Separating is one of life's hardest experiences. Nevertheless, the legal process does not have to add to the stress. With clear information and the right paperwork, many families reach fair arrangements without a court battle.
Our divorce and family solicitor services in the UK support no-fault divorce, separation, cohabitation, child arrangements and prenuptial agreements at fixed fees. Everything is handled online, with a qualified solicitor preparing your documents.
Moreover, since April 2022 divorce in England and Wales has been "no-fault". Neither spouse has to blame the other. Consequently, the process can be calmer and more focused on the future.
No-fault divorce explained
Under the no-fault system, one or both spouses state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. There is then a minimum period of 20 weeks before applying for the conditional order. After that, the applicant can apply for the final order after a further six weeks and one day.
Our Divorce Documents Assistance supports each step, including financial disclosure guidance. Importantly, the divorce itself does not settle finances. A financial order — often a consent order — is needed to make a financial agreement binding.
Therefore, finances should be resolved before the final order where possible, especially if pensions are involved.
Separation and cohabitation agreements
Not every couple wants to divorce straight away. A Separation Agreement records arrangements for finances, property and children while you live apart.
Unmarried couples have far fewer automatic rights than married couples. In fact, "common law marriage" does not exist in England and Wales. A Cohabitation Agreement protects both partners — for example, by recording property shares and who pays what.
Consequently, both partners know where they stand if the relationship ends.
Child arrangements
Parents are encouraged to agree arrangements between themselves. When that is not possible, the court can make a child arrangements order, focusing on the child's welfare.
Before applying, most applicants must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless an exemption applies. Our Child Arrangement Documents include parenting plans, C100 application preparation and MIAM guidance.
A detailed parenting plan often prevents future disputes. Moreover, courts respond well to proposals that are child-focused and practical. As a result, you present your case in the way the court expects.
Prenuptial agreements
Prenuptial agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales. However, since the Radmacher case, courts give them significant weight when they are entered into freely, with full understanding, and are fair.
Our Prenuptial Agreement is prepared with those principles in mind. For example, both parties should give full financial disclosure and ideally take independent legal advice, with the agreement signed well before the wedding.
Therefore, a carefully prepared prenup gives both partners clarity and confidence.
Talk to a family solicitor first
If you are unsure where to start, a solicitor consultation gives you clear answers on divorce, finances or children. Moreover, if you are experiencing domestic abuse, get advice on protective orders immediately.
Family matters often connect with others. For example, you may need to update your will after separating — see our wills and probate guide. Similarly, property questions are covered in our landlord and tenant guide. Consequently, you get joined-up advice for the whole situation.
Protecting your future after separation
Separation changes more than your relationship. It also affects your will, your property and who can make decisions for you.
For example, divorce does not revoke a will in England and Wales, but it treats a former spouse as having died for most purposes. As a result, gifts and appointments may fail in ways you did not expect. Therefore, a new Simple Will is usually wise once you separate.
Similarly, many people named their spouse as attorney in a lasting power of attorney. After separation, you may want someone else. A new Lasting Power of Attorney puts your choice in writing.
Some people also change their name after divorce. A Deed Poll is widely accepted by banks and the passport office. Meanwhile, if a property is held with a new partner, a Declaration of Trust records each person's share.
Consequently, a little planning now avoids difficult surprises later.
Keeping children at the centre
Children cope best when parents keep conflict away from them. Courts take the same view. In fact, the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration.
A practical parenting plan helps. It covers where the children live, how they spend time with each parent and how holidays work. Moreover, it sets out how parents will communicate and make decisions.
Mediation often helps parents agree. It is usually quicker, cheaper and less stressful than court. However, it is not suitable where there has been domestic abuse, and exemptions apply.
If agreement is impossible, the court can decide. Therefore, a clear, child-focused proposal puts you in the best position. Our Child Arrangement Documents help you prepare one.
Your divorce checklist
Start with the facts. Gather your marriage certificate. Collect recent bank statements. List your assets and debts.
Next, think about the children. Where will they live? How often will they see each parent? Write it down.
Then, consider money. Who stays in the home? How are pensions shared? A consent order makes the deal binding.
Finally, update your will. Review your lasting power of attorney too. As a result, your new life starts on a firm footing.
