Divorce in England & Wales

If your marriage has broken down irretrievably, since April 2022 you can apply for a divorce through the no-fault divorce process. This process avoids the need to apportion blame to a party, instead you simply need to confirm that the relationship has broken down. The court have also introduced an on-line system which streamlines the process and avoids unnecessary delay. The process is straight forward (as briefly outlined below) and it is important to know that you do not need a solicitor to issue the divorce process however we also recognise that having someone to guide you reduces the stress and heightened emotions that can arise.

Divorce Procedure Outlined:

1. Either party (or both jointly) can submit an application online.
2. The other party is notified and asked to confirm receipt by completing a Response document.
3. The system ensures there is a 20-week reflection period before a Conditional Order can be applied for. 
4. Six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order is pronounced an application can be made for the Final Order, which is when the marriage comes to a formal end.

At Straw & Pearce we offer a fixed fee arrangement in respect of a divorce or termination of a civil partnership. The current fixed fee amounts to £1152 and includes both the current court fee of £612 and VAT.  This service simply brings the marriage to an end it does not deal with linked issues such as children or finance matters.

Straw & Pearce Solicitors are always on hand to support and advise you whatever your circumstances. These issues include but are not limited to:

• Negotiating financial settlements (property, pensions, business interest, savings, and debts)
• Child arrangements and parental responsibility
• Enforcement or variation of existing orders
• Advice on Mediation and dispute resolution
• Representation in court proceedings if alternative methods have been unsuccessful

The services outlined above are charged at an hourly rate (unless you are eligible for legal aid) however prior to embarking on an hourly rate arrangement, we offer a one hour fixed fee meeting to provide general initial advice regarding the issues above that may be relevant to you if you are thinking about ending your relationship. The cost of the fixed fee meeting is £180 including VAT.

You may be entitled to Legal Aid to help cover legal costs if you are a victim of domestic abuse. Our team can assess your eligibility and assist with the application process.

Civil Partnership Dissolution

Ending a civil partnership follows a similar process to divorce. You must show that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. The process includes applying for a Dissolution Order, with is obtained following similar steps and timelines to the divorce process outlined above.

On dissolving any civil partnership there will be other issues that need to be considered and we are happy to provide you with our expert advice in respect of:

• Financial and property settlements
• Child arrangements for same-sex parents
• Advice alongside mediation
• Representation in court proceedings if, alternative methods have been unsuccessful.

At Straw & Pearce we offer a fixed fee arrangement in respect of an application to dissolve a civil partnership. The current fixed fee amounts to £1152 and includes both the current court fee of £612 and VAT.

Our other services outlined above are charged at an hourly rate (unless you are eligible for legal aid) however prior to embarking the hourly rate arrangement, we offer a one hour fixed fee meeting to provide general initial advice regarding the issues above that may be relevant to you if you are thinking about ending your relationship. The cost of the fixed fee meeting is £180 including VAT.

You may be entitled to Legal Aid to help cover legal costs if you are a victim of domestic abuse. Our team can assess your eligibility and assist with the application process.

Get in touch with a member of the Straw & Pearce team today to find out more.