Divorce & Family Matters

You must meet the following key requirements:

• Marriage length – You must have been legally married for at least one year.
• Jurisdiction – You or your spouse must have a permanent home or habitual residence in England or Wales.
• Marriage validity – Your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK.
• Grounds for divorce – Under the current “no-fault” divorce law (introduced April 2022), you must state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
• Correct procedure – You must follow the official divorce application process, including submitting forms, paying the court fee, and providing supporting documentation.

The length of time it takes for a case to go through family court depends on the type of case and its complexity. For example:

Uncontested divorces typically take around 6 months from application to final order.

Child arrangement disputes can take several months to over a year, depending on the level of disagreement and court availability.

Financial settlement hearings may take 6–12 months or more if the matter is contested.

Delays can occur if additional evidence is needed, if parties fail to cooperate, or if the court’s schedule is busy. Working with a proactive solicitor can help speed up the process.

A family lawyer advises and represents clients in legal matters involving relationships, children, and financial arrangements. Their work includes:

• Assisting with divorce or civil partnership dissolution.
• Negotiating and drafting financial settlements.
• Advising on child arrangements and parental responsibility.
• Applying for court orders, such as non-molestation or occupation orders in cases of domestic abuse.
• Representing clients in court hearings.
• Offering mediation and negotiation to resolve disputes without court proceedings.

A skilled family solicitor aims to protect your rights, provide clear legal guidance, and help you reach fair, practical solutions.

To find an effective family solicitor, look for:

• Specialist experience in family law, ideally recognised by organisations such as Resolution or the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme.
• Proven track record in cases similar to yours.
• Clear communication – they should explain your options in plain English and keep you updated.
• Transparent fees with a written cost estimate before work begins.
• Positive client reviews and recommendations from trusted sources.

At Hegarty, our family law team combines specialist knowledge with a compassionate, pragmatic approach, ensuring clients feel supported throughout what is often a difficult time.