independently, focusing on their wellbeing and long-term stability.
We guide you through both areas to ensure your interests are protected and agreements are properly recorded.
Claire offers an initial face-to-face or telephone consultation for a fixed fee of £125 + VAT.
During this meeting, she will:
Additional Info:
Whatever your circumstances, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
No. Under the no‑fault divorce system introduced in April 2022, you do not need your spouse’s agreement to apply for a divorce. You can make a sole application on your own, or a joint application if you both agree. Your spouse cannot contest the divorce itself, although they can still engage with issues such as finances or arrangements for children.
Once the Final Order is granted, the marriage is legally ended. This allows both parties to remarry if they wish. However, the Final Order does not automatically resolve financial matters. If financial claims have not been formally settled, either party may still be able to bring a claim after the divorce has concluded.
No, finances do not have to be settled before the divorce itself is completed. However, it is strongly advisable to reach a financial settlement and have it approved by the court (usually by way of a Consent Order) either before or at the same time as the Final Order is made. Without a formal financial order, financial claims may remain open indefinitely.