You can apply for a divorce yourself, but most people choose a solicitor once children, finances or property are involved, because those arrangements are where mistakes become costly. A solicitor makes sure your settlement is fair and properly recorded, so it holds up later. At Brockbanks Solicitors, our family law team handles the paperwork and the negotiations, so you can focus on moving forward.

Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force, you no longer have to blame your spouse — England and Wales now have a “no-fault” system, so you simply confirm the marriage has broken down. This removed much of the conflict from the early stages of divorce. Our solicitors explain the process clearly and guide you through each application, so you always know what happens next.

A straightforward, uncontested divorce usually moves through set stages with a minimum waiting period built into the law, though the exact timing depends on your circumstances and how quickly finances are resolved. The law sets a minimum of 20 weeks between applying and being able to apply for the conditional order, then a further 6 weeks (and a day) before you can apply for the final order — so even the simplest divorce takes around six months from start to finish. We keep things moving efficiently by managing the paperwork and keeping you informed at every stage.

Many divorces are not contested and are dealt with on paper, with a judge reviewing the documents and no hearing needed. Court only tends to become necessary when finances or child arrangements cannot be agreed. Whatever your situation, our divorce solicitors have the experience to support you through it, and we always look to settle matters out of court where we can.

There is no fixed formula — the aim is a fair outcome that reflects both partners’ needs, contributions and circumstances, covering things like property, pensions, savings and spousal maintenance. Because every situation is different, getting advice early protects your position. Our team works to secure a settlement that is fair to you and gives you a stable footing for the future.

Child arrangements are handled separately from the divorce itself and always centre on what is best for the children, including where they live and how time is shared between parents. Reaching a calm, agreed plan spares everyone added stress. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we help you make balanced, legally sound decisions that put your children’s wellbeing and stability first.