Divorce solicitors: here for you at a difficult time
Will I speak to someone who understands what I’m going through?
Divorce can be overwhelming. You may feel uncertain or under pressure to make the right decisions about what happens next, and concerned about how it will affect your children, finances and future.
It helps to speak to someone who listens and understands what you are facing. We will explain your options clearly and honestly, so you can make informed decisions with confidence about arrangements for your children and your financial future.
Can I avoid a long and expensive legal process? Is mediation an option?
You may be worried about the cost of divorce or concerned it could become stressful or drawn out. You may also want to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Where possible, our family lawyers focus on resolving matters constructively, encouraging cooperation and open communication between both parties. This may include mediation or collaborative law, helping you reach agreement more quickly and with less stress.
If this approach is right for you, it can reduce conflict and expense while keeping matters as straightforward as possible. We will guide you through dividing your assets in a fair and practical way, taking everyone’s needs into account.
Protecting the children in a divorce – who has responsibility for custody and financial support
If you have children, you may be concerned about where they will live and how decisions about their care will be made. Their needs come first and should guide every decision.
You can get support to agree child arrangements, including living arrangements and time spent with each parent. We can also advise on maintaining relationships with grandparents and extended family.
Financial support is another key consideration. We will help you put arrangements in place that provide stability and security for your children, while supporting your wider family circumstances.
How can I reach a financial settlement that’s fair for me?
Every situation is different, and financial settlements are often one of the most complex parts of a divorce. You may need to consider property, savings, pensions, business interests and income.
With the right guidance, you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Wherever possible, the focus is on reaching agreement efficiently and avoiding unnecessary cost. If court proceedings are needed, you will have clear advice and strong representation throughout.
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Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
How does divorce affect a will?
Whenever there is a major change in your circumstances, such as a divorce, it is essential you update your will. While divorce doesn’t automatically invalidate a will, there are important implications which are often overlooked leading to problems in the future. Get in touch with our specialist team who will help you update your will.
Fixed-fee family law consultation
We offer a fixed-fee family law consultation. For a one-off cost, we will guide you through your choices and help you plan the next steps. You will come away with a clear understanding of what is available and how best to achieve your goals.
Dubai executive's divorce: Tees resolves £600k income dispute without court
In this case, our client was facing a deeply acrimonious divorce with significant income at stake and no clear end in sight. Tees proposed a private hearing for a timely, fair settlement, protecting Richard’s financial future and resolving the dispute without costly court delays.
What else can we support you with?
The services our specialist divorce law solicitors offer include:
- Child disputes, particularly divorces: our child law solicitors are exceptionally knowledgeable and committed to finding a solution for you and your children which protects their welfare.
- High net worth divorce: Our divorce solicitors are experts at advising on the division of multiple assets such as businesses, pensions, properties and investments.
- Farming divorce: We specialise in helping farming families manage the impact of divorce on their farms.
- International divorce: Our solicitors have worked on cases worldwide and can advise you on the implications of your cross-boundary case.
- Divorce mediation – for more amicable, legally-binding solutions.
- Collaborative law and round-table discussions – finding agreement with solicitors present.
- Arbitration – representing your interests and negotiating with your former partner’s representative.
- Court negotiations – strategy and support for court appearances
- Review of your will.
Why solicitor-led divorce remains essential
Even where couples choose to submit their own application, many aspects of divorce still require professional legal guidance, including:
Financial settlements – ensuring a fair and legally sound division of property, pensions, business interests and other assets.
Consent orders – making agreements legally binding and protecting against future claims.
Child arrangements and maintenance – safeguarding the welfare and stability of children and providing clarity for parents.
Couples are still engaging a solicitor for at least part of the process, reinforcing that DIY filing rarely replaces the value of tailored legal advice. Whether you are considering a DIY divorce or seeking full solicitor-led support, our team ensures:
- A clear understanding of your legal rights and obligations
- Efficient, stress-reducing management of your case
- Legally robust agreements for finances and child arrangements
Do you always need a solicitor for a divorce?
Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, ending a marriage in England and Wales has become simpler and more accessible.
Many divorces are being initiated without a solicitor, and are often referred to as “DIY” or self-serve divorces. These applications are most common in straightforward cases where there are no disputes over finances or children. Online platforms have made the process faster and more cost-effective, particularly for younger couples or those confident managing paperwork themselves.
However, while filing may be simpler, divorce remains a legal process with long-term financial and family consequences.
Everything you need in one place
You may need both legal and financial advice during a divorce. Having this joined up can make decisions easier and reduce delays.