Our Divorce & Family services in the UK
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified solicitor and is delivered online — wherever you are in the UK. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your solicitor and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
Divorce Documents Assistance in the UK
No-fault divorce application support, conditional and final order steps, and financial disclosure guidance.
It includes divorce application preparation, conditional & final order guidance, form E / financial disclosure checklist. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Divorce Documents Assistance — from £49 See what's included →
Separation Agreement in the UK
Record arrangements for finances, property and children when separating without divorcing.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Child Arrangement Documents in the UK
Parenting plans, C100 application preparation and MIAM guidance for child arrangement orders.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 4 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Child Arrangement Documents — from £49 See what's included →
Cohabitation Agreement in the UK
Protect both partners when living together — property shares, bills, and what happens if you split.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Cohabitation Agreement — from £79 See what's included →
Prenuptial Agreement in the UK
A prenuptial agreement prepared in line with Radmacher principles for maximum weight in court.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Prenuptial Agreement — from £149 See what's included →
Simple Will in the UK
A legally valid will naming executors, guardians and beneficiaries, with signing and witnessing instructions.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Mirror Wills in the UK
Matching wills for couples leaving their estates to each other and then to the same beneficiaries.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Divorce & Family services near you — every region we cover
Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from England and Wales to Scotland and Northern Ireland, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.
Divorce & Family help in London
We prepare divorce & family documents for London law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Westminster (near the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand), City of London (near the Central London County Court at the Thomas More Building). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Westminster, Divorce Documents Assistance in City of London, Divorce Documents Assistance in Camden. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in London.
Divorce & Family help in North West
We prepare divorce & family documents for North West law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Manchester (near the Manchester Civil Justice Centre), Liverpool (near the Liverpool Civil and Family Court). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Manchester, Divorce Documents Assistance in Liverpool. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in North West.
Divorce & Family help in West Midlands
We prepare divorce & family documents for West Midlands law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Birmingham (near the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Birmingham, Divorce Documents Assistance in Coventry. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in West Midlands.
Divorce & Family help in Yorkshire and the Humber
We prepare divorce & family documents for Yorkshire and the Humber law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Leeds (near the Leeds Combined Court Centre). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Leeds, Divorce Documents Assistance in Sheffield. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Divorce & Family help in South West
We prepare divorce & family documents for South West law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Bristol (near the Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Bristol. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in South West.
Divorce & Family help in North East
We prepare divorce & family documents for North East law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newcastle upon Tyne (near the Newcastle Combined Court Centre). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Newcastle upon Tyne. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in North East.
Divorce & Family help in East Midlands
We prepare divorce & family documents for East Midlands law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Nottingham (near the Nottingham County Court). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Nottingham, Divorce Documents Assistance in Leicester. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in East Midlands.
Divorce & Family help in Wales
We prepare divorce & family documents for Wales law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Cardiff (near the Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Cardiff, Divorce Documents Assistance in Swansea. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in Wales.
Divorce & Family help in Scotland
We prepare divorce & family documents for Scotland law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Glasgow (near the Glasgow Sheriff Court on Carlton Place), Edinburgh (near the Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Chambers Street). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Glasgow, Divorce Documents Assistance in Edinburgh. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in Scotland.
Divorce & Family help in Northern Ireland
We prepare divorce & family documents for Northern Ireland law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Belfast (near the Laganside Courts). For example, see Divorce Documents Assistance in Belfast. Similarly, see Separation Agreement in Northern Ireland.
We also help clients in South East, East of England. See every location we cover.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a no-fault divorce take?
At least around six months in England and Wales: 20 weeks before the conditional order, then six weeks and one day before the final order. Many take longer while finances are resolved.
Does divorce settle our finances?
No. A separate financial order, often a consent order, is needed to make a financial settlement legally binding.
Is a prenup legally binding in the UK?
Not automatically, but courts in England and Wales give significant weight to fair prenups entered into freely with full disclosure.
Do I have to attend mediation before a child arrangements application?
Usually you must attend a MIAM before applying, unless an exemption such as domestic abuse applies.
Do cohabiting couples have the same rights as married couples?
No. There is no common law marriage in England and Wales, so a cohabitation agreement is the best way to protect both partners.
Contact LegalCounsel
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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified solicitor before you act.