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?
The court can make orders regarding child maintenance in divorce proceedings if the parents are in agreement. Usually it would be expected that the order would be in line with any assessment that would be made by the Child Support Agency (CSA). However, in general terms the CSA does have jurisdiction over child maintenance payments and you could apply to the CSA for an assessment one year after any order that is made as part of your divorce proceedings.
The CSA calculates the amount of maintenance payable by the non-resident parent based on a number of factors. These are: the non-resident parent's income, the number of children that live with the non-resident parent, the number of children who qualify for maintenance and the number of nights the children stay overnight with the non-resident parent.
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?
