If your marriage or relationship has broken down and you've reached the decision to separate, our experienced divorce solicitors and separation lawyers understand that your situation is unique, sensitive, and critical. Whether you're considering a no fault divorce, need support with a separation agreement, or want to explore our fixed fee divorce package, we will guide you through the process to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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When you turn to someone for guidance on divorce and family law matters, you want to know they can really help you.
Wellers has many years of experience in helping people, just like you, get the support and guidance they need during their divorce or separation. Our divorce and separation solicitors understand that your situation is unique, sensitive, and critical.
Understanding the difference between separation and divorce is an important first step when your relationship breaks down.
Divorce legally ends your marriage or civil partnership. Once finalised, you are no longer married and are free to remarry. Divorce solicitors will guide you through the formal court process.
Separation means living apart while remaining legally married or in a civil partnership. You can formalise this arrangement with a separation agreement, which sets out how you will manage finances, property, and arrangements for any children without ending the marriage itself.
It is always our aim to help you reach a solution to your divorce matter as quickly and amicably as possible, while at the same time ensuring that you are fully aware of your rights relating to the breakdown of your relationship. We offer a range of fee options to support you through your divorce, including a fixed fee package to cover the essential aspects of the divorce process. Please call your local office to talk these options through.
On 6 April 2022, divorce reform changes introduced a process of ‘no-fault divorce’ in England and Wales. This means that applicants do not need to show evidence of bad behaviour, such as adultery or desertion, or spend a period of time living apart in order to prove the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage or civil partnership.
The new divorce legislation in England and Wales requires one or both applicants (spouses or civil partners) to submit an application to the court which includes a statement of ‘irretrievable breakdown’ in order to start the divorce/dissolution process.
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 also removed the opportunity for one spouse to contest the divorce.
Our no fault divorce solicitors can guide you through this process with clarity and compassion.
We offer several fixed fee packages to cover the essential elements of the divorce process.
For divorce-only on a sole application, we charge £450 plus VAT plus a court fee of £593.
For divorce-only on a joint application (we act for one party but inform the other party what to do on an admin basis), we charge £550 plus VAT plus a court fee of £593.
For a consent order following a mediation agreement, we charge £1,000 plus VAT plus a court fee of £53 to issue the application.
A separation agreement means you can live apart without formally ending your marriage or civil partnership. It is a way of officially acknowledging the breakdown of your relationship without the legal finality of divorce.
Divorce is a big decision and many clients who come to see us are not quite ready to end their marriage or civil partnership immediately. If you are not sure whether divorce is the right course of action for you, we can advise you on how to formally separate from your spouse or civil partner whilst protecting your assets and relationship with any children. We can draw up a deed of separation and the matter of divorce can be dealt with at a later date. Talk to an experienced family law solicitor about drafting a suitable document.
A separation agreement may be particularly appropriate in the following circumstances:
If you do not wish to divorce due to your religious beliefs, but acknowledge that your relationship is over, we can also advise you in obtaining Judicial Separation which is accepted by the Christian church.
Our separation lawyers can help you decide whether a separation agreement is the right step for your situation and draft a comprehensive document that protects your interests during this time.
While a separation agreement can be the right choice in many circumstances, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Going through a divorce or separation involves more than just ending your relationship, it’s also an important time to review and update your wider legal arrangements.
If you’re separating or divorcing, it’s essential to review your Will. Under current law, divorce automatically revokes any gifts to your former spouse in your Will, but separation does not. If you don’t have a Will in place, or if your existing Will no longer reflects your wishes, now is the time to act.
Our Wills solicitors can help you create or update your Will to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your children and loved ones are protected. Visit our Wills page for more information.
You may also want to reconsider who you’ve appointed under any lasting power of attorney (LPA). If your spouse or civil partner is currently named as your attorney, you may wish to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage. It’s important to understand how your pension will be affected by divorce and whether a pension sharing order is appropriate.
Review any life insurance policies and update your beneficiaries to reflect your current wishes.
If you own property jointly, you’ll need to decide whether one party will remain in the property, whether it will be sold, or how ownership will be divided.
Our family law team can guide you through all of these considerations and connect you with the right specialists across Wellers to ensure your legal affairs are in order during this challenging time.
Direct Access to Expertise
Our solicitors have extensive knowledge and understanding of family law, coupled with a compassionate approach to sensitive situations
Trusted Relationships
We understand the emotional and practical challenges you may face, and we provide ongoing support throughout your case
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Lorraine Toal
PartnerExcellent and supportive service at a reasonable price. I trust them to deliver a timely and good outcome. Even though I have moved from the area I would still remain a client and recommend.
Could not recommend this Law firm enough. They dealt with a very complex case for us and went above and beyond to provide advice, support, and time to getting it through. Thank you!
The team are absolute professionals. Their expertise, accessibility, and dedication made the process smooth and successful.
To start the divorce process, you will need your marriage certificate and the email addresses of both parties. You can begin the process yourself online or come and see Wellers – we will handle everything for you.
We would always advise you to seek independent legal advice when getting divorced to ensure you have considered all options and proceed in the most efficient and cost-effective way for you.
A divorce will take approximately 6-9 months to be resolved fully, including finances.
You can get a divorce if you have been living separately but are not legally separated.
The cost of a divorce varies as it depends on all the issues that need to be resolved. If you are only divorcing and have no financial matters to resolve, Wellers offer the following fixed packages:
We always advise you to have a financial settlement to protect you against potential claims in the future, both in life and in death
There are no longer any grounds for divorce in England and Wales, just that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
You do not have to give any reasons why that has happened since the change in divorce in April 2022.
Your separation agreement should cover how you will manage finances while living apart, including property division, joint debts and assets, arrangements for any children, and ongoing financial support. Our separation agreement solicitors can help you draft a comprehensive agreement tailored to your specific circumstances that protects your interests.
A separation agreement can last indefinitely or until you decide to divorce or reconcile. It’s a flexible arrangement that allows you time to make decisions about your future without the finality of divorce.
While not legally required, we strongly recommend that both parties seek independent legal advice. This ensures the separation agreement is fair, legally sound, and protects both parties’ interests.
Yes, our fixed fee divorce packages cover the divorce itself. However, arrangements for children and financial matters may require additional legal support. Our divorce lawyers can explain the full costs and options during your initial consultation.
Yes, we strongly recommend updating your will during separation and after divorce. Divorce automatically revokes gifts to your former spouse in your will, but separation does not. It’s important to ensure your will reflects your current wishes and protects your loved ones.
If your spouse or civil partner is named as your attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney, you should consider whether you want them to continue in this role. Our solicitors can advise you on revoking or updating your LPA to appoint someone else.
London
020 7481 2422
Bromley
020 8464 4242
Surrey
01372 750 100
Sevenoaks
01732 457 575
New Forest
01590 633 199
London
020 7481 2422Bromley
020 8464 4242Surrey
01372 750 100Sevenoaks
01732 457 575New Forest
01590 633 199
We are here for your legal needs in life and in business. Please get in touch with one of our experienced solicitors, who are here to help you.
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