At Banner Jones Solicitors, our experienced divorce and family law solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions during this challenging time. Whether you are considering divorce, have already separated, or need advice regarding finances or arrangements for your children, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Talk to Banner Jones. We are ready to help you.
Divorce and separation are never easy, regardless of the reasons why a relationship has broken down. This can be among the most difficult experiences a person faces. Alongside the emotional impact, there are often important questions about your children, finances, home and future that need to be addressed.
Every separation is unique, no two family situations are the same. That's why our specialist family law solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances, concerns and priorities before advising on the best way forward.
Whether you are worried about what will happen to your family home, how assets will be divided, or arrangements for your children, our experienced family law and divorce solicitors will provide clear, straightforward advice tailored to your situation.
We are committed to helping clients achieve practical and constructive outcomes while protecting their long-term interests. From the initial consultation through to final resolution, we will ensure you understand your options and remain fully informed throughout the process.
Under the current no-fault divorce system, couples can apply for divorce after being married for at least 12 months. Neither party is required to apportion blame for the breakdown of the marriage, helping to reduce conflict and create a more constructive foundation for resolving financial and child-related issues
Our highly experienced Legal 500 recommended family law and divorce solicitors understand that every family situation is different. We provide practical legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances, helping you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
Where possible, we focus on achieving negotiated and amicable settlements that minimise stress, reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary court proceedings. However, where court action becomes necessary, you can be assured of robust representation from a team with extensive experience in complex family law matters.
With family law specialists based in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield, we are trusted by individuals and families across the region to provide expert support during some of life's most challenging moments.
Download our free divorce guide to learn more about the divorce process and how our team can help
We know you will have many questions about your specific situation, and our family law specialists in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Download our free guide to learn more about what you can expect from the divorce process and how we can help.
Download our free divorce guide
When a relationship comes to an end, there is often uncertainty about what happens next. A separation agreement can help provide clarity and stability by recording the arrangements you and your partner have reached regarding your finances, property and ongoing responsibilities.
Prepared by a family law solicitor and agreed by both parties, a separation agreement can be used by both married and unmarried couples. It is often an effective way of protecting everyone's interests, reducing the potential for future disagreements and allowing time for important decisions to be made without unnecessary pressure.
Mediation can be an effective way of resolving disputes following a separation or divorce without the time, cost and stress often associated with court proceedings. While Banner Jones does not provide mediation services directly, we can recommend trusted local mediators and advise you throughout the process.
A mediator is an independent, impartial professional who helps both parties discuss issues constructively and explore options for reaching an agreement. Mediation provides a neutral environment in which you can focus on finding practical solutions for the future, particularly where children are involved.
Mediation may help you reach agreement on:
Our family law solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Mansfield regularly advise clients before, during and after mediation. We can help you understand your legal position, review any proposals that are made and, where agreement is reached, prepare the necessary legal documents to formalise the outcome.
We believe that making informed decisions starts with understanding the likely costs involved. While many people think of divorce as simply the legal process of ending a marriage, the overall cost will often depend on the wider issues that need to be resolved.
The introduction of no-fault divorce has helped to reduce conflict and encourage more constructive discussions, which can often keep costs to a minimum. However, every family's circumstances are different, and the complexity of your case will influence the level of legal support required.
There are typically three key elements to consider:
This is the legal procedure for formally ending your marriage. We offer fixed-fee divorce services, providing cost certainty and helping you budget from the outset.
This involves reaching agreement on issues such as the family home, savings, pensions, investments, business interests and ongoing financial support. The more complex the assets involved, the more work may be required to achieve a fair settlement.
This includes deciding where your children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and any financial arrangements for their ongoing care and welfare.
Where a divorce involves substantial assets, business interests, investments, pensions or complex financial arrangements, specialist legal advice is essential.
Our experienced family law solicitors regularly advise business owners, professionals and high-net-worth individuals on protecting their interests while achieving fair and practical financial settlements. We understand the complexities involved in valuing and dividing significant assets and work closely with financial experts where necessary to ensure all relevant resources are properly identified and assessed.
Whether your case involves a family business, investment portfolio, multiple properties, inherited wealth or complex pension arrangements, we will provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your circumstances.
We are committed to resolving matters as efficiently and discreetly as possible, helping you safeguard your financial future while minimising unnecessary conflict and disruption. For more complex cases, our team has the expertise and experience needed to guide you through every stage of the process with confidence.
Our family law team has been helping individuals and families resolve relationship breakdowns for generations. From straightforward divorces to complex financial disputes, we have the experience to guide you effectively.
Family law is all we do. Our solicitors regularly advise on divorce, separation, financial settlements, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes, nuptial agreements and high-net-worth cases. All solicitors in the team have been recommended by the Legal 500.
