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Divorce Solicitors You Can Trust
If your marriage has come to an end, you will need a divorce lawyer you can trust. Our team of dedicated and compassionate family law solicitors have been advising people in your situation since 2010, helping families reach comfortable and fair resolutions.
Our specialist divorce and family law firm is ranked Tier 1 in the Legal 500, offering you the best of the best in family law.
Please note: Maguire Family Law is a private family law firm and does not offer legal aid funding. If you need legal aid, the Civil Legal Advice helpline (0345 345 4 345) can help you find a suitable solicitor.
For expert guidance and a sensitive helping hand
Contact Maguire Family Law Divorce Solicitors Today
Take the first step to a new chapter
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A leading divorce and family law firm
For comprehensive advice on divorce proceedings, our specialist family law solicitors are here to help. We are recognised as a Tier 1 law firm by the Legal 500, and are also a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Get in touch with Maguire Family Law today and see how we can help your divorce go as smoothly as possible.
We are a team of committed, compassionate, experts in divorce and family law. Our divorce lawyers are ready to guide you through the divorce process and are here to provide specialist advice and support to get you to day one of your new life.
There is one ground for divorce: the marriage has irretrievably broken down
Since 6th April 2022 in England & Wales we have had a no fault divorce system
Our simple 4-step process
We make International Family Law simple for you and take away as much of the stress and drama as possible. Remember, we’re on your side.
Step 1
Call Maguire Family Law today
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We'll assess your situation and advise
Step 3
Let us know you're happy to proceed
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We can get started on your case
Our Divorce Law Services
From initial questions about family law proceedings to specialist divorce representation, our team is here to support you.
Divorce and financial settlements
- The divorce and financial settlement process is complicated, which is why our specialist family law solicitors are here to guide you on the division of assets and living arrangements.
Child arrangements
- are one of the most difficult challenges of separation. Our team are experts at handling divorces with children and also where couples are not married, and we will keep you informed during your children case.
Handling divorce, solicitors’ letters and communications
- We will guide you on how to react and properly deal with a divorce letter if you receive one from a family law solicitor, and how to reply to protect yourself.
Divorce representation in the family court
- At this stressful and difficult time, we will represent you in a divorce family court or children court, making sure you and your family’s needs are taken care of and heard.
Divorce, injunctions and uncontested cases
- Divorce proceedings do not always go to plan, which is why we offer expert family law guidance on divorce and injunctions. We will also make any uncontested divorce proceedings proceed smoothly.
Discover your entitlement
- Each party will outline their divorce claims and entitlements including child and spousal maintenance (financial support), outgoings and other finances, such as the house or car. We’ll work with you to secure the best settlement.
Help and advice throughout divorce proceedings
- Our divorce solicitors are here to answer all your questions on the divorce process, procedure and timetables. Contact us for help and advice throughout the divorce and separation process.
Understanding divorce laws and your rights
- Divorce laws and rules come with a lot of detail depending on your circumstances. We will guide you through your rights and tailor your case based on your unique and personal situation.
Expertise in LGBTQ+ divorce
- Same-sex couple separation differs slightly from heterosexual marriages, so we will guide you through the ‘four fact’ process.
Islamic divorce
- We also offer expert divorce solicitors who can help in relation to Islamic divorces in the family court, to help both husbands and wives.
International divorce specialists
- Our international divorce specialists will guide you through your questions and concerns on divorce jurisdiction, relocation of children, child abduction, child arrangements and more.
Take the first step to a new chapter
Call or email us today for an initial no obligation consultation.
Market-leading expertise and ability
Excellent client service
We listen, advise, and guide you
Securing positive outcomes
Getting you the best possible outcome
Ranked tier 1 by the Legal 500
We are a top-tier law firm for divorce
The divorce process: Frequently asked questions
Going through a separation can feel overwhelming, but understanding the legal steps involved can bring clarity and peace of mind. Since the introduction of the no-fault divorce system, the process has become more administrative and constructive, with a focus on reducing conflict from the outset. The FAQs below outline the key points on how to start a divorce, typical timelines, and what to consider when managing costs and choosing legal representation.
