Divorce Lawyers

Are you considering divorce? Nobody goes into a marriage thinking about separating, but sometimes, it’s the right option for you and your family. Having the right lawyer by your side is important to guide you through the process, and Setfords is here to help.

Our divorce lawyers are experts in all aspects of the divorce process, from mediation to child arrangements to financial settlements..

We offer a professional yet tailored approach designed to meet your needs, ease some of the stress in an understandably difficult time, and help you look forward to a positive future.

For more information about how our divorce solicitors can help you and your family make the right decisions for you, please read on or get in touch today.

0333 060 3419

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Our Expertise

How exactly can Setfords’ divorce solicitors assist you? Our areas of expertise include the following:

Divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the legal ending of a marriage. It involves several stages before it is finalised, and there are also financial and children matters to consider.
When thinking about divorce, it’s important to put the needs of yourself and your family first. Our divorce lawyers will guide you through the process with care and compassion, helping you understand it, make decisions that work for you, and achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
Children Matters
Children Matters
The process of getting a divorce can be particularly worrying for those with children. Our divorce solicitors will break down the process, helping you to be confident that the decisions you’re making are in the best interests of your children.
We will assist you in making arrangements for your children after separation without going to court wherever possible. Many of our divorce lawyers are also trained mediators, helping you to reach an agreement in a calm and logical way without the time and expense of the courts.
However, if the involvement of the courts is required, we will be with you at every step of the way, helping you to get the best possible outcome and ensure that your children are safe, well, and happy during an understandably challenging time.
Child Arrangements
Financial Matters
Financial Matters
The process of getting a divorce is often emotionally charged. Bringing finances into the mix usually doesn’t help this, but our divorce lawyers are here to guide you and ensure the process of reaching a fair financial settlement goes as smoothly as possible.
Financial Disputes
Financial Matters
High Net Worth Divorce
High Net Worth Divorce
Divorce between high–net–worth individuals can often be even more complex than usual, due to the value of the assets involved.
These divorces also frequently span multiple jurisdictions and can involve complicated and valuable businesses.
Many of our solicitors are experts in dealing with high–net–worth divorces, and can help ensure your divorce runs smoothly and that any settlement is fair.
Civil Partnership Dissolution
Civil Partnership Dissolution
Dissolution is the ending of a civil partnership. It is much the same process as divorce, and our dissolution solicitors are here to help.
Click here to find out more about divorce vs dissolution.
Religious Divorce
Religious Divorce
Religion is an important aspect of many couples’ relationships. So, upon separation, it is usually important that divorce follows the couple’s religion as well as the law.
Our divorce lawyers will deal with your divorce sensitively and professionally, ensuring that it satisfies the criteria of your religion and all of the typical legalities.

Divorce

Divorce is the legal ending of a marriage. It involves several stages before it is finalised, and there are also financial and children matters to consider.

When thinking about divorce, it’s important to put the needs of yourself and your family first. Our divorce lawyers will guide you through the process with care and compassion, helping you understand it, make decisions that work for you, and achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

Children Matters

The process of getting a divorce can be particularly worrying for those with children. Our divorce solicitors will break down the process, helping you to be confident that the decisions you’re making are in the best interests of your children.

We will assist you in making arrangements for your children after separation without going to court wherever possible. Many of our divorce lawyers are also trained mediators, helping you to reach an agreement in a calm and logical way without the time and expense of the courts.

However, if the involvement of the courts is required, we will be with you at every step of the way, helping you to get the best possible outcome and ensure that your children are safe, well, and happy during an understandably challenging time.

Child Arrangements

Financial Matters

The process of getting a divorce is often emotionally charged. Bringing finances into the mix usually doesn’t help this, but our divorce lawyers are here to guide you and ensure the process of reaching a fair financial settlement goes as smoothly as possible.

Financial Disputes

Financial Matters

High Net Worth Divorce

Divorce between high–net–worth individuals can often be even more complex than usual, due to the value of the assets involved.

These divorces also frequently span multiple jurisdictions and can involve complicated and valuable businesses.

