Whether you are married, not married, in a civil partnership, or there are jurisdiction issues, the breakdown of a relationship can be both emotionally and legally complex. We can discuss all the options available to you, dependent on your specific circumstances. Understanding your rights and obligations is crucial to making informed decisions and achieving a fair outcome. We provide clear, sensitive advice tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring you move forward with confidence and clarity.
We advise individuals at every stage of the separation process, whether you’re considering your options or ready to initiate proceedings. Our focus is always on resolving matters efficiently, and protecting your best interests.
If you are considering separation or have already decided to divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, please call us on 0203 924 8462 or fill in our contact form. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
We can assist wherever you are based.
We advise and represent clients in all aspects of divorce, separation, and civil partnership dissolution, including:
Sole or Joint Divorce Applications: We guide clients through the process of applying for divorce or dissolution under the no-fault system introduced in April 2022.
Separation for Unmarried Couples: We advise cohabiting couples on their legal position when separating, including property and financial issues.
Jurisdictional Issues: We assist clients where there may be questions over which country has legal authority to deal with the separation.
Financial Matters: We help clients reach fair and practical financial settlements, whether by agreement or through the courts, including division of assets, maintenance, and pensions.
Children Matters: We support parents in making arrangements for children, including where they will live, time spent with each parent, and resolving disputes in the child’s best interests.
Since April 2022, parties can apply for divorce or dissolution through either a sole or joint application on a no-fault basis. This development in the law has significantly simplified the process, removing the often contentious and emotional element of placing blame, which has traditionally been a part of divorce proceedings. There is now a focus on helping the individual parties move forward, with an amicable and cooperative approach.
Most cases in England and Wales are handled through a straightforward administrative process. In the rare event that a divorce or dissolution is contested, we can advise you on the best approach to take.
Couples who are not married or in a civil partnership do not benefit from the same automatic legal rights as those who are, regardless of the length of the relationship or whether they have children together. This can create uncertainty and complexity when the relationship ends, particularly around property ownership and financial arrangements.
We provide clear, practical advice on how to resolve these issues, whether by negotiating a fair settlement, drafting a cohabitation agreement to record each party’s intentions, or pursuing or defending a claim under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) where appropriate.
In some divorce or dissolution cases, there may be uncertainty about which country has jurisdiction, especially when international factors come into play. This can arise if one or both parties reside in different countries or have significant connections to other jurisdictions, such as owning property abroad or having citizenship in multiple countries. Determining which jurisdiction is best placed to deal with matters and where proceedings should take place can be a complex matter.
We can help you navigate these challenges by providing expert guidance on the most appropriate forum for your case. We ensure that your legal rights are upheld in the correct jurisdiction, advising you on the potential impact of international laws and treaties, and supporting you in taking the right steps to move forward with your case in the most effective and efficient manner.
We understand that managing the paperwork and process of divorce or dissolution can be time-consuming and stressful. Since the introduction of the online filing system through the HMRC portal, the majority of divorce and dissolution applications in England and Wales are now processed electronically. This streamlined system enables us to submit documents quickly and efficiently, saving you time and reducing the complexity of the process.
By handling the electronic filing on your behalf, we can:
We offer a fixed fee for all undefended divorce and dissolution proceedings, giving you certainty about your legal costs. If your case involves finances or children, these will be treated separately, and we will discuss all likely costs with you from the outset.
Even if you’re still deciding whether your marriage or relationship has come to an end, we can help you understand your legal position and explore your options moving forward.
"With the support from NE Family Law, a team of specialist family lawyers have positively impacted my life by changing my life with a much better outlook. Speaking to Nicki and Emma helped me see light at the end of the tunnel. Not only meeting great listeners but also receiving a great deal of emotional support throughout my long legal journey that helped me undergo all the ups and downs at that time."
"I have recently finished working with Emma after almost 2 years. Both Nicki and Emma have been brilliant to work with over this time, providing expert guidance and advice on very personal matters. Emma has been incredibly efficient, pragmatic and has dealt with issues in a sensitive manner. I'm sure Emma has many clients at any one time, but I always felt that she truly engaged with my case and gave it a personal touch that I needed. I would highly recommend Emma to anyone looking for family law services."
If you are separating or thinking about ending a marriage or civil partnership, we can help.
Speak to one of our experienced solicitors today to obtain advice and guidance on the options for you and your circumstances. We will always endeavour to support you and guide you to make it a smooth a process as possible.