Family law can feel confusing and even overwhelming at first, especially if you’re facing it for the first time. We’ve gathered the questions our clients most often ask, and the answers we hope will help you feel more informed, more in control, and more at ease. If you’d like to talk things through in person, we offer a free initial call with no obligation to go further. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and fill in our contact form.
If you’re ready to begin divorce proceedings, the process starts by applying through the HMCTS online portal. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce, the steps involved are more straightforward than they used to be. Many people now handle the divorce process themselves without needing legal help. However, if you’re uncertain, or if there are complications such as financial or child-related issues, we can guide you through it.
Yes, under the current law, your partner does not need to consent. The no-fault divorce system no longer requires blame or mutual agreement. Either party can apply for a divorce and it will proceed regardless of the other’s position. The only thing that might delay matters is if your spouse does not return the Acknowledgement of Service form; but even then, you can take steps to allow the process to move forward.
Even the simplest divorces take around six months, because there are built-in waiting periods between the different stages. If there are financial or child arrangements to be resolved alongside the divorce, it may be advisable to delay the conclusion of the process. How quickly your case progresses often depends on whether cooperation between the couple and the complexity of the circumstances.
If agreement isn’t possible, either parent can apply to the court for a child arrangements order. The court will always prioritise the child’s welfare when making a decision. In most cases, judges prefer children to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, so long as it’s safe and appropriate. We always try to resolve child matters outside court if we can, but will guide you through every step if an application becomes necessary.
Yes that may be the case in the short term. Both parents generally have parental responsibility and the right to spend time with their children unless there is a safeguarding concern. If your ex is preventing contact without justification, we can help you apply for a contact order. In most cases, we’ll first try to reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation.
Not necessarily. Most parents are able to agree arrangements between themselves. However, many people find it helpful to get legal advice, either to clarify their reasonable entitlements or to make sure any agreement is properly documented. If your situation is more complex and/or emotionally charged, having a solicitor can offer much-needed clarity and reassurance.
We charge based on the time we spend on your case. Our hourly rates vary depending on the seniority of the person working on your matter and whether you are based in London or not. For example, a senior solicitor’s hourly rate is £330 outside London and £375 in London. We are transparent about fees and will always explain how your money is being spent, so you feel informed and in control. Check out our pricing page for more details.
We can give an estimate once we’ve had a chance to understand the details. For instance, a simple financial settlement might cost between £7,000 and £10,000 plus VAT, while a fully contested financial case that goes to a final hearing could cost £60,000–£100,000 plus VAT and disbursements or more. If we believe your case may require third-party experts (like a pension or business valuation), we’ll let you know upfront and explain the costs involved.
The single biggest factor is communication, both with your solicitor and with the other party (usually, a former partner). The more you can agree between yourselves, the less we’ll need to do on your behalf. We also recommend consolidating questions or updates into one email per week, rather than sending multiple messages, as we can charge for each communication. We’ll help you manage costs wherever possible and always explain your options.
It starts with a conversation. We offer a free initial phone call so you can tell us what’s happening and find out whether we’re the right fit. If we feel we can help, we’ll invite you to a longer meeting, usually around 90 minutes, either in person or online. That meeting allows us to go into detail, offer early guidance, and begin shaping a plan tailored to your circumstances.
Not necessarily. 8 out of 10 cases are resolved through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law. We aim to keep you out of court wherever possible; it’s faster, cheaper and less stressful. However, if court becomes necessary, we will represent you throughout and make sure you understand each stage.
You’ll hear from us as often as you need. We provide regular updates, respond promptly to questions, and keep you informed at every key point. Our team works collaboratively, so if the person handling your case is away, someone else; usually their assistant, will be able to help. You should never allow yourself to be left in the dark or wondering what happens next; just email or phone us with your concerns.
We do not offer legal aid, and we’re upfront about the fact that our services are not suited to everyone. We will always be honest with you about whether your case is likely to be affordable, and we don’t take on matters where we believe cost will become an issue. It’s important to us that clients feel supported, not financially overwhelmed. In those cases, we will try to signpost you to someone who might be able to help.
When you pay for an hour of our time, you get exactly that: an hour of legal work tailored to your case. This includes drafting, reviewing documents, communicating with other parties, giving advice and any other required work. If we need to instruct third-party experts on your behalf, such as barristers or valuers, we’ll let you know in advance, and their costs will be passed on to you with full transparency.
We’re a firm built around empathy, clarity of advice and quality of our work. Unlike many other firms, we have no internal billing targets, meaning our team is focused on doing what’s right for you, not what’s most profitable. Our structure allows us to deliver top-tier advice in a more efficient and often more affordable way. We know what you’re going through; some of us have been through matrimonial breakdown ourselves, and we genuinely want to support you through what is generally accepted to be one of the most difficult times of your life.
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Contact us on 0333 344 6302 for a no-obligation call