Many of our solicitors are experts in dealing with high–net–worth divorces, and can help ensure your divorce runs smoothly and that any settlement is fair.

Civil Partnership Dissolution

Dissolution is the ending of a civil partnership. It is much the same process as divorce, and our dissolution solicitors are here to help.

Click here to find out more about divorce vs dissolution.

Religious Divorce

Religion is an important aspect of many couples’ relationships. So, upon separation, it is usually important that divorce follows the couple’s religion as well as the law.

Our divorce lawyers will deal with your divorce sensitively and professionally, ensuring that it satisfies the criteria of your religion and all of the typical legalities.

Our Divorce Lawyers' Approach

Divorce is an understandably stressful time. You’ll likely have lots of questions and the strong desire to do the right thing for you and your family.

Our solicitors are here to assist you at every step of the way. They all have many years of expertise, ensuring you get the advice you need to move forward whilst feeling positive about the future.

We always provide a tailored service, working around your schedule and dealing with each case professionally and compassionately, understanding what might be at stake.

If you’re searching for a divorce lawyer who can give you the bespoke, high-quality legal advice you need alongside a truly personal service, we are here for you.

Book Initial Family Law Consultation

Our Divorce Consultants

Amanda Wood
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Anne Thomas
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Alex Clarke
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Babatunde Akinyanju
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Aphya Kabir
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Angela Sharma
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Alastair Sinclair
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Ann Owens
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Divorce Law FAQs

What are the grounds for divorce in the UK?
In the UK, there is only one ground for divorce: that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, implemented in April 2022, introduced ‘no-fault’ divorces. Since then, divorcing couples only have to confirm that their marriage has irretrievably broken down; they do not need to explain why this is the case.
Previously, one of five reasons had to be given to prove the breakdown of the marriage, but this is no longer needed. These reasons were:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- Two years’ separation with consent
- Five years’ separation without consent
Do I have to go to court for a divorce?
Most divorces can be resolved amicably without going to court. You will also be encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to come to an agreement before resorting to court. This will save much time and expense.
Typically, the only reason a divorce will reach court is if disputes over children or finances cannot be resolved otherwise.
It’s true that the divorce application has to be filed with the court, but this can be done online and does not require your attendance.
What's the process for getting a divorce?
There are several stages to getting a divorce. Firstly, you must decide if you will file the divorce petition with the court together (a joint application) or separately (a sole application).
If you make a sole application, the court will send your spouse (the Respondent) an Acknowledgement of Service form, which they must complete and return within 14 days.
Then comes a 20-week waiting period, allowing you to start discussions about arrangements post-divorce. This also gives you the opportunity to change your mind before the divorce goes any further.
After this, you will apply for a Conditional Order, after which a Certificate of Entitlement will be issued if the judge is satisfied that the divorce can go ahead.
You must wait at least 6 weeks and 1 day before applying for a Final Order. Once this has been applied for, it should be issued a short while later. After this, your marriage is legally ended.
Please bear in mind that if you want a legally binding financial agreement, you must also apply for a Financial Consent Order, which you should do before the Final Order is issued.
Can my spouse refuse a divorce?
No. The introduction of ‘no-fault’ divorces under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 means that no blame needs to be assigned for the breakdown of the marriage. As such, your spouse does not need to consent to the divorce, and is unable to contest it.
You can apply for a divorce without your spouse through a ‘sole application’. If they do not respond to the Acknowledgement of Service form within 14 days, there are steps to be taken to ensure the divorce proceedings can still continue.
How much does a divorce cost?
The cost of a divorce can vary based on its complexity. Every divorcing couple must pay a court fee of £593.
If you need to have a Financial Consent Order simply approved by the court, this incurs a fee of £58.
If you cannot agree on financial arrangements and go to court, there will be a court fee of £275. If you cannot agree on child arrangements and go to court for this, there will be a fee of £255 to apply for a court order.
You will also have to pay fees to your divorce lawyer. These can vary based on location and your chosen lawyer’s area of expertise. Most lawyers charge on either an hourly or fixed-fee basis.
The more complex your divorce is, the higher the fees will be. A straightforward divorce with no disagreements will take less time than a complex one which reaches court, due to the larger amount of the lawyer’s time that this kind of divorce will take up.
How long does a divorce take?
If you and your spouse wish to divorce, you must have been married for at least one year. Then, you must wait a minimum of 26 weeks from when you first apply for a divorce.
Some divorces can take longer than this. For example, if your divorce is particularly complex or you fail to reach an agreement outside of court, the court may have to be involved, which can extend the divorce proceedings. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on your specific case.

