For individuals · Family law
Steady advice when family life changes
Separation is rarely just a legal matter. We help you understand where you stand, what needs deciding and in what order, so you can make choices with a clearer head.
Overview
When a relationship ends, the questions tend to arrive all at once. Where will the children live? What happens to the house? How do pensions fit in? Do we both need solicitors? Our job is to take those questions one at a time and give you straight answers about the options open to you.
Since April 2022, divorce in England and Wales has been no-fault. Neither of you has to blame the other, and you can apply jointly or on your own. The divorce itself, though, is only one part of the picture. Money, property and arrangements for children are dealt with separately, and those are usually the parts that need the most care.
We encourage agreement wherever it is safe and realistic, through direct negotiation, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution. Where agreement isn’t possible, we will explain what a court application involves and prepare it properly. If you are just starting to think things through, our article on what to sort out first when separating is a good place to begin.
When you might need us
- You have decided to divorce or end a civil partnership and want to understand the process
- You need to agree how savings, property and pensions will be divided
- You and your former partner can’t agree where the children will live or how much time they spend with each of you
- You are unmarried, separating, and unsure what rights you have in the home you shared
- You are moving in together or marrying and want a cohabitation or prenuptial agreement
- You have reached an agreement in mediation and want it turned into a binding court order
What we cover
Divorce and dissolution
We guide you through the online no-fault process, from the application through the conditional order to the final order, and explain how the timing links to your financial arrangements.
Financial arrangements
We help you gather financial disclosure, understand what a fair division might look like and record any agreement in a consent order so it is legally binding.
Arrangements for children
We help parents agree where children will live and how they spend time with each parent. If agreement isn’t possible, we can advise on applying for a child arrangements order.
Separation for unmarried couples
Cohabiting couples don’t have the same financial claims as married couples, and there is no such thing as a “common law marriage”. We explain what rights you do have, particularly in relation to a shared home.
Pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements
An agreement made before marriage or moving in together can set out what you both intend should happen if you separate. We explain how courts approach these agreements and how to give yours the best footing.
Mediation support
Many clients use mediation to reach agreement. We advise alongside the process, so you understand proposals before you commit to them.
How we approach it
Listen first
We start by understanding your family, your priorities and any worries about safety or money. Nothing is decided at this stage.
Explain the options
We set out the realistic routes available, from negotiation and mediation to a court application, and what each is likely to involve in time and cost.
Work towards agreement
Where it is safe to do so, we aim to reduce conflict and reach an agreement you can both live with, keeping the children’s interests at the centre.
Make it last
We make sure any agreement is properly recorded, usually in a court order, so it gives you certainty for the future.
What you can expect from us
- A named solicitor who knows your case
- A clear explanation of likely costs before work begins
- Plain-English updates, and a sense of what happens next
- A calm, non-confrontational approach unless the situation calls for something firmer
- Honest advice, even when it isn’t what you hoped to hear
Who you will work with
Related insights
Questions clients often ask
How long does a divorce take?
There is a minimum period of 20 weeks between the application being issued and being able to apply for the conditional order. After the conditional order, there is a further wait of at least six weeks and one day before the final order can be applied for. In practice it often takes longer, particularly if finances are still being agreed.
Does the divorce also sort out our finances?
No. The divorce ends the marriage, but financial claims are dealt with separately. Many people agree their finances and have them approved in a consent order before the final order is made, and we will talk you through the timing.
Do we have to go to mediation?
Before applying to court about finances or children, you will usually need to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting, known as a MIAM. There are exceptions, for example where there is evidence of domestic abuse or the matter is urgent. Attending a MIAM doesn’t mean you have to go on to mediate.
We weren’t married. Does my ex-partner have a claim on my house?
Unmarried partners don’t have the same financial claims as spouses. Any claim over a home usually depends on how it is owned and what was agreed or intended about the shares. The answer depends heavily on the facts, so it is worth taking advice early.
This page is general information about family law in England and Wales, not legal advice, and the right approach will depend on your individual circumstances. Harton & Vale Legal is a fictional firm created as a design concept, so nothing here is legal advice. About this concept.
Make an enquiry
Talk to us about family law.
Tell us briefly what has happened and what you would like to achieve. There is no obligation, and we will be straightforward about whether we are the right people to help.
We read your enquiry
A member of the relevant team reviews it, usually within one working day.
A short, no-obligation call
We ask a few questions, explain how we could help and outline the likely next steps.
Clear terms before any work
If you would like to go ahead, we confirm the scope, who will handle it and the costs in writing.