At Gladstone Solicitors, we provide clear, practical divorce and dissolution advice for clients in Arnold, Nottingham and the surrounding areas. We understand that deciding to divorce can feel difficult, even where both people agree that the marriage has come to an end. Our role is to explain the process in plain English, help you understand your options and give you certainty on costs where your matter is suitable for our fixed-fee divorce service.
We can help with straightforward divorce applications as well as advising on the wider issues that often arise when a relationship ends, including financial arrangements, the family home, pensions, savings, debts and arrangements for dependent children.
Starting the Divorce Process
Divorce in England and Wales is now based on a no-fault process. This means that, in most cases, the court does not need to decide who was to blame for the breakdown of the marriage. The application can be made by one spouse alone or jointly by both spouses.
We can advise you on whether a sole or joint application is appropriate, what information is needed, the main stages of the process and what to expect once the application has been issued.
Fixed-Fee Divorce Service
We offer a fixed-fee service for a straightforward divorce or dissolution. This is intended to provide certainty on legal costs where the divorce itself is simple and does not involve disputed financial, property, pension or children issues. Our fees are set out in the Price Transparency section of our website.
If your case requires additional advice, correspondence, negotiation, drafting or court work, we will explain what further work is needed and how the additional costs will be charged before proceeding wherever possible.
When a Divorce Is Not Just a Simple Divorce
The divorce process itself legally ends the marriage, but it does not automatically resolve financial claims, property ownership, pension arrangements or issues involving dependent children. If there are dependent children, a family home, other property, pensions, savings, debts, maintenance concerns or any other issue requiring more detailed consideration, we would always advise that a financial consent order or other appropriate legal agreement should be considered.
A consent order can record the financial agreement reached between separating spouses and, once approved by the court, can help provide clarity and finality. Without a properly prepared order, financial claims may remain open even after the divorce has been finalised.
Financial Arrangements and Consent Orders
Many people assume that once the divorce is finalised, all financial ties are automatically brought to an end. That is not the case. If financial claims are not dealt with properly, they may remain open after the divorce has been completed.
A financial consent order can record an agreement about matters such as the family home, savings, pensions, debts, maintenance and other assets. Once approved by the court, it can provide greater certainty and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Where there are dependent children, property, pensions or any other issue requiring more careful consideration, we would always advise that a consent order should be considered. We can guide you through the options and explain what may be needed in your circumstances.
Children and Divorce
The divorce process itself does not usually decide arrangements for children. Parents are encouraged to agree practical arrangements wherever possible, including where children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and how important decisions will be made.
We can advise you on child arrangements alongside the divorce process, including what steps may be available if agreement cannot be reached.
How Long Does Divorce Take?
Divorce and dissolution proceedings usually take several months because statutory waiting periods apply. The overall timescale can also depend on how quickly information is provided, whether the application is made jointly or by one person, and whether related financial or children issues need to be resolved.
How We Can Help
We can guide and advise you on the divorce process, the information you need to provide, the likely timescale and whether your matter is suitable for a fixed-fee divorce. We can also advise on related issues such as financial arrangements, the family home, pensions, savings, debts, dependent children and whether a consent order should be prepared.
If further advice, correspondence, negotiation, drafting or court work is needed beyond the fixed-fee divorce, we will explain the additional work required and how costs will be charged before proceeding wherever possible.
Next Steps
If you are thinking about divorce, it can help to take early advice before starting the application. We can explain the process, identify whether any financial or children issues need attention and help you decide the most appropriate way forward.
Why Choose Gladstone Solicitors?
- Local solicitors serving Arnold for over 45 years
- Clear, practical advice about divorce and family law
- Fixed-fee divorce service where suitable
- Guidance on consent orders, finances, property, pensions and children issues
- In-person or online appointments
- SRA-regulated firm (SRA No. 630857)
- Registered office: 22 Market Place, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6ND
Speak to a Family Law Solicitor Today
If you are considering divorce or dissolution, or need advice about financial arrangements, children, property or pensions, contact our Family Law team today. We will help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Call: 0115 9555 050
Email: info@gladstonesolicitors.co.uk