Divorce & Family Law Solicitors in Bristol

Choosing a family solicitor can be a daunting task, but here are some things to consider when making your decision:

1. Specialisation: Look for a solicitor who specialises in family law. They should have experience in dealing with divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and other family law matters.
2. Experience: Find out how long the solicitor has been practicing family law. You want someone who has dealt with cases similar to yours and has a good track record.
3. Communication: You should feel comfortable speaking to your solicitor and confident that they will keep you informed of any developments in your case. Look for a solicitor who listens to you and explains things clearly.
4. Cost: It is important to understand the solicitor’s fees and how they charge for their services. Make sure you understand the costs involved before you engage their services.
5. Availability: Find out how easy it is to contact your solicitor and how quickly they respond to your queries. You want someone who is accessible and responsive to your needs.

By considering these factors, you should be able to choose a family solicitor who is right for you and your situation.

The costs for a divorce will vary depending on whether you are the applicant or the respondent within the divorce proceedings. The costs you pay will also depend on whether you reach an agreement with your ex-partner regarding splitting the costs of the divorce.

If you are the person who starts the divorce proceedings (i.e. the applicant) and you tick the box on your divorce application to state you would like your ex-partner to pay your divorce costs, you may not have to pay any costs at all.

As a general guide, an applicant’s divorce costs tend to be in the region of £1000 to £1500 plus VAT which included the £550 court fee to issue the divorce application. You can’t get a free divorce in the UK.

It is not a legal requirement for both parties to have a solicitor in a divorce. However, it is advisable for both parties to seek independent legal advice from a solicitor, especially if there are complex issues involved such as children, finances or property.

Having a solicitor can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce process. A solicitor can also provide you with guidance and advice on the legal process, help you negotiate a settlement agreement with your spouse, and represent you in court if necessary.

In cases where one party has a solicitor and the other does not, it is still possible for the divorce to proceed. However, it is important to note that the party without a solicitor may be at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiating a settlement or presenting their case in court.

Ultimately, whether or not to hire a solicitor is a personal decision that depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If you are unsure whether you need a solicitor, you should seek advice from a qualified family law solicitor who can help you understand your options.

You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true:

• you’ve been married for over a year
• your relationship has permanently broken down
• your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex marriage)

If you do not want a divorce, you can get a legal separation so you can live apart without ending the marriage. You might also be able to annul the marriage. You can apply for separation or annulment during your first year of marriage.

There is a different process if you want to get a divorce in Scotland or get a divorce in Northern Ireland.

In the UK, the general rule is that each party is responsible for their own legal costs in child custody cases, regardless of who wins or loses the case. This means that each party will need to pay for their own legal representation and any associated costs, such as court fees.

However, in some circumstances, the court may order one party to pay some or all of the other party’s costs. For example, if one party has been unreasonable in their conduct during the case or has acted in bad faith, the court may order them to pay some or all of the other party’s costs.

It is important to note that legal costs in child custody cases can quickly add up, and it is advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified family law solicitor who can help you understand your legal options and the potential costs involved.

Following the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act legislation in April 2022, commonly known as no-fault divorce, there is now no requirement to give a reason for divorce or blame your partner – it is now largely on the basis of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. One party or a couple can jointly start, proceedings.

On Wednesday 6 April 2022, no-fault divorce became legislation. No-fault divorce is the common name for the Divorce, Dissolutions and Separation Act which came in in April 2022 and supersedes any previous divorce law. The legislation means that no reason now has to be given or any blame apportioned when a couple divorces. Proceedings can be started by one party or jointly by the couple.

More information can be found in our guide on how to get a divorce.