Divorce & Separation

The law requires that there is a minimum timeframe of 26 weeks, from the date of the application, to obtain a divorce. However, they can sometimes take longer than this if the parties are struggkling to reach an agreement regarding the financial settlement. We ensure that the process goes as quickly as it can do. 

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) has been hailed as a landmark reform of divorce law. Its goal is to make the divorce process less acrimonious by introducing what is often known as a ‘no fault divorce’. The changes removes the need to apportion blame to one party when seeking to obtain a divorce.

An application for divorce will simply state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and this does not need to be proved. 

To get a divorce you must have been married for at least 1 year. You can only apply for a divorce in the UK if either you or your spouse meet certain residence conditions or are domiciled here, irrespective as to where in the world you got married.

A divorce application can be filed by either or both parties together, although joint applications are not very common.

Following the divorce law changes in April 2022, it is now possible to get divorced even if you continue to live with your husband or wife.

A financial consent order, sometimes called a clean break consent order, details the financial agreement reached by a divorcing couple or a couple that has decided to dissolve their civil partnership. The issues that are commonly detailed within a consent order are the family home, pensions, savings, businesses and maintenance.

A financial consent order may be reached by agreement between the couple or through solicitors. If this is not possible, an application can be made to the Court so that the Judge can decide what the settlement will be.

It is essential that legal advice is sought prior to agreeing such an order. Failure to get it right may lead to significant expense to try and correct any mistakes made.

Find out more about financial consent orders and financial settlements by clicking here

In short, usually not.  However, this is only the case if all parts of the divorce are agreed. Should an aspect of the divorce be challenged by one of the parties, a Court hearing will usually have to take place so that the Judge can determine that issue. It is clearly more cost effective to avoid Court hearings.

If both parties agree the plans for the children then the Court will not seek to change this agreement.

If you cannot agree, then we would advise that you speak to a member of our team who can assist you in agreeing an arrangement that is in the best interests of your children. If an agreement can’t be reached regarding the children, then we can provide specialist advise on making a formal application to the Court.

For more details about Children Law, click here

If the paperwork has been processed correctly, you should receive notification of the date by which you need to have returned the acknowledgment of service to the Court. TIt is important that this form is carefully considered to ensure everything is as it should be. We would strongly recommend that you speak to our experience solicitors to make sure you have completed the form correctly.

This will depend whether you start the divorce or are responding to divorce papers.  At Sugare & Co Solicitors we charge as little as £700 plus VAT and the court fee (£593) if you start the divorce and £500 plus VAT if you are responding to a divorce. These figures assume that you both agree to divorce.  Fixed fees are also offered should you require a financial consent order.

Take advantage of our free initial consultation by calling 0113 244 6978 or by using the online enquiry form.

The breakdown of marriage is listed as one of the most stressful things that we can experience in life. Divorce can not only be difficult emotionally, it can also become complex at times. Sugare & Co are here to explain the different aspects of the process to ensure that sure you understand it, whilst also ensuring that the procedural aspects of the divorce are taken care of.

The divorce solicitors at Sugare & Co provide divorce advice in a friendly and digestible way throughout the process. We have close ties to a number of experts in their chosen fields, such as counsellors, financial advisors, pension experts and property valuers, to ensure that no stone is left unturned and you have the support that you need. Our priority is you.