Dealing with family issues, from divorce or separation to financial disputes, parental alienation, or cohabitation, can be incredibly stressful.
So, it’s vital to find a solicitor who is compassionate and understanding. Setfords aims to be there for you when you need us, providing expert legal advice to guide you through a worrying time.
No matter what kind of family dispute you may be going through, it can be easy to fear the worst. What will happen to my children and me?
How much will legal advice cost? How can I get through this with the minimum amount of stress? These are all common questions. We suggest that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to mitigate any feelings of anxiety and begin to move forward with the matter swiftly.
If you need family law solicitors in Birmingham, Setfords is here for you. No matter what issues you’re facing, we will provide the legal advice you need promptly so that you can see a clear path ahead and seek the best outcome possible.
Call 0330 058 4011
Get in touch
How can we help with family law?
Our talented family law solicitors in Birmingham are available to help with various matters in this area of law, including:
- Divorce
- Separation
- Mediation
- Financial disputes
- Children
- Cohabitation matters
- Pre and postnuptial agreements
- Parental alienation
- Domestic issues and injunctions
- Change of name
To discuss your particular circumstances and how our solicitors may be able to help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Speak to our team on 0330 058 4011
Contact us
What areas do we cover?
We are proud to have a strong network of solicitors in the Birmingham area due to our Head Office’s central location. However, we have solicitors all over England and Wales who are on hand to advise you, no matter your region.
Many of our Birmingham-based family law solicitors work from home, our Head Office, or a combination. So, they will be able to accommodate you to find a suitable time and place to meet. Furthermore, we have comprehensive systems for remote working, so much of our business can be done virtually if this would suit you better. Get in touch with us today to find the family law solicitor for you.
Frequently asked questions about Divorce
The separation and divorce process can involve three separate elements:
- The divorce/dissolution of the marriage.
- Agreement on the financial arrangements in terms of how the assets will be divided and if maintenance is payable.
- Agreement as to child arrangements for any dependent children.
The divorce law changed on 6 April 2022. Divorce is now on a 'no-fault' basis and the process has become simpler and easier. The process of divorce starts when the applicant (issuing party) submits a divorce application with the court.
A straightforward divorce typically takes six to eight months as long as both parties co-operate in a timely manner. Once the applicant has submitted the divorce application, a copy of the documents is sent to the other party known as the respondent. The respondent is required to return an Acknowledgement of Service to confirm the documents have been received. After the application has been checked by both the respondent and then the applicant, the court issues the application.
There is then a 'cooling off' period of 20 weeks before you can apply for a conditional order which is the first stage of the divorce. Previously, this was referred to as Decree Nisi.
The court reviews the application and sets a date when the conditional order will be given. Six weeks and one day after that, the applicant can apply for the final order which was previously referred to as Decree Absolute. When the final order has been granted this formally ends the marriage.
The applicant who files for divorce will be required to pay the court fee which is presently £593. The applicant can request the court to order the other party contributes to some or all of the costs the applicant incurs.
There is no difference to the final outcome. One party may not wish to begin the process for example a person who has religious objections to Divorce. If only one party seeks a divorce they are likely to be the one who files as applicant. In general terms, the applicant's solicitor will drive the divorce process and chase the other party if there have been any delays.
You must have been married for at least one year before you can get divorced. If the marriage breaks down before then you can separate although divorce proceedings cannot be issues any earlier than 12 months after the date of the marriage.
The background to the relationship breakdown will be necessary to enable the solicitor to understand the situation, financial issues to include information about assets and also whether there are any children. In summary your solicitor should be informed of the following:
- Which party will be applying for the divorce?
- Details of any dependent children which is defined as under the age of 18 years, children in full-time education or having special needs.
- Information about the sole and joint assets of each party to include property, savings, pensions.
- Information about each party's income and expenditure.
The divorce process can involve up to three separate elements to include the divorce itself, financial issues and child arrangements. It is not possible to state in general terms how much the costs are likely to be as they will depend on the circumstances of each individual case. However, it will be possible for you to obtain an early indication of the likely costs and in some situations a fixed price service is available.
It is possible to issue and conclude divorce proceedings before financial matters are agreed. However, this is not advisable. Agreement should be reached on financial issues and a final order made before concluding the divorce to ensure important entitlements such as pension rights are not lost. It can be disadvantageous to either party to conclude the divorce before finances are finalised.
A confidential, no obligation telephone discussion is available at no cost. Please email BKhara@setfords.co.uk to arrange this or telephone 0121 726 1180.
Call Brinder 0121 726 1180
Why use Setfords for family law solicitors in Birmingham?
Experience direct contact with your chosen solicitor from the outset and throughout the entire process.
We offer highly competitive fixed fees with detailed estimates given at the start of proceedings to allow you to budget effectively.
Setfords is proud of the highly tailored, efficient service we deliver, helping to reduce your stress at what is often a worrying time.
As a firm, Setfords is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with over 5000 total reviews. Learn more about what our clients are saying here:
Our firm uses the consultancy model, which means that our solicitors have the freedom to choose their hours, location, and schedule. This has a knock-on effect for you as the client, as they can dedicate more time, energy, and passion to helping you get the outcome you deserve.
