Divorce Solicitors and Separation Lawyers

The prospect of divorce or separation can create a wave of emotions and it is not uncommon for your situation to feel impossible. Our divorce and separation solicitors are everyday people with our own families so you can be assured of sensitivity and compassion from the outset. We listen and look to try and bring an end to the uncertainty you are feeling – helping to alleviate fears and worries through expert advice and guidance.

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Meeting with a Divorce and Separation Solicitor

Our first meeting is without charge* giving you the opportunity to call upon our knowledge and expertise before committing to making any decisions. Every relationship is different, so it is important for us to understand your situation, along with any thoughts or plans you have before we begin to suggest immediate possibilities as well as long term arrangements.

As members of Resolution, we support negotiation to find a quicker, more cost effective and less disruptive solution for you and your family. That said, we aren’t slow to take matters to court if they are required.

*Please check with your preferred office the timeframe for this meeting.

We answer a few frequently asked questions – if we can help you with a question, please do get in touch.

Since 6th April 2022 couples can apply for divorce without assigning any fault. It is hoped that with no need to apportion blame, couples can focus on the practical and financial aspects of their separation and the childcare arrangements.

Divorces can take between 6-8 months but timescales can be prolonged if there is a lack of co-operation from one party or there are complicated financial arrangements.

Managing finances is central to the discussions for most divorcing couples and it is important from the outset that you seek legal advice to set out financial arrangements that are sustainable. If it’s a question of your spouse just refusing to pay when clearly they have the funds to pay then the matter can be raised with the court.

Yes unless your case involves domestic violence. If you jointly own the property, you have the right to remain in the property during the divorce process. If one of you moves out, you are both still responsible for paying your share of the mortgage until you come to a final decision on the property.

We’re here to support
your next step

Whatever that may be

Request a video call, phone call
or an in-person meeting

    Child Arrangements

    A child arrangement order replaces ‘contact orders’ and ‘child custody’. It is an agreement under English family law that outlines where a child lives and who they have contact with.
    It is legally binding until the child reaches the age of 18 unless the order specifically states otherwise. After this point it will be up to the child to decide how much contact they would like to have with the parent they do not live with.

    Courts are very aware that family circumstances do change as do children’s needs as they get older. It is therefore possible to apply to vary the Child Arrangement order over time. The person making the application will, however, need to demonstrate that the proposed changes are in the best interest of the child.

    Financial Arrangements

    Financial Arrangements are central to every divorce. They look at:

    • Property divisions
    • Money, shares, savings and investments
    • Division of debt and pensions
    • Lump-sum payments
    • Children / spousal maintenance
    • Personal Belongings, e.g. pets, cars

    Where the split is amicable, you can work out assets, money, property, etc yourselves but you need to speak to a solicitor to make the agreement legally binding. This is called a consent order. You can also include clauses for arrangements for child or spouse maintenance.
    If negotiations are complicated or your ex-partner refuses to discuss finances, it may be appropriate to apply to the court for a financial settlement. Financial settlements can take anywhere between 6 and 12 months.

    Domestic Abuse & Divorce

    We have specialist solicitors that deal with divorce where domestic abuse is present. They are highly experienced and work with local Women’s Aid groups.
    It takes time to build the confidence to take the first step in speaking to a solicitor and often a first meeting involves us just talking through your options and to let you know there are choices, help and support.

    We reassure you that threats about losing your children, losing rights if you leave the family home, etc are not true and there are answers and solutions to protect you. If children are involved, we will ensure they are made a priority and if personal protection orders or prevent of asset disposal is required, we will manage this for you.

    When you are ready to take the first step, we are here to support you.

    Family Mediation

    Family Mediation during is a way of sorting differences between you and your ex-partner, with the help of an independent third party. This person is called a mediator and they are trained to help you reach agreements on issues such as money, property or children.

    All couples are asked to attend a mediation information assessment meeting (MIAM) before you start mediation. The mediator can then decide if mediation is right for you.

    Mediation is voluntary but if you end up having to go to court because you cannot reach agreement, you normally need to have proved that you have attended a MIAM.

    Family mediation typically involves a couple of face to face meetings. The mediator does not take sides and is highly skilled at working through emotional, practical, financial and technical issues.

    Mediation isn’t free but it quicker and cheaper than going to court to settle disputes.

    We’re here to support your next step

    Request a video call, phone call or an in-person meeting

    ” I felt nervous and apprehensive by the prospect of speaking about the breakdown of my marriage. From the first meeting, the Kidd Rapinet team put my mind at ease, clearly explaining the process moving forward. Nikki was very supportive and understanding throughout.”
    Family law client, Windsor, Berkshire
    Cameron KinrossDivorce & Separation