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Divorce Solicitors in London

At Crisp & Co, our divorce solicitors in London understand that when a marriage breaks down, dealing with the divorce and separation is difficult and often very distressing.

As well as dealing with the emotional fallout from the breakdown of your relationship, there may also be issues surrounding children and the division of your financial assets. That is where our expert divorce solicitors in London are on hand to lend their support and expertise.

Our aim is to provide first class and tailored divorce advice that makes the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, allowing you to move ahead with the next chapter of your life with confidence.

Our divorce lawyers in London have a broad range of expertise with divorce and all of the subsequent arrangements that need to be made, including the division of finances and suitable arrangements for children.

We are also able to provide support for divorce applications following the introduction of no-fault divorce, which came into effect on 6 April 2022 as a part of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.

No-fault divorce essentially allows couples to apply for a divorce, civil partnership dissolution or legal separation without having to blame each other or rely on one of the five previously established ‘facts’ to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship.

No matter the circumstances, our divorce solicitors always strive to provide our clients with a secure outcome that is right for both them and their families. As such, the divorce advice and guidance we offer is carefully tailored to suit each individual’s personal circumstances and what it is they are looking to achieve.

As well as providing traditional representation in Court for divorce and separation, our divorce solicitors in London are also trained in collaborative law and mediation. We use these alternative methods of dealing with the breakdown of family relationships and divorce to provide a less confrontational approach which promotes a more harmonious outcome.

Our divorce solicitors understand that legal fees can come as an unwelcome consequence of receiving divorce advice and support. We can assure you that we provide the best possible expertise and a competitive and reasonable price, and we endeavour to provide accurate cost estimates and time frames from the outset.

Our expert divorce solicitors in London can support you with all aspects of divorce and separation, including:

  • Legal advice for divorce
  • Starting divorce proceedings as a sole applicant
  • Starting a joint divorce application
  • Making arrangements for finances
  • Making arrangements for children
  • Engaging in alternative dispute resolution
  • Civil partnership dissolution
  • Annulment
  • High net worth divorce
  • Military divorces
  • International divorce
  • Legal separation

Speak to our divorce solicitors in London

For specialist advice and support for divorce, please get in touch with our divorce solicitors in London and across the South East now by calling 0330 013 0381 or contact your local Crisp & Co office.

How can our divorce solicitors help

Divorce

At Crisp & Co, we know that getting divorced can be an emotionally draining and stressful time. When you’re up against this challenge, our experienced divorce lawyers can assist you, helping with every practical task, and ensuring that the process runs smoothly.

We can assist you with applying for a divorce, whether as a sole applicant or a joint applicant. We can help you through the process of obtaining a Conditional Order, and later a Final Order, legally confirming that you are no longer married.

If you would like to book a divorce consultation today, please get in touch with our divorce solicitors at Crisp & Co.

Divorce & Finances

When going through a divorce, you are likely to need support with the related financial matters. Our expert team can support you with all manner of divorce and finance related tasks, including:

  • Reaching a voluntary financial settlement out of Court where possible
  • Obtaining a Financial Order if necessary
  • Obtaining a Clean Break Order
  • Legal advice related to divorce and pensions
  • Support through Court proceedings if required

Child Arrangements

When you’re going through a divorce, you’ll likely be concerned about the effect on any children you have.

Rest assured, we can help you to negotiate child arrangements, determining where your children will live for the majority of the time, whether or not child residency/child care will be shared, and establishing child contact for each parent.

We can assist you in making the necessary arrangements for your children out of court or support you with court proceedings if required.

For more information about children law and divorce, including obtaining a Child Arrangements Order, please contact our solicitors for divorce.

Family dispute resolution

Our expert lawyers understand that family disputes can be both stressful and complex. Thankfully, we have much experience helping families resolve disputes out of court, including those focused on divorce matters.

With our high level expertise in alternative family dispute resolution, most of the time we can help you to resolve matters out of court. Avoiding court proceedings means saving time and money, as well as reducing stress.

For more information about using family dispute resolution for divorce matters, please contact our divorce lawyers.

Civil Partnership Dissolution

Civil partnership dissolution follows the same process as divorce, including the right to obtain a dissolution on a no-fault basis. Regardless, there may be some related legal issues that require the support of a lawyer with experience in civil partnerships and same-sex relationships.

