Relationship breakdown can be a difficult and emotional process. Having the right family law team can be essential to ensuring the process runs as smoothly, and with as little stress as possible.

The process for divorce in England and Wales involves several key steps, each with its own set of considerations.

If you require advice or assistance with divorce proceedings, ARC Costs maintain a panel of divorce solicitors, Bolton. Our experienced family law network assist with all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial remedy, care proceedings and family disputes, parental responsibility cases. Some of the solicitors on our panel offer legal aid services.

We can also assist in the recovery and negotiation of legal costs following divorce proceedings.

How to initiate a divorce 

To initiate the divorce process, parties must apply for a divorce by submitting a divorce application to the court. Since April 2022, divorce laws have changed. The focus is now on the belief that the marriage or civil partnership cannot be fixed. Specific reasons or faults are no longer needed.

This move towards a no-fault divorce system aims to streamline the process and reduce acrimony between parties.

Under the new law, parties can state that their marriage has irretrievably broken down without assigning blame. This departure from fault-based grounds provides a more amicable approach to divorce proceedings.

There are still considerations regarding the length of the marriage. Couples may need to demonstrate a minimum period of separation before a divorce is granted.

Consulting with divorce solicitors, Bolton, is crucial during this process to help you understand the legal requirements. It helps to ensure that the divorce application is accurate and compliant with the updated regulations.

The divorce application is often followed by the acknowledgment of service, where the other party responds to the divorce petition. If both parties agree to the divorce, it is possible to apply jointly, simplifying the process. Seeking legal advice from a divorce lawyer is recommended to ensure that the necessary paperwork is accurate and complete.

What can our divorce solicitors Bolton help with?

Our network of family law solicitors in Bolton and beyond, provide a range of divorce and family law services. These include:

Divorce proceedings:

Our divorce law solicitors help parties throughout the process of divorce and civil partnership dissolution. We assist from the divorce application, through to financial remedy proceedings. Our solicitors understand this is a difficult time for parties, and offer the client care possible.

Financial remedy proceedings: 

The division of assets is an important factor in divorce proceedings. Our network of family lawyers have vast experience in all types of divorce, including those involving high net worth individuals.

Child arrangements: 

When children are involved, a family law solicitor can provide invaluable advice and assistance in obtaining child arrangement orders.

Pre nuptial agreements: 

Parties may wish to protect their assets before entering into a marriage in the event of a divorce. Our network of solicitors can provide valuable advice and assistance on this area of family law.

Cohabitation agreements: 

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document made between unmarried couples who live together or plan to live together. This agreement helps to protect both parties by clearly defining how assets and liabilities should be handled during the relationship and in the event of a separation.

What do divorce solicitors, Bolton do? 

Divorce solicitors play a crucial role in guiding individuals through the legal processes and complexities associated with divorce and family law issues. Their primary objective is to provide legal services, advice, support, and representation to their clients to ensure their rights and interests are protected. Listed below are some key responsibilities and roles of divorce solicitors:

Legal advice:

Divorce solicitors provide legal advice on all aspects of divorce and family law cases. They help clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and the potential legal implications of their decisions.

Divorce petitions:

They assist clients in initiating divorce proceedings by preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, such as the divorce petition. This includes ensuring that all required information is accurate and compliant with the legal requirements.

Negotiations:

Divorce solicitors engage in negotiations on behalf of their clients to reach agreements on various issues, including the division of assets, financial settlements, child custody arrangements, and spousal support. Negotiating fair and mutually acceptable terms is a key aspect of their role.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):

They may explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to help clients resolve issues outside of court. This can be a more amicable and cost-effective way to reach agreements.

Financial matters:

Divorce solicitors assist clients in navigating financial matters related to the divorce, including the division of marital assets, spousal maintenance, and financial settlements. They work to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of financial resources.

Child arrangements, custody and support:

When children are involved, divorce solicitors help clients establish child custody and visitation arrangements. They also provide guidance on child support issues, ensuring that the best interests of the children are prioritised.

Court representation:

If negotiations break down and court proceedings become necessary, divorce solicitors represent their clients in court. They present the case, argue legal points, and advocate for their clients’ interests during hearings and trials.

Legal documentation:

Divorce solicitors prepare and review legal documents, including financial agreements, consent orders, and parenting plans. Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of these documents is essential for legal validity.

Advising on legal rights:

They educate clients on their legal rights and help them make informed decisions throughout the divorce process. This includes explaining the potential outcomes of various legal actions and providing guidance on the most strategic approaches.

Emotional support:

Divorce can be emotionally challenging, and solicitors often provide emotional support to their clients. While they are not counsellors, they can offer guidance and empathy to help clients cope with the stress and emotions associated with divorce.

How can ARC Cost assist?

Although we cannot provide legal advice in divorce cases, we can introduce you to our network of divorce solicitors, Bolton. Our network have a great track record for providing an excellent service to clients going through the process of divorce.

We may receive payments from third party firms on our panel to whom we may refer your claim. We will never charge you for any referrals made to our panel of third parties.

For information on legal costs in divorce, contact our Bolton office.