Family Law - Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the questions our family lawyers are often asked by clients.
Click on each question to find out more.
Divorce and Separation
How do I start divorce proceedings?
Do I need a solicitor to get a divorce?
How long will my divorce take?
Do I have to prove my marriage breakdown is someone's fault in order to get a divorce?
Can my spouse contest my petition for divorce?
What is the difference between decree nisi and decree absolute?
Financial Matters
How will financial matters be decided?
Am I entitled to half of everything in the financial settlement?
I haven't contributed much to the family finances during our marriage as I have been a full-time parent/homemaker/carer - what am I entitled to?
How much personal financial information do I have to provide?
Children matters
What kinds of Orders could the Court make concerning my children?
I am worried that my ex-partner could take our children out of the country - what can I do to prevent this?
Who will decide who my children live with after the divorce?
Do I have to involve my children in making the decisions that will affect their living arrangements or parental contact?
How will the amount of maintenance I/my ex-partner pays for our children be decided?
Adoption
How does the adoption process work?
Which Court will deal with the adoption?
Someone is trying to adopt my child without my consent - what should I do?
Is it possible to adopt a child from abroad?
It is possible to adopt a child from another country, but only in very specific circumstances. If the child cannot be cared for properly in their own country, and adoption would be in the child's best interests as well as taking account of his/her rights under international law, and the adopter's eligibility to adopt from overseas has been assessed by an overseas adoption agency.
Inter-country adoptions can only be dealt with by specialist judges in specialist courts and there may be complex issues involved, so it is worthwhile taking legal advice from an experienced solicitor.