What are grounds for a divorce?
From the 6th of April 2022, England and Wales ushered in a transformative “no fault” divorce system, marking a compassionate turn in the legal approach towards marital dissolutions. Underpinning the new system is a simplified rationale for divorce. A divorce application now merely requires the confirmation of an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage. Gone is the obligation to specify or substantiate claims through the citing of reasons such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or periods of separation.
How long does a divorce take?
Usually an uncontested divorce process takes about four to six months to complete. This is mainly due to the court turnaround times. Any issues to do with the children or finances could take longer, often between six and twelve months. It is always worth seeking the advice of a family law specialist to ensure that the process is fully and properly completed and that you have fully investigated the financial implications involved. You can find advice to ensure your divorce is as quick & easy as possible here.
Do I need a solicitor for a divorce?
Whilst you do not need a solicitor for a simple divorce, it is highly recommended. Even if you and your partner are separating amicably, you may need help to come to a financial settlement or make arrangements for your children. It is important that such divorce/financial, separation or children agreements are properly recorded and approved by the family court.
What are the benefits and risks of not using a divorce solicitor?
A divorce solicitor can help you navigate the legal framework and ensure your application is submitted correctly. They can also represent you in court and negotiate the best settlement. If you do not have a solicitor, you may risk not getting the financial settlement you deserve, or not seeing your children as often as you would like or their best interest not being properly taken into account.
Do you offer fixed fee rates?
At Maguire Family Law, we offer a fixed fee initial consultation that takes into account all the details that are personal to our clients and their case. We offer a roadmap service that involves a consultation, guidance and then the divorce proceedings themselves. We can then provide you with cost information moving forward and advice about how to save legal costs. Speak to one of our expert divorce solicitors today to discover what your options are.
How do I start a divorce?
A divorce can be started so long as you have been married for at least one year. A divorce application is prepared and submitted to the court. You can read about the Divorce process here. The other party then receives an acknowledgement form. You can then proceed to the Conditional Order stage (the interim divorce order) and, after waiting six weeks and one day, you can apply for the Final Order (the final divorce order). Extra care is needed where the case has an international element to it as a divorce could possibly be started in more than one country but the financial outcomes might be significantly different.
How much will a divorce cost?
An average undefended divorce usually costs in the region of £500-1000 + VAT for the solicitor. In addition there is a court fee of £593 to start the proceedings and to obtain the final order at the end. Other cases can be more complicated for example where there is an international element to them. If there are any other issues, for example, in relation to the finances or the children then the costs are likely to be more. We can provide you with a best estimate of costs on a case by case basis and/or as the case progresses to relevant stages.
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Your options outside court
Not every divorce needs a courtroom. In our experience, many separating couples can resolve issues around finances and child arrangements through Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR): a set of options designed to be faster, more private, and more constructive than court proceedings. The FAQs below explain how each option works and when it might suit your situation.
What is Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR)?
Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) covers the options available to separating couples who want to resolve issues like finances and child arrangements without going to court. In our experience, most couples have more options than they realise. The main non-court dispute resolution methods are mediation, arbitration, Early Neutral Evaluation, solicitor-led negotiation, and roundtable meetings. Since the April 2024 changes to the Family Procedure Rules, courts in England and Wales actively expect couples to consider non-court dispute resolution before and during proceedings. Our post on amicable divorce explores this in more detail.
Do I have to go to court to get divorced?
Most couples do not need a contested court hearing to finalise their divorce. The divorce itself is largely administrative under no-fault rules. Court usually becomes necessary only when finances or child arrangements cannot be agreed. Where agreement is possible, we often advise clients on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) options such as mediation, arbitration, or solicitor-led negotiation. These routes can resolve matters faster, more privately, and with greater control over the outcome.
What is Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)?
