Family Law Solicitors

The law sets a minimum timeframe for divorce, including a reflection period after filing and a further wait before the final order. Actual timescales depend on your individual circumstances. There is a minimum legal period of six months, which includes a 20-week and one day reflection period after filing, followed by a further six-week and one day wait before the final order.

If you’re also resolving financial matters or children arrangements, the overall process may take 12 to 18 months. Contested finances on divorce involving court hearings take longer. We work efficiently to progress your case while ensuring all legal requirements are properly met.

To deal with finances on divorce you will need a financial remedy order. This is a separate order to your divorce. Couples should address all joint assets, property, pensions, and financial responsibilities. The courts start from the principle of within the realms of equal division, then consider circumstances including length of marriage, each party’s needs, children’s welfare, and earning capacity. We advise on fair financial settlements and represent you in court if agreement can’t be reached.

Parents ideally agree on where children live, time spent with each parent, and shared decision-making. If agreement can’t be reached, the court decides based on the child’s best interests, considering their wishes, welfare, and stability. We help parents negotiate arrangements or represent you in court applications for a Child Arrangements Order.

We explore negotiation and mediation first. These approaches allow families to maintain more control over outcomes and are often faster and less costly than court proceedings. If agreement still can’t be reached, we represent you in court. A judge then decides based solely on what’s in the child’s best interests.

Yes. Mediation works well for many family matters. Our accredited mediator helps couples and families communicate in a neutral, calm setting to resolve disputes about finances, children, and property. It’s often faster and less costly than going to court. Mediation can take place together, in separate rooms, or via video link. Our specialist Iain McClay is a Family Mediation Council registered mediator and a member of the Family Mediators Association.

We provide legal support if you’re at risk. This ranges from urgent warning letters and police liaison to court applications for non-molestation or occupation orders. Legal aid is available in domestic abuse cases to cover your legal costs. We also work with local support organisations, including Leeway, who provide support across Norfolk and Suffolk. Capacity is limited, so contact us to discuss your circumstances.

Yes. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements allow couples to plan how assets would be divided if the relationship ends. Courts increasingly recognise these agreements, though enforceability depends on both parties receiving independent legal advice, the agreement being fair, and other conditions being met. We advise on whether such an agreement suits your situation and help you draft the terms.