If you are considering dissolving your civil partnership, our expert lawyers at Crisp & Co can help you every step of the way. We can also assist with related matters including child arrangements and financial settlements.

More information can be found on our same-sex relationships page.

Annulment

An annulment is a process used to end a marriage, by demonstrating that the marriage was in fact never legally valid in the first place. For many people, this may be a suitable alternative to divorce, depending on the situation.

Divorce is only an option after being married for one year, and so, for those who do not wish to wait this long, annulment could be an alternative. It may also be preferable for couples who have personal or religious reasons for not wanting to go through a divorce.

To discuss this option today, please contact our annulment solicitors.

High Net Worth Divorce

High net worth individuals and couples are likely to face more complications during the divorce process. For this reason, it is advisable to work with a solicitor with expertise in high net worth divorce.

At Crisp & Co, we have much experience working with high net worth individuals. We can guide you through all of the necessary processes. Our team can help you navigate the common issues that arise during these divorces, a few of which include:

  • The division of complex assets, potentially including several properties, businesses, investments, trusts and inheritance
  • International assets, and the associated complexities that may arise
  • Conflict regarding who is entitled to what, particularly where one partner had acquired substantial wealth prior to the marriage
  • Concerns regarding hidden assets and failure to provide a frank financial disclosure

Military Divorce

Military divorces are the same as civilian divorces, in terms of the eligibility requirements, and the process followed.

Regardless, there are certain associated issues that require specialist legal attention. For instance, issues surrounding military pensions and service accommodation, as well as making arrangements for children.

At Crisp & Co, we have much experience supporting couples with military divorce and can provide expert support with all military divorce matters.

International Divorce

If you are going through an international divorce, it’s important that you have the right kind of legal support.

Our team have much experience working with couples who are going through an international divorce. We can help with all related matters, including:

  • Legal advice regarding which country to initiate divorce proceedings in
  • Liaising with legal experts in different countries where required
  • Support with the complexities of international child arrangements
  • Support with the complexities of internationally located assets

If you are an international couple and are interested in legal advice for divorce, our friendly and professional solicitors would be more than happy to assist you.

Legal Separation

If your relationship has unfortunately ended, and you do not wish to get divorced or dissolve your civil partnership at this time, our experts can support you to obtain a legal separation.

We appreciate that this is a difficult time and that you are likely to have many questions. Rest assured, our experts at Crisp & Co can explain how a legal separation works, and help you to create a separation agreement, to arrange the necessary practicalities.

What is ‘no fault divorce?’

Under the terms of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which came into force in England and Wales on 6 April 2022, the divorce and civil partnership process has been more straightforward for separating couples.

Couples can now file for a ‘no fault’ divorce, where neither party is required to place blame on the other to prove the breakdown of the marriage. No fault divorce and the changes included in the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 only affect the proceedings related to legally ending the marriage or civil partnership. They do not affect the separation of finances or arrangements for children.

We have much experience helping clients move through the no fault divorce process, for more information, contact our divorce lawyers.

What are the grounds for divorce?

In order to get a divorce in England or Wales, you must have been married for at least one year under a legally recognised marriage, and you must also, in most cases, have a permanent home in England or Wales.

In order to apply for divorce, you will have to prove that your marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’. Under the previous rules, to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, a couple would have to rely on an established ‘reason’, such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation.

Now, with no fault divorce, providing a reason for the breakdown of the relationship is no longer required. A statement of irretrievable breakdown is all that is required when filing for a divorce application.

The court fee for issuing a divorce application is currently £593 in England and Wales. Assistance with fees may be available if you are on a low income or benefits. You can find current information on assistance with paying court and tribunal fees here.

Conditional Orders

A Conditional Order (formerly known as a Decree Nisi) is confirmation from the court that it does not see any reason why you cannot proceed with a divorce.

The court will issue a Conditional Order a minimum of 20 weeks after the divorce application is made.

Final Orders

The Final Order is the legal confirmation that your marriage has officially ended. There is a 6-week waiting period after the Conditional Order is issued.

If a sole applicant fails to apply for the Final Order within 3 months, it is possible for the respondent to apply for it instead.