Early Neutral Evaluation, also known as ENE, is a process where you and your former partner ask an experienced family law expert to give an objective view on the likely outcome if your case went to court. The evaluator is usually a senior solicitor or barrister. They review both sides and offer a non-binding opinion. We often see ENE help couples move forward when they have very different expectations of what is fair, because it gives both sides a realistic benchmark to negotiate from.
What is family arbitration?
Family arbitration is a private alternative to court. You and your former partner appoint a qualified arbitrator, sometimes called a private judge, to decide your dispute. The arbitrator reviews the evidence and arguments from both sides, then issues a decision that is legally binding. Many of the clients we advise choose arbitration because it is faster and more private than court, and they can pick the arbitrator and the timetable to suit their circumstances.
How is mediation different from arbitration?
Mediation and arbitration are both Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) options, but they serve different purposes. A mediator helps you and your former partner discuss issues and reach your own agreement; they do not decide the outcome. An arbitrator does decide, acting as a private judge whose ruling is binding. We typically recommend mediation for couples who want to negotiate solutions together, and arbitration for those who need a final decision but want to avoid court. You can read more on our family mediation page.
Can my solicitor help me resolve things without going to court?
Yes. Solicitor-led negotiation is a form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), and it is one of the most common routes our clients use to reach a settlement. Your solicitor can correspond with the other party’s solicitor, hold telephone discussions, or arrange a roundtable meeting where both parties and their solicitors work towards a settlement together. This route gives you legal protection throughout and often resolves matters without the cost or stress of contested proceedings.
When is Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) not suitable?
Non-court dispute resolution works well where both parties are willing to engage constructively. It is usually not suitable where there are safeguarding concerns such as domestic abuse or coercive control, significant power imbalances, urgent matters requiring a court order, or where one party refuses to negotiate honestly. In these situations, the court process may be the safer or only realistic route. Our team can help you assess which approach fits your circumstances.
What is an amicable divorce?
An amicable divorce is one where both parties commit to resolving issues such as finances, child arrangements, and future communication respectfully and without unnecessary conflict. It does not mean agreeing on everything immediately. It does mean choosing a constructive approach, often supported by Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) methods. The introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022 supports this shift by removing the need to assign blame at the outset. In our experience, many separating couples want to protect their wellbeing and their children far more than they want to “win”.
What should I do in preparation for my meeting with my family law solicitor?
Good preparation will help you. Some useful points to consider are: Prepare a short chronology of your relationship noting any relevant dates and events. Prepare a summary of assets, liabilities and income of the family’s finances as best you can. Prepare a list of any questions or points you wish to raise or which are a concern for you. This will allow your family law solicitor get to grips with the relevant issues straightaway; it will also save time and allow you to get the most out of your first meeting. At the end of the meeting you can consider your list of questions and raise any points which may not have been dealt with. You can also ask your solicitor to summarise (in writing too) the points of advice and the next steps to take. It is important that you are able to form a working relationship with your solicitor and that you can work together as a team. We offer a Roadmap service for our clients at the first initial consultation.
What should I know and/or consider before attending court?
Most separating and divorcing couples will resolve the financial and children issues amicably between themselves or with the help of a family solicitor. However there are times when Court proceedings are necessary for a number of reasons. Whether you choose to represent yourself or you have instructed a solicitor or barrister, you can find more advice about how to prepare and plan to appear in court here.
Can I represent myself in court?
Yes – is the short answer. People often do this to save costs or because they cannot afford legal costs. Not all family law cases progress to court, however. There can be three elements to a case: divorce, financial settlement and children. The relevance and complexity depends on the individual case. It can be very difficult to pursue the correct course of action without specialist legal advice. For more information, read our guide on representing yourself in family court here.
What do I need to disclose to my divorce solicitor and what questions should I ask?
You will need to tell your divorce solicitor why you have decided to end your marriage. You should be honest – for example, if you are living with a new partner, you should make this clear. You should outline your main priorities, such as the children’s living arrangements, financial assets and your needs. You should ask your divorce solicitor who will be handling your case, how much it is likely to cost, whether you are likely to go to court, and what your reasonable expectations should be. This may include children, timescales and living arrangements, for example. There may also be special circumstances such as mediation or a contested divorce, so be prepared if you have questions about this.