We believe that most families benefit from constructive, non-confrontational solutions wherever possible. We focus on achieving positive outcomes while minimising unnecessary stress, delay and expense.
Legal matters can feel overwhelming. We explain your options in plain English, provide realistic advice, and ensure you understand the likely outcomes before making important decisions.
We offer fixed-fee initial appointments and clear information about costs from the outset, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
With offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield, our team combines local accessibility with a reputation for delivering exceptional family law advice across the region.
Get in touch with our team today
Speak to an Experienced Family Law and Divorce Solicitor in Sheffield, Chesterfield or Mansfield today. If you need advice about divorce, separation, finances or arrangements for your children, our specialist family law solicitors are here to help.
Call 0344 649 6343 or contact your nearest office in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield or Mansfield to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced family law specialists.
In this case I represented the husband, who was the sole earner of the household, earning between £350,000 and £450,000 per annum.
The couple were originally from Derbyshire, had been married for 10 years and had two dependent children. Due to the husband’s job they owned properties in London and Derbyshire. London was the main family home, as this is where husband worked and where the children attended school, however, the parties lived together as a family at the Derbyshire property during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Difficulties arose in the marriage during the COVID-19 lockdown. Husband was extremely busy at work throughout the pandemic; and additional pressures of all being at home together; home schooling the children; and the fact that the cleaner was no longer able to attend the property had created a pressured environment. The wife decided to end the marriage.
The value of both properties was in the region of £1.365mn, with equity of around £730,000. The husband paid the mortgage repayments on both because the wife did not work and was financially reliant on her husband.
In terms of other assets, the husband’s pension had an approximate value of £500,000. He also had a cash ISA in his sole name containing approximately £100,000. The wife had no pension provision or savings despite having a degree and working in event management previously.
There is a limited company of which both parties are directors, with one buy to let property worth approximately £100,000 in the portfolio. The husband unusually wants the parties to remain jointly as directors to receive a small income from the business to be used for school fees and leave as a legacy for their children.
This was an unusual case in that husband required two properties, one in London for work and one in Derbyshire, as the wife planned to relocate back to Derbyshire with the Children. My client’s aim was to retain both of the current properties and buy the wife a mortgage free property.
The wife over time will benefit as she will have more equity in her one property then he will have in the two as he will have to re-mortgage to achieve this.
Following negotiations we finally agreed maintenance at £1200 per month.
Given the nature of my client’s work, the ability to call me early in the morning when his office was quieter, was really important to him and it meant that he could get straight on with his day.
Download our free guide for help and advice on how to tell your children that you are separating.
ArchitectIt was extremely convenient to be able to discuss my case with Kelly before work in the morning. This avoided us missing each other, did not interfere with my work day and I knew that if I had something to deal with during the day I could discuss it with her the following morning. Our lives have been turned upside down during the pandemic and as such we all have to work more flexibly. It was refreshing and reassuring to see Banner Jones Solicitors embracing this flexibility by responding positively and dynamically to their client’s needs and pressures.
Talk to Banner Jones. We are ready to help you.
In England and Wales, you can apply for a divorce once you have been married for at least one year. To start the process, your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK, and you or your spouse must confirm that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
Under the current no-fault divorce system, neither party is required to blame the other for the breakdown of the marriage. This helps reduce unnecessary conflict and allows couples to focus on resolving important issues such as finances, property and arrangements for their children.
Our experienced divorce solicitors can guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring the application is completed correctly and advising on any related financial or child arrangement matters that may need to be addressed.
The court fee for filing a divorce application in England and Wales is currently £628 (as at August 2026), whether the application is made by one spouse or jointly, with or without legal representation. This fee is paid to HM Courts & Tribunals Service and is separate from any legal fees you may incur for advice or representation.
The timescale depends on the circumstances of each case. However, under the current process, a straightforward divorce typically takes at least six to eight months from the date of the application to the Final Order, provided there are no delays or complications.
Yes. You can apply for a divorce yourself without instructing a solicitor. The divorce process in England and Wales is now largely administrative and can be completed online in many cases.
However, while you may be able to deal with the divorce application itself, it is important to understand that ending a marriage is only one part of the process. You may also need advice regarding:
Many people are surprised to learn that a divorce does not automatically resolve financial matters. Without a properly drafted financial agreement and court order, financial claims can remain open long after the divorce has been finalised.
Our divorce solicitors can provide tailored advice on your rights and options, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring that any financial arrangements are legally protected. Whether you need support with the entire process or advice on a specific issue, we can provide practical guidance to help you make informed decisions.
While it is possible to deal with a divorce without instructing a solicitor, doing so can carry risks, particularly where there are disagreements about finances, property or arrangements for children.
