Family Law and Divorce Solicitors Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

We believe in providing clear and transparent legal costs for both straightforward and complex family law matters from the outset. Our 30-minute consultations are £120 (including VAT), 60-minute advice appointments are £300 (including VAT), and we offer fixed-fee packages for divorce cases.

For more complex family law matters, such as cases involving business interests, investment portfolios, or high-value assets, we provide bespoke fee arrangements tailored to your individual circumstances, focused on wealth preservation and strategic settlements.

During your initial appointment for any family law matter, we'll explain the likely costs involved.

Yes. If you live together but are not married, a cohabitation agreement can help protect your assets and clarify how property, finances, and other responsibilities will be managed if your relationship ends. Our family law and divorce solicitors in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield can advise you on your legal rights and prepare an agreement tailored to your circumstances.

Yes. Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren, but the family court recognises the important role they can play in a child's life. If contact has broken down following a separation or family dispute, it may be possible to apply to the court for permission to seek a child arrangements order.

Where possible, grandparents are encouraged to resolve matters through discussion or mediation first. If this isn't successful, our family law solicitors in Mansfield, Chesterfield, Sheffield and Dronfield can advise you on your options and help you through the legal process so you can proceed with confidence.

Many people now complete the legal divorce application themselves using the Government's online service. This can be suitable where both parties agree the marriage has ended, there are no disputes about finances or children, and there are no complex assets such as pensions or business interests.

However, the divorce application is only one part of the process. Financial matters, property, pensions, and arrangements for children often need separate legal consideration. It's also important to remember that a final divorce order does not automatically end future financial claims. A court-approved consent order is usually needed to make financial agreements legally binding.

Our family law solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Mansfield can advise you on issues including:

• Dividing assets, savings, and investments
• Pensions and pension sharing
• The family home
• Spousal and child maintenance
• Business assets and inherited wealth
• Obtaining a legally binding consent order

Where children are involved, early legal advice can also help parents understand their rights and work towards arrangements that are in their children's best interests.

Yes. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in 2022, you no longer need your spouse's consent to get divorced. One or both parties simply need to confirm that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

While your spouse cannot usually prevent the divorce itself, disagreements about finances, property or arrangements for children are dealt with separately and may require negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage and should be considered as part of any financial settlement. Before decisions are made, both parties must provide full details of their pension arrangements.

Depending on your circumstances, pensions may be shared, offset against other assets such as the family home, or dealt with through a pension attachment order. Our family lawyers can help you understand your options and work towards a fair settlement.