Family
Separating fairly, protecting children
Most separations are settled without a judge. We aim for that, and we tell you early if it won’t work. Every service below shows its fee, the stages and how long each one usually takes.
Divorce
No-fault divorce: nobody has to be blamed. We make the application and keep the dates.
What happens next
Typical total time At least 6 months, by law
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Week 1
First consultation
We explain the steps and whether to settle money matters first. Most people should.
Cost at this stage: £150 + VAT, taken off the fee
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Weeks 1 to 2
Application made
We file the application online. If your spouse does not reply, we tell you the options.
Cost at this stage: Fee: £950 + VAT
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20 weeks
Time to reflect
The law makes everyone wait 20 weeks before the next step. We use it to settle finances.
Cost at this stage: Included
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Week 21 onwards
Conditional order
The court confirms you are entitled to divorce.
Cost at this stage: Included
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6 weeks and 1 day later
Final order
The marriage ends. We advise you not to apply until a financial order is in place.
Cost at this stage: Included
Timescales are typical, not promised. Home Office and court times change; we tell you the current ones at your consultation.
Money and property after separation
Who keeps the home, how savings and pensions are shared, and an order that makes it final.
What happens next
Typical total time Often 4 to 12 months
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Week 1
First consultation
We look at what you own and owe together and what a fair outcome could look like.
Cost at this stage: £150 + VAT
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Weeks 2 to 10
Disclosure
Both of you show your full finances. We check what your former partner sends.
Cost at this stage: Fee agreed in writing
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Weeks 8 to 16
Agreement
Through letters, mediation or a round-table meeting.
Cost at this stage: Within the fixed fee
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A few weeks to a few months
Court approval
A judge approves the consent order on paper. Then it is legally binding.
Cost at this stage: Within the fixed fee
Timescales are typical, not promised. Home Office and court times change; we tell you the current ones at your consultation.
Arrangements for children
Where your children live and when they see each other parent, agreed if possible, decided by a court if not.
What happens next
Typical total time Weeks if you agree; often 6 to 12 months in court
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Same day if urgent
First consultation
If a child is at risk or about to be taken abroad, tell us when you call. We act the same day.
Cost at this stage: £150 + VAT
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Weeks 1 to 4
Mediation meeting
Usually needed before a court application. We prepare you for it.
Cost at this stage: Fixed fee agreed
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Weeks 4 to 10
Agreement
We turn what you agree into a parenting plan or a court order.
Cost at this stage: Within the fixed fee
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If no agreement
Court
An application, safety checks by the court’s advisers, then hearings.
Cost at this stage: Hourly, estimate first
Timescales are typical, not promised. Home Office and court times change; we tell you the current ones at your consultation.
Prenuptial and cohabitation agreements
Agree now what happens to money and property if you ever separate, while you still agree on everything.
What happens next
Typical total time About 6 to 10 weeks; start at least 3 months before the wedding
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Week 1
First consultation
What you want to protect and why.
Cost at this stage: £150 + VAT
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Weeks 1 to 4
Disclosure
Both of you share your finances in full. Without it, the agreement is weak.
Cost at this stage: Fee agreed in writing
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Weeks 4 to 8
Draft and changes
We draft; your partner’s solicitor reviews; we agree the changes.
Cost at this stage: Within the fixed fee
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At least 28 days before the wedding
Signed
Signed with time to spare, so nobody can say they were rushed.
Cost at this stage: Within the fixed fee
Timescales are typical, not promised. Home Office and court times change; we tell you the current ones at your consultation.
Plain words
- Conditional order
- The court’s confirmation, halfway through a divorce, that you are entitled to divorce.
- Final order
- The document that legally ends the marriage.
- Consent order
- Your financial agreement, approved by a judge so that it is binding.
- Disclosure
- Each person showing their full finances: income, savings, debts, pensions.
- Mediation
- A neutral person helps you both reach an agreement. Usually required before a court application about children.
- Child arrangements order
- A court order saying where a child lives and when they see each parent.
Talk it through before you decide anything.
- £150 + VAT (£180)
- 45 minutes
- Video, phone or our office
- Reply by the end of the next working day