Divorce Solicitors

Our divorce solicitors are experienced in guiding you through the divorce process. Our team successfully protects our client’s personal and financial interests during a divorce.

Clients approach us before formally separating from their spouse in order to gather information and receive advice.  We will ensure that our advice is up to date on any changes in the law to provide you with the clearest, most up-to-date legal advice available. 

Request for a Legal Consultation

Garner & Hancock realise that the prospect of pursuing a legal matter can be challenging, so we offer an initial phone consultation to discuss your options, and to give you information that will help you make the right choices affecting your case.

The Divorce Process

In order to apply for a divorce you must have been married for more than 12 months.  Anyone applying for a Divorce Order can do so individually or jointly with their spouse. The Court will issue the Application and after a minimum period of 20 weeks, the applicant(s) will confirm that they wish the Application to continue and apply for the Conditional Order. This is the penultimate order.

Six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order being made, the applicant(s) can apply to the Court for the Final Divorce Order, although you should not do so without first seeking advice as to the implications. Once that is granted you are divorced.

The Sole Ground for Divorce

The law relating to divorce changed on 6 April 2022 removing the requirement to assign blame by providing evidence of conduct such as unreasonable behaviour and adultery, or relying upon a period of separation, in support of a divorce. Instead, a divorce Application now simply requires the applicant(s) to provide a statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. No evidence is required beyond making this statement.

The ability to defend the decision to divorce has also been removed.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

A straight-forward divorce will take between 6 and 9 months to complete due to (1) the minimum period of 20 weeks between the issue of the Application and when the applicant(s) may apply for a Conditional Order and (2) the further minimum period of 6 weeks between the Conditional Order and the applicant(s) being entitled to apply for the Final Order. This takes into account court delays.

The intention behind the minimum periods is to allow the parties a period of reflection and to endeavour to agree practical arrangements for the future.  Disagreements about the finances involved can prolong the process considerably.

Our team of divorce solicitors have the necessary experience and in-depth knowledge of family law and procedures to move divorce proceedings along efficiently, whilst ensuring your best interests are being protected.  We will provide practical, uncomplicated advice on the divorce itself as well as matters surrounding any children you and your estranged spouse have together and the matrimonial finances.

If you would like to discuss this matter with one of our specialist solicitors, please contact us to make an appointment either in person or remote. But first take advantage of a free consultation over the phone.

I Just Want a Clean Break, Do I Need a Solicitor

In a divorce, separating your finances is the issue with the most scope for challenges and disagreements. It is understandable to want to cut ties and have a clean break from your former husband or wife. A clean break is often the best course of action and the court will always

No Fault Divorce Law

From April 2022, if a party to the marriage declares to the court that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, this is taken as conclusive evidence that it has and the court must grant a divorce – no reasons given and no questions asked. Furthermore, it is not possible for the other party to the marriage to challenge the divorce or prevent it from

Our Guarantee

Family Law Advice, members of STEP experts in planning

We believe our business begins and ends with you and your needs, as our client. Therefore, we are committed to providing the best client care and advice which will give you confidence that your matter is handled with the utmost care.

How Can We Help You?

We’re here to assist you. Simply send us your query, and we’ll provide an initial consultation to anyone seeking legal assistance. Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for help with your legal matters.