Family Law Experts
Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter.
Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter.
If you are looking for help with divorce our specialist solicitors can help you. In addition to office meetings, we offer remote meetings by telephone or video if preferred. To discuss your options call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065 or email us at hello@southgate.co.uk
On 6 April 2022, the law changed which introduced the new ‘no-fault’ or ‘no-blame’ divorce. This change allows spouses to pursue a divorce without having to rely on any adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or length of separation as a ground for divorce. There is now only one ground for divorce, which is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
The new law aims to reduce hostilities between divorcing couples and encourage them to reach an agreement as to finances and any child arrangements amicably and without the court’s intervention. There is also now an option for spouses to make a joint application for divorce. With the introduction of the no-fault divorce, we have also seen a change in terminology including divorce petitions now being referred to as divorce applications, decree nisi as conditional order, and decree absolute as final order.
Practically, obtaining a divorce is not difficult and they are rarely defended. So long as the divorce application is drafted correctly, the process is relatively straightforward. However, despite this, divorce law can be complex. Recent statistics from divorce centers and courts found that 40% of divorce applications were refused due to errors. Rectifying incorrect applications causes unnecessary delays and additional costs. This can be avoided by instructing a qualified divorce solicitor to represent and advise you.
At southgate solicitors, we offer comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs throughout your divorce journey. Our team of experienced professionals understand the intricacies of family law and are dedicated to providing you with the expertise and support you need during what can be a daunting and highly emotional time. We have Resolution members and also hold Law Society Family Law Advanced Panel Accreditation which demonstrates our knowledge, skill and expertise in this area of law.
If you wish to read more about this area of law we have some frequently asked questions at the end of this page – feel free to scroll down to read more.
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You can either call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065, email us at hello@southgate.co.uk or fill out our contact form below.
Our client services team will discuss details of your case during a no-obligation call to ensure that it is something we can help you with.
A specialist solicitor will meet with you to go through your matter in detail and advise on a strategy and options.
Great experience speaking with Southgate solicitors, clear understanding and instructions given to set me on the right path with my divorce.Thank you very much you set my mind at ease knowing my case will be well looked after.
I feel safe. I could tell right away that Rajan is familiar with all the dirty tactics and ugliness that comes out during divorce and when the husband is the victim of abuse. Feel lucky to have representation like this.
Chloe Roadway has been a great help with dealing with my recent divorce. She answered all of my questions promptly and explained the whole process to me and generally put me at ease. Highly recommended!
I was able to take my time to express any questions, they were able to answer at the present time. I feel much better knowing and have read up on the firm, that this process will give me closure to a very difficult period. Many thanks.
I had Andriana as my family solicitor dealing with my divorce case. She has been so supportive throughout this journey of mine. Will definitely recommend Andriana for any family cases. Pleasure working with Andriana!
It was a shock for me at first with my divorce, I contacted Chloe from Southgate solicitors. Our first meeting was so reassuring and helpful. Everything I needed to know was said and explained to me. I knew what I had to do. Thank you
Divorce is daunting for anyone and stress+ costs associated with it took me a long time prior to making the right decision. I am extremely thankful for the support, advise and costs provided by Chloe Rodway.
I retained Chloe Rodway’s services and I cannot say enough good things about her. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and quick updates. I highly recommend her for divorce cases.
They had been amazing throughout my divorce. Emails have been dealt with promptly and meetings were extremely productive. They offered honest and fair advice throughout the entire process. Thank you for everything.
As long as you have been married for at least 12 months and your marriage has irretrievably broken down, you will likely be entitled to apply for a divorce.
Our qualified divorce solicitors will always discuss with you reasons for the separation and the divorce process.
If you do not meet the requirements to pursue a divorce, our expert solicitors will explore other options such as annulment or judicial separation.
Yes, but they will only be successful in pursuing a defence if they can show to the court that the marriage has not irretrievably broken down. Statistics show that the vast majority of defended divorces are not successful, and a divorce is usually granted.
No, you do not need your spouse’s agreement to proceed with a divorce.
The new law introduced on 6 April 2022 now also allows spouses to issue a joint application for divorce.
We will always discuss the best options available to you to ensure your matter is dealt with swiftly and without delay.
An uncontested divorce usually takes between 6 – 9 months, minimum. However, it is always advisable to avoid obtaining the final order, which formally ends the marriage, until financial matters are agreed and approved by the court. This will likely lengthen the time to finalise the divorce.
Divorce is dealt with by the courts either on paper or online. It is very rare that you will need to attend court. There are very few situations where you will need to attend court such as when there are issues with who pays the costs of divorce or if the divorce is defended by the respondent.
The court will issue your spouse’s divorce application and send you a copy along with an Acknowledgment of Service form for you to complete and return to the court.
The form is short and fairly straightforward. However, if you are unsure as to what you are signing or if you object to certain aspects of the application (e.g. a costs order), please do not hesitate to contact us to obtain advice from our expert divorce lawyers as to how best to complete the form.
As long as the marriage ceremony followed the legal process in the country where you married and you meet the jurisdictional requirements, you will be entitled to pursue a divorce in England.
Our experienced divorce solicitors can assess and advise on whether your marriage is considered a “legal” marriage and if you meet the requirements to pursue a divorce in England.
Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.
Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.
