Divorce Process

In 2022, the UK government launched an online divorce portal to simplify the process for couples whose marriage has irretrievably broken down. Applications can be made by one person or jointly by both, with the process taking at least six months, provided there are no delays and documents are submitted on time. For those considering an online divorce, it’s crucial to address all aspects, especially child arrangements and financial settlements, to avoid complications. At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we guide clients through this process, ensuring every detail is handled smoothly.

The divorce process starts with filing a divorce application (previously known as a petition). After a 20-week reflection period, a conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi) is granted, and six weeks later, you can apply for the final order (previously known as decree absolute) to officially end the marriage.The legal process of ending a marriage is independent of both financial settlements and child arrangements, which are agreed separately. Thomas Mansfield Family Law can guide you through the online divorce process, ensuring no mistakes are made which may impact your finances and child arrangements.

The cost of a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you reach agreements easily or need court involvement. The main fees include the court filing fee, which is currently £593 in England and Wales.If you use a solicitor, legal costs will depend on the level of support needed, such as handling paperwork, negotiations or complex financial and child arrangements. Mediation or out of court methods can help reduce costs.We offer transparent quotes tailored to individual circumstances. An initial consultation will provide you with an estimate based on the specifics of your case.

Asset valuation, tax implications and future financial planning are key factors in high net worth divorces. It’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of all marital and non-marital assets, including real estate, business interests, investments and other financial holdings.

Civil partnerships and same-sex marriages are legally distinct, but the process for dissolving them (often referred to as 'civil partnership dissolution' and 'same-sex divorce') is largely similar.Both processes follow the legal frameworks established to handle relationship breakdowns, focusing on fair division of finances, arrangements for children and emotional wellbeing. However, there are some differences in terminology and valid grounds for ending the relationship.

If you and your spouse can't agree on the terms of your divorce, you can try negotiating through solicitors, using mediation, or opting for collaborative law to find a compromise. These methods focus on finding mutually acceptable solutions without the need for court involvement.However, if these approaches don’t work, you may need to take the matter to court, where a judge will make legally binding decisions on key issues like finances and child arrangements. If one party doesn’t comply with the court’s ruling, legal enforcement may be needed.At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we work to help clients avoid court by encouraging amicable solutions through negotiation and mediation. However, if court involvement becomes necessary, we offer expert representation to protect your interests.