What information and documentation are needed to start divorce proceedings?
You should try your best to locate your original marriage certificate or apply for a certified copy. If you got married abroad, you should also try to locate the certified translation. However, if you are unable to locate a copy of your marriage certificate, your solicitor will be able to advise you of other options to overcome this.
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Our Specialist Divorce Solicitor Team
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Finances and assets during divorce
Achieving a fair financial settlement is often one of the most critical aspects of separating. In our experience, every family’s financial footprint is unique, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all formula for dividing assets, pensions, or business interests. The FAQs below outline how the courts approach financial provision, what you may be entitled to, and how to ensure full transparency throughout the process.
What am I entitled to on divorce?
No two cases are ever the same and a 50/50 split is not always appropriate. It is also important to see what is financially at stake, to check that all of the assets and income have been disclosed and that the valuations are accurate. When considering the financial issues, a court is guided by a number of factors to include:
- The welfare of any minor children
- Income, earning capacity, assets and financial resources
- Financial needs, obligations and responsibilities
- Standard of living
- Age of each party and the length of the marriage
- Health of each party
- Contributions (financial and non-financial)
- Conduct
- Loss of certain rights
It is important that specialist family law advice is obtained to consider these points and so that the financial outcome is both fair and reasonable. We will always ensure the best possible outcome for you.
What if my husband or wife will not disclose their finances?
It is important that there is full disclosure of the family’s finances and from both parties. Normally a request is made for voluntary financial disclosure. This includes details of all assets (including business interests), liabilities, income, outgoings and pension provision together with documents in support. Where a party refuses to do this then you are entitled (through getting a divorce) to make a financial application. The Court will then automatically set a court timetable for certain tasks to be completed. One of those tasks is the preparation and exchange of financial information in a form called Form E. You are then entitled to consider the financial disclosure and prepare relevant questions if you and your solicitor feel more information or clarification is needed.
Can I get help to pay a mortgage and bills?
This can be an immediate concern when a relationship breaks down. The focus should be to agree a level of interim maintenance to ensure that the mortgage and bills are paid. Sometimes tax credits become available which can supplement a person’s income. However, if an agreement cannot be reached then you do have the right to apply to a court (through a divorce) for interim maintenance and/or to apply to the Child Maintenance Service for child support maintenance. Seek advice from us and we can help to make any necessary applications for you.
What will I be entitled to as part of the separation agreement?
This depends on your individual situation and on what you can actually agree. The separation agreement itself will outline your entitlement to assets and responsibilities, property, personal effects, financial assets, joint debts, child maintenance, ‘lump sum’ payments, and the provision for divorce. This states that both parties agree and aims to reach a settlement on how assets are divided and implemented.
What happens with a family business in divorce?
There are numerous potential outcomes on what happens to a family business in a divorce. Depending on the particulars of your situation, here are a few common resolutions:
- One party maintains control of the enterprise – the other party will receive compensation, possibly through a lump-sum payment or alimony, or a mix of the two.
- Both parties become shareholders – there is no need to sell the business, and both parties share the risk. A shareholders’ agreement must be drafted to safeguard the interests of the enterprise and all other shareholders.
- Transfer of shares – this is appropriate in scenarios where only one party will continue to manage the enterprise, yet both parties hold ownership.
- Selling the business or shares – courts typically only mandate the sale of a business or shares under extraordinary conditions where no other resolution ensures equity and one party is unable to “buy out” the other. Should this course of action be taken, the court ought to grant sufficient time for the sale to ensure a fair price can be secured.
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Will I have to sell my house on divorce?
- Whether or not the family home has to be sold will depend on the facts of your case. In most cases one of the concerns is how everyone (including the children) are to be accommodated. The parties will eventually separate and where there was one home there will then be two. This can mean that the family home is sold and the net proceeds of sale are divided so that everyone can find a new home. This does not necessarily mean, however, that there will be an equal split of the money. We can provide you with advice in relation to the finances. Much depends on everyone’s needs and what is in the matrimonial pot. It may also be possible to postpone the sale of the family home until the children have left home or to offset the family home against other assets (including pensions) so that the property can be retained. Legal advice should be obtained to see what relevant options are available.
