Divorce and separation

Divorce and separation can affect your finances, your home, your children, and your long term plans. If your relationship has broken down, early advice helps you protect your position, avoid poor decisions, and deal with the process in a structured way.

In England and Wales, divorce now follows the no-fault divorce system. Since 6 April 2022, you no longer need to rely on adultery, behaviour, or a period of separation to apply. The court only requires a statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and the application can be made by one person or jointly. There is also a minimum timetable built into the process, including at least 20 weeks between the start of the application and the point when you can apply for the conditional order, followed by a further 6 weeks and 1 day before you can apply for the final order.

A divorce ends the marriage. It does not automatically deal with finances, property, or arrangements for children. That distinction matters. Many people assume the final order closes everything down. It does not. Financial claims often need to be resolved separately, usually through negotiation and then recorded in a court approved consent order if agreement is reached.

If you are separating, the first issues often include who remains in the family home, how mortgage or rent payments will be met, what happens to savings and debts, and what arrangements are best for the children. The right approach depends on your own circumstances, including your financial position, the stage of the separation, and any welfare or safeguarding concerns.

Where children are involved, the focus should stay on practical arrangements that support their welfare and day-to-day stability. If parents can agree matters, that often avoids unnecessary conflict and cost. If agreement cannot be reached, an application to the Family Court may be needed.

Financial issues after divorce and separation often include the family home, savings, pensions, business interests, debts, and ongoing income needs. Reaching an informal agreement may feel quicker, but it often leaves risk in place if it is not properly documented. If a financial settlement is agreed, the usual next step is to ask the court to approve it by consent order so there is binding finality.

Early legal advice can make a real difference. It helps you understand your options, gather the right information, and decide when negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings are the right route. Delay can increase costs and make settlement harder, especially where one person controls the finances or important paperwork.

We advise on all aspects of divorce and separation, including the divorce process itself, financial settlements, arrangements for children, consent orders, mediation, and contested court proceedings. Our approach is practical and direct. We focus on protecting your position and helping you move matters forward in a sensible way.