Speak to a Divorce Solicitor on 0333 060 3419

We are rated 4.9 out of 5

A 5-Star Rated Service For Divorce

Tanya Dodo handled my divorce case and she was professional. Highly recommended

Mr Toyin Johnson

I recently sought advice on a family law matter and spoke with Deborah Sandford who was excellent. Deborah took the time to explain my legal position and the process I had to follow. Without receiving the advice from Deborah I am doubtful I would have achieved a successful outcome. I thoroughly recommend Deborah.

adrian hay

I cannot recommend Rupert Bedford highly enough. He provided exceptional legal guidance and expertise while helping me navigate a very challenging and emotional family matter.Rupert's depth of knowledge and professionalism were evident from the outset. He took the time to understand the complexities of my situation, offering clear and practical advice at every step. His calm demeanor and ability to anticipate potential challenges gave me confidence throughout the process.What truly set Rupert apart was his unwavering dedication and ability to manage sensitive family dynamics with tact and understanding. He approached every aspect of my case with precision, ensuring my interests were protected while maintaining a fair and balanced approach.Thanks to Rupert’s hard work and expertise, I felt supported and reassured during one of the most difficult periods of my life. I am incredibly grateful for his assistance and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone needing expert legal representation.

Lisa Manzi

I would like to give feedback for Tracey O'Dwyer who has helped and guided me for the past 2 years. This was as a result of a dispute with my ex-husband regarding my property and my Fathers property which he believed he was entitled to a share of. Throughout this process I have experienced, redundancy, remediation and arbitration, finding a new job and another mortgage and Tracey has been beside me all of the way, going way beyond what was expected of her. The case was finally completed last week as was the remortgage and I am finally able to move on BUT I am sure this would not have been possible without Tracey's dedication, knowledge and determination. THANK YOU Tracey, I will be forever grateful.

Trish Slater

Going through a divorce and court process is one of the most challenging periods anyone can face, and I am so grateful for the support and expertise provided by Brinder Khara.From the very beginning, she was professional, empathetic, and consistently kept my best interests at heart. What stood out most was her dedication to not just supporting me but also focusing on what was crucial for the well-being of my children.Brinder's clear communication made complex legal processes easy to understand, and she was always available to answer my questions or address any concerns, via email or on the phone. Her advice was pragmatic, tailored to my situation, and always aligned with ensuring the best outcomes for my family.During court proceedings, Brinder's preparation and attention to detail were evident, and her calm, confident demeanor helped alleviate my anxieties. She not only provided exceptional legal representation but also offered the emotional reassurance I needed during such a difficult time, making sure I felt heard but ensuring we remained focused on the task at hand.I cannot recommend Brinder Khara highly enough for anyone needing a family solicitor. Her dedication, expertise, and compassion truly set her apart.Thank...

Amir Chaudhary

Very helpful and understanding and put me at ease with my case, went above and beyond to understand what I needed, definitely would recommend

Adam Jones

Brinder @ Setford Law..From the first conversation, she talked me through the process of my case, and I felt heard and understood. Comunication on the spot as always keeps me updated. She is professional and always approachable. The whole process was smooth with no glitches and stress free. I highly recommend Brinder/ Setford Law. Thank you once again Brinder

Zaz

Brinder Khara’s been helping me through a family matter and she’s been absolutely amazing. I really can’t thank her enough for all her help and advice throughout my difficult time. I would highly recommend Setfords professionalism to anyone in need of a solicitor.

Simon

Divorce

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Divorce Lawyers