Some of the most common risks of self-representation include:
For straightforward divorces where all issues have already been agreed, self-representation may be appropriate. However, where there are assets to divide, children involved, or any uncertainty about your position, obtaining legal advice can help protect your interests and avoid costly mistakes in the future. Our family law solicitors can advise on as much or as little of the process as you need, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions
In many cases, the answer is no. Under the no-fault divorce system in England and Wales, the legal process of ending a marriage is largely administrative and is usually dealt with online and through the court system without the need for either party to attend a court hearing.
However, while the divorce itself may not require a court appearance, disputes relating to finances, property or arrangements for children can sometimes result in court proceedings if an agreement cannot be reached. In many cases, these issues can be resolved through negotiation, solicitor-led discussions, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution, avoiding the need for a final court hearing.
No. A solicitor can only act in the best interests of one party. If you and your spouse both require legal advice, each of you should obtain independent legal representation.
Yes. Under the no-fault divorce system, one spouse cannot prevent the other from obtaining a divorce simply because they do not agree with the decision. Once an application has been made and the legal process completed, the court can grant the divorce.
No. The divorce itself is separate from financial matters. However, it is strongly recommended that any financial agreement is recorded in a legally binding Consent Order. Without one, financial claims may remain open even after the divorce has been finalised.
There is no automatic rule regarding who keeps the family home. The outcome will depend on factors such as the needs of any children, each party's financial circumstances, available housing options, and the overall assets of the marriage. Our divorce solicitors can advise on the options available to you.
No. You can begin divorce proceedings even if you have not yet reached agreement on finances or arrangements for your children. These issues can be negotiated separately during the divorce process.
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage and should not be overlooked. Depending on your circumstances, pensions may be shared, offset against other assets, or retained by the individual owner. Specialist legal advice is recommended to ensure a fair outcome.
No. Unmarried couples do not have the same legal protections as married couples upon separation. Issues relating to property, finances and children can be complex, and specialist legal advice should be sought at an early stage.
A Consent Order is a legally binding court order that records the financial agreement reached between divorcing spouses. It helps provide certainty and prevents either party from bringing future financial claims, subject to the terms of the order.
A Clean Break Order is a type of financial order made by the court which brings financial claims between divorced spouses to an end. Once a Clean Break Order is approved, neither party can make future financial claims against the other, providing certainty and financial independence moving forward.
A Clean Break Order is often used where:
Importantly, a divorce alone does not automatically end financial claims. Even after a Final Order has been granted, one spouse may still be able to make financial claims against the other unless those claims have been formally dismissed by the court through a Clean Break Order or another financial order.
A Clean Break Order can provide:
Our divorce solicitors can advise whether a Clean Break Order is appropriate in your circumstances and prepare the necessary court documentation to ensure any agreement is properly recorded and legally binding.
In many cases, yes. Even where there are few or no assets to divide, obtaining a Clean Break Order can help prevent future financial claims and provide certainty that your financial relationship has come to an end.
A Clean Break Order is not obtained automatically when you divorce. It must be approved by the court and is usually made as part of a financial settlement.
The process generally involves the following steps:
Once approved, the Clean Break Order becomes legally binding and prevents future financial claims being made against each other, subject to its terms.
It is possible to apply yourself, but many people choose to seek legal advice to ensure:
A poorly drafted agreement may not achieve the clean break you intended, which is why obtaining specialist family law advice is often a worthwhile investment.
The cost will depend on whether you use a solicitor and the complexity of your circumstances. In addition to any legal fees, there is a court fee payable when submitting a Consent Order for approval. Our family law solicitors can provide a clear estimate of the likely costs at the outset.
The Family Law Solicitors at Banner Jones in Sheffield, Chesterfield and Mansfield understand the emotional and legal complexities of separation and will guide you through the process with honest and clear separation advice.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has announced that from 8th April 2025, 171 court and tribunal fees will increase.
Take a look at our advice and the pros and cons of Online Divorce. We are here for you every step of the way and can help finalise financial and childcare arrangements.
Making a Will is commonly associated as something you do in later life however, in reality anyone over the age of 18 can have a Will and we would strongly recommend it to anyone with children.
We know that divorce is not easy for anyone, but it can become even more complex when there are business assets involved.
We know that the speed and convenience of online divorce is appealing. This article explains when it is appropriate and when it is not.
Writing Wills during a marriage that leaves everything to each other upon death is very common, but what happens to that Will should you decide to end the marriage and get divorced?
When a couple divorces both parties must provide details of any pensions they own. The temporary suspension of providing pension pot values means couples may face a delay in finalising their financial arrangements as they cannot negotiate or be advised as to what would be a fair settlement without knowing the CETV of their pension fund.
Navigating divorce is difficult even in steady economic circumstances however, with financial climates changing, this can lead to unconventional methods such as remaining to live together once divorced.
