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FAMILY LAW SERVICES

Divorce &
Separation

Divorce or separation is a challenging and emotional time. At Frodshams, our skilled family law team provides practical and expert support and clear legal advice to help you get through the process. We assist with all parts of your case, including financial settlements, property issues, and arrangements for children. We work with professionalism and care, with your best interests always in focus. We can represent you to protect your position and help you achieve a fair outcome while minimising stress and uncertainty.

Divorce and Separation Guide

Simply click on a heading below to find out more.

What should you do first when considering divorce?

The first step when considering divorce and separation is to take time to reflect on your next steps. Divorce is a significant decision, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about how to proceed. Before anything else, it's important to have open conversations with your partner, if possible, about finances, property, and arrangements for your children. These discussions can help lay a foundation for moving forward, even if not everything is agreed right away.

At this stage, legal advice can provide clarity. By seeking early guidance, you’ll understand your options, whether you’re ready to start the divorce process or simply want to explore what’s possible.

There are two main legal paths to consider:

Divorce: Ending the marriage and making legally binding arrangements for finances and child custody.
Legal separation: If you’re not ready for divorce, but need to formalise separation arrangements while living separately.

In both cases, the aim is to reach agreements without unnecessary conflict. A solicitor can help you avoid a contested divorce by offering legal advice that encourages cooperation. If disputes arise, independent mediation services may help resolve major disagreements without going to court.

We’re here to support you, one step at a time

We understand that starting the divorce process can feel overwhelming, especially when many other things are happening in your life. It’s not always clear where to begin or what comes next.

At Frodshams Solicitors, we’ll guide you through each stage, starting with a free initial call to discuss your situation. From there, we’ll offer clear advice on your options and help take the burden off your shoulders.

When you work with us, you can expect:

Empathy and understanding throughout your case
Guidance towards the best possible outcomes for you and your family
Honest and clear answers to all your questions
Support to help you understand your options fully
A process that’s as straightforward and stress-free as possible
Complete confidentiality and care in every conversation

Call us on 01744 626600 or contact us online to request a free callback. We’re here to listen, offer advice, and help you move forward with confidence.

Your safety is our priority

If it’s difficult or unsafe for you to speak openly, you can use the safeword “home” when you call. This will alert us to provide additional support tailored to your situation.

For your privacy, we can call you from an unknown number upon request or when you use the safeword. This ensures our call remains discreet.

We understand that you may need to hang up quickly if it becomes unsafe to continue the conversation. If this happens, you can call us back whenever it's safe to do so.

What happens to your finances during a divorce?

Finances are one of the most important aspects to address during a divorce, and it’s natural to feel concerned about what will happen to your assets and shared responsibilities. There is no strict rule for how finances are divided in a divorce—it’s not always a 50/50 split. Instead, you’ll need to reach an agreement on how to divide your assets, or appeal to the court to determine what is fair.

During the divorce process, you’ll typically agree on:

How joint assets or debts, such as property with a mortgage, will be managed
The division of joint and individual assets, like homes and vehicles
Spousal maintenance—whether one partner will provide financial support to the other
Child support arrangements, if children are involved

If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, your financial arrangements may already be outlined. However, the courts will still assess whether the agreement is fair based on your current circumstances and any changes since the document was drafted.

Speak to our expert team for confidential advice on your options.

Frequently asked divorce and separation questions

Here are some of the most common questions and answers to help you understand your options and what to expect during this challenging time.

For advice on your situation, speak to us today on 01744 626 600

You are not required to use a solicitor to get divorced, but it is highly recommended. While you can pursue a DIY divorce, you will still need to go through the courts for the divorce to be legally finalised. Working with a solicitor offers significant benefits, especially if you and your partner disagree on dividing assets or if your financial situation is complex. A solicitor can provide expert advice, highlight Family Law areas you may not have considered, and help make the process smoother and less stressful.

If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the division of finances will typically follow the terms outlined in the agreement, provided the court deems it fair.

When no prior agreement exists, the division of assets isn’t always an even split. Factors such as financial dependency and who will be responsible for any children are often key in determining a fair settlement. The court will take various elements into account to ensure the division is balanced and meets the needs of both parties.

The timeframe for a divorce in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including whether both parties agree on the terms of the divorce. On average, an uncontested divorce can take around 4 to 6 months, while contested divorces may take longer due to disputes over finances, property, or child arrangements.

Since April 2022, the UK has moved to a no-fault divorce system, meaning couples no longer need to prove fault or wrongdoing (such as adultery or domestic abuse) to get a divorce. You simply need to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This change has made the process more straightforward and less contentious.

Yes, you can still get a divorce without your partner’s consent. In cases where one spouse does not agree to the divorce, you can proceed after waiting for a certain period, and the court will make a decision based on the circumstances. This may extend the divorce process but won’t necessarily prevent you from getting divorced.

Child custody arrangements are ideally agreed upon by both parents, prioritising the best interests of the children. If parents cannot agree, the court will intervene to make decisions about where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and any financial support required. The court will always make decisions based on what’s best for the children.

HEATHER BROADFIELD

HEAD OF FAMILY LAW

TO CONTACT HEATHER PLEASE
CALL01744 626 600
EMAILinfo@frodshams.co.uk

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“Our goal is to simplify the process and ease your stress so you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.”

Our team have many years of experience in helping clients and their families navigate the legal process during some of life’s most challenging and difficult times. Led by our Head of Family Law, Heather Broadfield, our Family Law department handles even the most challenging and intricate cases with professionalism and care. We are here to provide guidance and expertise every step of the way.

TO CONTACT HEATHER PLEASE CALL01744 626 600
EMAILinfo@frodshams.co.uk

To find out more, speak to us on
01744 626 600 or email

“Heather explained every step of the way and prepared me incredibly well for each hearing. She supported both me and my family throughout a very difficult time.”

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Divorce & Separation

Divorce and Separation Guide

What should you do first when considering divorce?

We’re here to support you, one step at a time

Your safety is our priority

What happens to your finances during a divorce?

Frequently asked divorce and separation questions

DO YOU NEED A SOLICITOR TO GET DIVORCED?

HOW ARE FINANCES DIVIDED IN A DIVORCE?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET DIVORCED IN THE UK?

WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE IN THE UK?

CAN I GET A DIVORCE WITHOUT MY PARTNER'S CONSENT?

HOW IS CHILD CUSTODY DECIDED IN A DIVORCE?

Divorce &
Separation