Where will the children live?
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The living arrangements for the children will need to be carefully considered when parents separate. In a lot of cases the parents are able to reach an agreement about what time the children will spend with each of them. This might not be easy but remember that although you have rights, more importantly, the children have a right to see their parents and to spend time with each of them. Where parents cannot agree matters then the court can assist. This can be by way of a child arrangements order (previously a residence order and/or a contact order). In some cases the child arrangements can be shared. A judge can appoint a welfare officer (known as a Cafcass officer) to prepare a report to assist the court in reaching a decision. What is most important is the welfare of the children and what is in their best interests. There are many books available to help discuss divorce and separation with your children. Have a look at our reading list.
Can I change the locks?
- You may be entitled to change the locks but the other party might be entitled to change the locks back again. You should seek advice from us to check your position and entitlement. Where there is a concern about your safety, it might be appropriate to contact the police or seek an injunction order.
Speak to one of our divorce solicitors
Call or email us today for an initial no obligation consultation.
What’s the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
Before the law changed in April 2022, an uncontested divorce relied on mutual agreement between both parties, where both partners were ready to separate. This was often simple and did not require you to appear in court. A contested divorce was one in which one partner did not agree to the separation, which often made proceedings costly, time-consuming, and stressful. Under the current no-fault system in England and Wales, a divorce application simply requires confirmation that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Because this statement cannot be legally disputed by the other party, the option to contest a divorce has been effectively removed.
What is a family law injunction?
An injunction is a court order that restricts an individual from carrying out specific acts. In a family context, it is frequently used to protect someone from violence, intimidation, abuse, or harassment. However, injunctions can also apply to property—such as preventing an ex-partner from entering the family home—or to finances, such as a freezing order to prevent assets from being hidden or sold.
Are divorce and separation different? What are the pros and cons of each?
The main difference between divorce and separation is that a divorce legally ends your marriage, whereas a separation does not. You can only remarry once a Final Order for divorce has been granted. While a formal separation (such as a judicial separation) allows the family court to make orders about dividing your assets and means you no longer have to live together, you remain legally married and do not achieve a final financial clean break.
A primary consideration for timing is that couples must be married for at least one full year before they are legally permitted to apply for a divorce in England and Wales. A separation agreement can be put in place at any time during that first year to manage your arrangements early on.
The main benefits of choosing a divorce are that it allows you to formally remarry in the future and gives the court full power to divide and share pensions, allowing both parties to achieve total financial independence via a clean break order. If you would like more information on which route suits you best, please speak to one of our divorce solicitors.
We are not married, does that make a difference?
Yes, the fact that you are not married makes a significant difference to your legal position. In English law, there is no such thing as a “common law” husband or wife. Unmarried couples do not have automatic rights to share property or claim maintenance regardless of how long they have lived together. Legal remedies are generally limited to resolving land ownership disputes regarding the family home. However, where children are involved, a parent can make a financial claim for provision under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 alongside standard statutory child maintenance.
What about civil partnerships?
A civil partnership is a legal relationship available to couples that carries the exact same financial and legal responsibilities as a marriage. While a marriage is formalised through the exchange of vows, a civil partnership is established by signing a civil partnership document. The dissolution process for ending a civil partnership mirrors the no-fault divorce process. Read more about the differences here.
How do pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements affect my divorce?
While marital agreements are not yet automatically legally binding in England and Wales, the family courts now place significant weight on them. If a prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement was entered into freely, with full financial disclosure and a clear understanding of the terms by both parties, a judge is highly likely to uphold it. Provided the agreement meets both parties’ realistic housing and financial needs, it can drastically simplify the divorce process, safeguard specific assets, and avoid lengthy court disputes over the division of wealth.
