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?
The influence of American TV dramas has possibly given many people the mistaken belief that the assets of divorcing couples are automatically divided equally between them. In English law, this is not necessarily the case. Whilst divorcing couples may agree between themselves that the assets will be divided equally, should the question of resolving a couple's financial matters be placed in the hands of the court, the outcome may be very different.
The court will base its decision on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the ages of the divorcing couple, and whether there are any children. Whilst the court is likely to take the wishes of the divorcing couple into consideration, in every case there are a number of possible orders it can make.
From a practical point of view therefore, there are always a number of possible outcomes to financial matters related to divorce. For this reason, it is always worthwhile taking professional legal advice. Our specialist family law solicitors deal regularly with financial settlements as part of helping clients through divorce and are familiar with the courts and how its decisions are made. Contact us for advice on your specific situation.
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?