With no fault divorce in place, proceedings now take a minimum of 26 weeks. This is due to there being two separate minimum waiting periods. There is a 20 week waiting period for the Conditional Order to be issued and a further 6 week waiting period for the Final Order.

To access legal help for divorce today, please get in touch.

Where can I find more information on divorce?

The following resources should provide additional information about the various aspects of divorce:

    General Divorce Questions

    When you are facing a divorce, you will naturally have plenty of questions.

    How long will it take? How much will it cost? Do I have to go to court? Is it possible to get Legal Aid? What will happen about our children? How do we deal with the financial side of things? These are just some of the common questions posed to the dedicated London based divorce and family law team at Crisp & Co., and there are numerous others that we answer on a regular basis.

    To assist you, our team has compiled a comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions on divorce together with general responses. We do hope you find them helpful, but of course there is no substitute for personalised advice based around your individual situation, so if there is anything you’d like to ask us about your particular circumstances, please do not hesitate in giving us a call on 0330 013 0381. We have several offices across London and our friendly experts are on hand to give you the tailored guidance you need to help get your life back on track.

    Children and Divorce FAQs

    What does divorce mean legally?

    A divorce legally ends your marriage and leaves you free to re-marry.

    Won't getting lawyers involved make things hostile?

    In order to obtain a divorce, you will have to apply to a Court but it is most unlikely that you will have to go to the Court.

    Crisp & Co's divorce solicitors in London work within the Resolution Family Law Group protocol which endeavours to minimise the emotional distress of divorce on all members of the family. For more information see the Resolution code/protocol page.

    Crisp & Co lawyers also support Mediation as a way of resolving family and matrimonial breakdown. Mediation is the process by which couples seek to resolve the issues relating to divorce, dissolution, finance and children, without the need for Court involvement. More information can be found on our mediation page.

    We also have solicitors specialising in the Collaborative Law process, which promotes an open and non-confrontational approach to relationship breakdown. More information can be found on our collaborative law page.

    If you have any concerns and would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact our divorce lawyers in London.

    Can I use the same solicitor as my spouse?

    Solicitors are not permitted to act for both parties to a divorce. This is known as a ‘conflict of interest’, so it will be necessary to instruct another firm to represent you.

    How will our family assets be split?

    The way in which a family’s assets are divided on divorce is complex and referable to both the governing legislation and the interpretation of that legislation handed down by the higher Courts. A whole range of factors are taken into account, which include the length of the marriage the financial assets and liabilities of the parties and their children’s needs.

    For more information, you will need an appointment to discuss your particular circumstances with a lawyer. However, general information can be found on our divorce and finances page.

    How long does it take to get divorced?

    Following the introduction of no-fault divorce, proceedings now take a minimum of 26 weeks. This is because there is a minimum 20-week wait for the Conditional Order (previously known as Decree Nisi) to be issued and then a further 6-week wait after this for the Final Order (previously known as Decree Absolute) to be issued.

    What are the grounds for divorce?

    In order to get a divorce in England or Wales, you must have been married for at least one year under a legally recognised marriage, and you must also, in most cases, have a permanent home in England or Wales.

    In order to apply for divorce, you will have to prove that your marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’. Under the previous rules, to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, a couple would have to rely on an established ‘reason’, such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation.

    Now, with no fault divorce, providing a reason for the breakdown of the relationship is no longer required. A statement of irretrievable breakdown is all that is required when filing for a divorce application.

    Do you have to go to court for a divorce?

    It is actually very rare for divorce cases to proceed to court. In many situations and wherever possible, a non-confrontational process will be used. If you are engaging a solicitor who is a member of Resolution (see question ‘What is Resolution?’) then they will have signed up to this sort of approach and will encourage the use of alternative methods of reaching agreements, such as mediation and collaborative law.

    Do I need a solicitor for divorce?

    Individual circumstances are likely to dictate whether it will be beneficial to engage the professional services of a divorce solicitor.

    However, even with the introduction of no-fault divorce, if there is any hint of complexity associated with your divorce, including if the division of finances is complex or if there are children involved, then you should give serious consideration to using a solicitor.

    If you and your spouse own significant assets or are in business together; if there are overseas connections; if one of you has been declared bankrupt, or if you expect to be financially dependent on your spouse once the divorce has been finalised. In most cases, it would be to your advantage to engage a solicitor to guide you through the negotiations to secure your position for the future.