Tough economic conditions and spiralling costs are expected to add to the pressure on couples facing the Christmas period.
Mediation is a process which helps people sort out issues that arise as a breakdown of their relationship. This guide helps to explain the process.
Kelly Parks, explains how a financial settlement works and what you can do to ensure that you get your fair share.
Download our free guide for help and advice on how to tell your children that you are separating.
Married couples will very often have used traditional wedding vows where they promise to support each through sickness and in health, however, a recent study has found that unfortunately chronic illness plays a significant role in the breakdown of a marriage. Statistics from a US study by the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour show that 75% of marriages afflicted with chronic illness end in divorce.
You may well have heard in the news that the government are reforming the divorce process to introduce the so called ‘no fault divorce’ . This shall remove the element of fault and blame from the current divorce process and it is hoped that this will assist separating couples, making the court process less fraught and upsetting.
The ongoing pandemic has placed many pressures on our personal lives, with one in five relationships struggling to survive according to research by University College London. It’s a further regrettable statistic from the past two years, but if divorce is inevitable, couples who work together to shape their separate futures are likely to have a more positive experience than couples who go into battle over financial and childcare arrangements.
If you have decided to separate from your partner, there are certain practicalities that you will need to work out together. This can be done through a separation agreement.
All child vaccinations in the UK are voluntary and therefore parental consent must be given prior to the vaccination.
This guide explains the divorce process and covers the key points that anyone considering, or in the process of, a divorce should understand.
Pension sharing during divorce explained by expert divorce solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield & Mansfield. Get fair and honest advice on your financial future.
Divorce is a stressful time for anyone. This guide gives some great advice for anyone going through this particularly difficult time.
It has recently been announced that couples in England and Wales will eventually be able to file for a ‘no fault’ divorce, meaning that couples who simply grow apart, no longer have to find ‘blame’ to bring the marriage to an end. It is thought that this reform in divorce law will help to reduce family conflict and, in some cases, could speed up divorce proceedings. With these changes, alongside the introduction of the Ministry of Justice online divorce platform it is thought that divorce will become much quicker and easier for many couples in the future.
Cohabitation is the name given to unmarried couples living together. Whether you have previously been married, or are living with your first ‘partner’, you are called cohabitees. But what does this actually mean in practice, and what are your legal rights if anything were to happen to the relationship, or to either of you?
Just how binding are Pre-nuptial Agreements in the British Courts? Well a recent ruling of the High Court on a French ‘pre-nuptial agreement’ pretty much spells it out.
In a ruling in the June of 2017, the courts followed an increasing trend for financial settlements of divorcing couples to reflect more accurately the contributions that each partner made to the marriage.
During a break up, being fair and civilised to each other is often the best you can hope for, but when there are children involved emotions need to be set aside.
Planning ahead is important for most family holidays, but if you are looking to take your children abroad and you have separated or divorced, then the sooner you prepare this, the better.
Vulnerable victims and witnesses will no longer have to appear in court under new plans to roll out pre-trial evidence sessions.
What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t have a Will? Our expert Wills solicitors have explain what can happen, in simple terms, in our guide.
Are you local to Sheffield and are going through a tough time during a divorce or separation? Our family law solicitors have created a guide of things to do in Sheffield to keep you busy and get you back on your feet during this time.
Family Law: Divorce - The Banner Jones Process.
Getting through a divorce or separation is hard at the best of times but is often even harder when there are children involved in the relationship. Use our helpful guide for tips on explaining the situation to the children.
We’ve enlisted the help of some local relationship counsellors in Sheffield to provide you with some survival advice to help get you through a divorce.
Mrs L, HaslandDivorce
You can't begin to imagine how grateful I am to you. You have been matter of fact rather than thinking about the earning potential. You are a lovely women so thank you so so much.
Mrs W, SheffieldDivorce and Family Law
Thank You so much for your help and support through this difficult time.
Mr C, WaltonDivorce and Family Law
Happy with the professionalism of the service.
Mr J, HucknallDivorce and Family Law
The service was excellent.
Mr G, Forest TownDivorce
Exceptional service at a very reasonable cost.
Mr G, StaveleyYou were very helpful and sympathetic whilst dealing with my case and your knowledge and advice was excellent. Once initiated, my case was dealt with speed, professionalism. Good contact and communication was maintained throughout.
Mr J, SheffieldEfficient, compassionate, honest and realistic advice that instantly generated deserved trust. On time every time.
Mr T, Whittington MoorBanner Jones are excellent, the Family team had some strategy to their advice rather than just giving bog standard legal advice.
Ms S, SheffieldI used Kelly Parks for my divorce, and both her and her secretary, Dawn, were professional, efficient and friendly. I have used other solicitors before, but Banner Jones are by far the best.
Mrs D, GrassmoorAbsolutely brilliant service. Thank you so much!