You will have access to legal specialists as well as independent financial advisers who can help you plan for the future once a settlement is agreed. This means your decisions are practical, informed and focused on long-term security. Our IFAs are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we are accountable for the advice we give.
Speak to someone who understands
If you’d like to speak to one of our team, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Cambridge
- Chelmsford
- North Herts
- Saffron Walden
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
No-fault divorce: what it means and how it simplifies the process
Introduced in April 2022, no-fault divorce law has transformed the divorce process by removing the need to assign blame. Instead, couples can now cite “irretrievable breakdown” as the sole ground for divorce, making the process simpler and less stressful. While this new law has streamlined divorce applications, especially through online platforms, it’s crucial to recognize the value of solicitor-led advice for complex matters like asset division and child arrangements.
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Our experience in divorce law
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Divorce FAQs
How much does a divorce cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of your case, including whether the divorce is contested or if mediation is required. We discuss all likely fees clearly during your first consultation, so you know what to expect and can plan confidently.
If your combined assets as a family are over £750,000 or your combined family income is more than £100,000 a year, do give us a ring to book an initial consultation.
In addition, we offer alternatives to the traditional divorce process, which can be lower-cost options. Our experts are trained in divorce mediation, arbitration and collaborative law.
How to start the divorce process?
A solicitor can help you start the process of getting divorced, help you get the best result, and keep the process as straightforward as possible. A solicitor can help you issue or respond to divorce papers. We can also help you:
- Fill out divorce papers or respond to divorce papers
- Reach a financial settlement after divorce
- Agree on maintenance payments and child maintenance
- Divide your assets
How does the divorce process work in England and Wales?
Divorce in England and Wales follows a clear legal process. Our solicitors guide you through each step, from applying to the court to finalising the divorce, helping you understand your options and responsibilities. We make sure you feel supported, whether your divorce involves finances, property, or children.
How long does a divorce take?
A straightforward divorce usually takes around six months, but this can vary if there are financial or child-related matters to resolve. Our team works efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays, keeping you informed throughout.
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?
You don’t legally need a solicitor, but divorce can have significant financial and personal implications. Our solicitors help protect your interests, ensure agreements are legally binding, and offer expert guidance on matters such as property, pensions, and children.
What happens to finances and property during divorce?
Financial arrangements are dealt with separately from the divorce itself. Our solicitors advise on fair divisions of property, savings, and pensions and help negotiate settlements or guide you through court processes if needed.
What happens if children are involved in a divorce?
Children’s welfare is always the priority. We work with parents to create practical, child-focused arrangements, supporting mediation or court applications when necessary, so children’s needs are met throughout the process.
How does divorce impact a will?
Many people wrongly believe that a divorce automatically cancels or invalidates a will. Similarly, individuals with an existing will may neglect to review it after a divorce, unaware of the potential implications. Divorce can significantly affect the provisions of a will, an often overlooked issue. It is essential to update a will whenever there is a major change in circumstances, such as a divorce. Our specialist team can help review your will.
Can divorce be handled through mediation instead of court?
Yes. Mediation can be faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective. Our solicitors advise whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances and provide expert support throughout the process.
What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is straightforward, with both parties in agreement. A contested divorce involves disputes, which may require court involvement. Our team ensures you receive clear guidance, whether your case is simple or complex.
Do you offer divorce services in Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire?
Absolutely. Tees Law provides expert divorce services across Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire, including affluent areas such as Chelmsford, Brentwood, Epping, and Saffron Walden in Essex; Cambridge, Newmarket, and Melbourn in Cambridgeshire; and St Albans, Harpenden, and Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire. Our solicitors understand the local context and can offer personalised, tailored support for clients in high-net-worth and complex cases.
Can I speak to a divorce solicitor locally or remotely?
Yes. We offer flexible appointments either at one of our local offices or remotely via phone or video call, making it easy to get advice wherever you are.
Which Tees Law offices handle divorce cases?
Our family law and divorce solicitors are based across multiple offices in Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire. Your case is handled by the right solicitor for your situation, supported by our wider family law team.
Does Tees Law offer divorce services in London and other areas across England and Wales?
Absolutely. Tees Law provides expert divorce services not only in Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire—including affluent areas such as Chelmsford, Brentwood, Cambridge, St Albans, and Harpenden—but also extends support to clients across London and throughout England and Wales. Our solicitors understand the local context and can offer personalised, tailored support for clients in high-net-worth and complex cases.
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