    Our London divorce solicitors can support you throughout every stage, answering any questions you have along the way.

    What if my spouse lacks mental capacity?

    You are still able to apply for a divorce if your spouse lacks mental capacity and is unable to agree to the divorce or take part in the case. Your spouse will need to have someone representing them so that decisions can be made. This person is known as a ‘litigation friend’ and can be a close friend, a family member or someone else they feel they can trust. If there is no one suitable for this role then an application can be made to the court to appoint a litigation friend.

    What is collaborative law?

    Collaborative law is a process by which people can work towards a resolution to the issues they are facing during their relationship breakdown. Each party appoints their own solicitor, but instead of negotiating by telephone or letter, discussions take place courtesy of a series of four-way meetings. By working together it is easier to reach an outcome that considers the best interests of the entire family. Direct communication helps to keep everything on a more even keel, particularly where children are involved and with the help of your collaborative lawyer, you will find it easier to make mutually beneficial decisions between you and your spouse.

    What is mediation?

    Mediation is a method by which separating couples can agree and resolve the typical issues that arise during the divorce process. During mediation you will work with an impartial guide who will act much like an umpire, guiding you and your spouse through face to face discussions about matters such as children and finances. The mediator is a trained individual who will not represent either party but will instead be impartial.

    Once an agreement has been reached, the mediator will draft a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ to formally set out the proposals. Your solicitor will then use this to draw up your official agreement and further advise you.

    Mediation is not suitable for all situations, but it is the right approach for many people and if there is a need for court proceedings to be issued then you will usually be expected to at least have attended a meeting concerning mediation (a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting - MIAM).

    If your solicitor believes that a MIAM is not appropriate or necessary, perhaps because proceedings need to commence urgently or because domestic violence is involved, then they will let you know.

    What is Resolution?

    Resolution is an organisation that you will more than likely hear mentioned during the course of your divorce. There are 6,500 members, all of them family lawyers and other professionals, and every one of them is dedicated to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Members follow a code of conduct backed by a non-confrontational approach, encouraging solutions that take into account the needs and best interests of the entire family, in particular the children.

    How much does a divorce cost?

    Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. The legal costs depend on the length of time it takes to reach an agreement both in respect of the divorce and the division of the family finances. However, at Crisp & Co we pride ourselves on offering the most competitive rates for the best expertise.

    We do understand that it is important that you know from the outset what your legal fees are likely to amount to. For this reason, we provide each and every client with a bespoke costs plan and time estimate from the very first appointment (for which there is no charge) with regular updates as needed.

    Our London divorce lawyers will ensure that you are entirely happy with your fee before we proceed.

    Who pays solicitors fees in a divorce in the UK?

    During divorce proceedings, the applicant will typically be responsible for paying the divorce application fee.

    With a joint application, one couple will be responsible for paying the fee, but an arrangement can usually be made between both parties to split the bill.

    The Importance of Tailored Advice on Divorce

    The family and child law specialists at Crisp & Co Solicitors have put together this guide with the aim of providing general assistance on the various issues surrounding divorce. Please do bear in mind that the answers to the questions posed are not specific to any particular circumstances and that it is of great importance before making any decisions that you take tailored advice from a legal specialist. You can get the advice you need from our experts by calling 0330 013 0381.

    What should I do next?  

    Get in contact with us. We have offices located around London and the South East. Call or email us now to arrange your initial consultation.

    Is there anything I need to bring with me to my first appointment with Crisp & Co? 

    It is useful if you provide us with:-

    • Your passport or photo identity driving licence plus another proof of identity with your name and address, such as a recent utility bill.
    • Your marriage certificate or certificate of civil partnership – if you have it.
    • Any letters or documents that have been sent to you by your partner/husband/wife’s solicitors.
    • Any documents that have been sent to you by the Court.

    Don’t worry if you cannot provide the information listed above at the first appointment, this can always be given at a later date. However, the more information you can provide us with, the better we will be able to advise you.

    Contact our divorce solicitors in London today

    To book an appointment, simply call us on 0330 013 0381, send us an email at info@crispandco.com or use the enquiry form below to request a call back.