Divorce Solicitors in Chichester

Divorce can be a complex process that involves various legal, financial, and emotional decisions.

Seeking legal advice and guidance can help you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Our team of divorce solicitors in Chichester is committed to providing personalised legal assistance tailored to your unique circumstances.

With a wealth of experience in handling diverse divorce cases, including those involving complex financial matters, child custody, and spousal support, our solicitors approach each case with sensitivity and dedication.

We understand the emotional strain that divorce can bring, and we strive to minimise stress while working diligently to protect your rights and interests.

Whether your divorce is amicable or involves contentious issues, our Chichester divorce solicitors are equipped to provide skilled legal representation. Trust us to navigate the legal process and guide you toward a positive resolution during this challenging time.

Our team of professionals can provide expert divorce advice and guidance on matters including:

Initiating and responding to divorce proceedings
Family mediation and alternative dispute resolution
Financial settlements following divorce
Child arrangements on divorce
Pre- and post-nuptial settlement agreements

We believe in fees that suit everyone. For this reason, we provide flexible funding arrangements to suit your circumstances.

For more information about our services, see divorce and divorce and pensions.

Contact our divorce solicitors in Chichester

To discuss your requirements and find out how we can help, please get in touch to speak to one of our divorce lawyers in Chichester.

Our divorce services in Chichester

Initiating and responding to divorce proceedings

To initiate divorce proceedings, you will first need to complete a divorce application, formally requesting your local family court to grant a divorce.

This application must include the details of both parties and a "statement of irretrievable breakdown," acknowledging that the marriage has irreparably broken down with no possibility of reconciliation.

In the case of a joint application, where both spouses apply for a divorce together, they are termed Joint Applicants. If only one spouse is filing, that spouse is referred to as the Applicant, and the other as the Respondent.

The divorce application, along with the marriage certificate and the required Court fee, is then submitted to the Court, beginning the divorce process.

It is recommended to seek legal advice at this stage to ensure that the application is completed accurately and in full, this will help to prevent any delays further down the line.

Family mediation and alternative dispute resolution

Divorce and financial issues arising from divorce can often be dealt with through a process known as mediation. During mediation, the separating couple will meet with a trained mediator who serves as a neutral third party to help the couple agree on the details of their divorce. Mediation can help couples reach an agreement about issues involving money, property or children. This approach is especially beneficial when children are involved, as it helps to maintain a positive relationship for co-parenting going forward.

There are many benefits of using mediation in divorce and separation: it is typically faster, more cost-effective, and less stressful for all parties involved. It also maintains the privacy of your situation, unlike court proceedings, which are generally public.

You don’t have to take part in mediation to get a divorce, but if you end up going to court to sort out your differences, you will usually need to prove you’ve been to a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM). This is an introductory meeting to explain what mediation is and how it might help you.

Other alternatives for resolving UK family law matters out-of-court, include private negotiation, collaborative law, and arbitration, any of which may be appropriate depending on your circumstances.

Financial settlements following divorce

During divorce proceedings, you and your ex-partner must agree on the division of finances, properties, and other assets. This can be done voluntarily or taken to court, where a judge will make the decision.

Opting for a voluntary agreement is often faster and more cost-effective. Methods like mediation and collaborative law can help you to reach a fair settlement amicably.

If you come to a voluntary agreement, a Consent Order can be used to make the agreement legally binding for the future. This approach is generally more efficient and economical than resorting to court proceedings to settle financial matters during a divorce.

Child arrangements on divorce

If you and your spouse have children, ensuring their care should be a primary concern during your divorce. This typically involves making decisions about their living arrangements, the level of contact for the non-resident parent, and financial support for the children.

These decisions can be voluntarily agreed upon or brought before a judge in court. Opting for a voluntary arrangement is generally in everyone's best interests, especially those of your children. Resorting to court action increases the risk of conflict between you and your former spouse, potentially straining your relationship further. Prioritizing an amicable resolution outside of court is generally more beneficial for all parties involved.

Pre and post-nuptial settlement agreements

A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a prenup, is a contractual arrangement made by couples before marriage, outlining the division of assets, property, and financial support in case of divorce or marriage breakdown. Similarly, a post-nuptial agreement serves the same purpose but is established during the marriage.

Our specialist divorce solicitors can assist you with proposing or accepting a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement, ensuring it is drafted in the most clear and concise manner possible to safeguard your best interests in the event of a divorce.

Our Chichester divorce solicitors’ fees

At SMR Solicitors, we offer a free 20-minute consultation with one of our family law experts to discuss your situation.

We want our divorce pricing to be fair and transparent, so we will give a realistic estimate of costs at the outset, including both our fees and all third-party costs, such as court fees.

We will be happy to discuss our fees with you, so please get in touch to learn more.