When a marriage ends, it can inevitably be a difficult and emotional time for all involved.

We understand divorce proceedings can be overwhelming and distressing. However, by having the support of our professional and sympathetic team of Divorce Solicitors and Lawyers on your side, you can be certain that you have all the resources you need to handle every aspect of the process with confidence.

Speak to our Expert Divorce Solicitors

Our team will make sure that we deal with all issues arising out of your divorce, including child arrangements, financial settlements or domestic abuse.


Looking for Divorce Solicitors? We’re Here to Help

At Taylor Emmet, our Family Law team have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the top law firms in the Sheffield City Region and beyond.

Our experience means that we have supported couples from all walks of life with their divorce. Our approach seeks to minimise conflict where possible, utilising the form of out of court dispute resolution which is best suited to you and your circumstances.

If court proceedings are required while you are dealing with a divorce, we can also provide support and robust representation to help you secure the best possible outcome.

Head of Family Law Michaela Evans is also trained in Resolution Together and Collaboration allowing her to work with divorcing couples on a joint basis, promoting a more constructive approach to divorce and resolving any potential areas of conflict in an efficient manner.


How Our Family Law and Divorce Solicitors Can Support You

Applying for divorce

The divorce process has been streamlined after the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act was brought into effect on April 6 2022. Couples are now able to divorce without assigning blame or waiting two years. An application to end a marriage or civil partnership can be made by one or both parties jointly, on the basis the relationship has broken down irretrievably. It is also no longer possible to contest a divorce application, except in very limited circumstances.

Even with these changes in place, it is still essential that you have expert advice to help you navigate each stage of the process. With our team by your side during the formal application process, you will have a clear understanding of what steps need to be taken and what you and your former partner need to do to reduce the potential for any delays.

Our team will make sure that we deal with all issues arising out of your divorce, including child arrangements, financial settlements or domestic abuse.


Divorce and Finances

Your financial future is likely to be one of your primary concerns following separation , and for good reason. It is understandable to feel concerned about negotiating a financial settlement, especially if you have assets that you would like to protect.

Our Divorce Solicitors and Lawyers have experience in working alongside individuals and couples from a diverse range of backgrounds, including high-net-worth individuals, advising them on their financial rights and responsibilities, as well as the route to a financial settlement most suited to their circumstances.

Where required, our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can also collaborate with our Property, Trusts and Corporate specialists to offer a comprehensive service for our clients.


Child Arrangement

Divorce can be an incredibly unsettling and destabilising time for your children. Of course, the welfare of your children will be your main priority.

We can help you and your former partner to negotiate a suitable arrangement, seeking to resolve any potential disputes as fairly and amicably as possible. That said, if court action is required to reach a positive outcome, we can take you through the process in a sensitive and child focused manner.

You can find out more about our expertise with arrangements for children here.


Marriages of less than 12 months

Divorce and civil partnership dissolution is not possible until after you have been married for a year.

If you have urgent matters that need attention before this point, we will talk you through the possibility of judicial separation proceedings, which are allowed within the first year. This would trigger the court’s powers to make certain orders, for example, regarding financial matters.


Frequently asked questions about divorce

How long does a divorce take?

How long does a divorce take?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act changed the expected timelines for getting a divorce in England and Wales. Even if your circumstances are straightforward, the legal process of getting a divorce now takes a minimum of 26 weeks (six months).

There is a minimum 20-week wait before you can apply for a Conditional Order after the court has issued your divorce. Once the Conditional Order is issued, there is a 6-week wait for the Final Order.

Note that this is a minimum timeframe. In certain circumstances we advise not to finalise the divorce until financial matters have been resolved.

Is it best to get a Solicitor for a divorce?

Is it best to get a Solicitor for a divorce?

In practically every scenario, it will be in your best interests to have a solicitor by your side during divorce proceedings. By doing so, you can be certain that you understand what needs to be done at every stage, that all of the necessary paperwork will be completed accurately, and that there will be no unnecessary delays to the process.

Once you have dealt with the practicalities of the divorce process, our Solicitors and Lawyers will work with you to resolve financial and child related issues.

Do both parties have to have a Solicitor in divorce?

Do both parties have to have a Solicitor in divorce?

It is not a legal requirement to have a Solicitor during divorce, which means you can still proceed with the process, even if your former partner does not instruct their own legal representative.

If you agree that it would be suitable, it is now possible for both you and your former partner to have the same Divorce Solicitor or Lawyer to work with you both on a joint basis. This is something we can support you with via Resolution Together.

What is ‘no-fault’ divorce?

What is ‘no-fault’ divorce?

‘No-fault’ divorce describes the changes included in the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act. It references the fact that it is no longer necessary to attribute ‘fault’ to the other party during divorce. It is now only necessary to submit a statement of irretrievable breakdown, with no reasons required.

Can I separate from my partner without getting divorced?

Can I separate from my partner without getting divorced?

If you wish to separate from your partner but are not ready to start formal divorce proceedings, it may be more appropriate to sign a Separation Agreement.

A Separation Agreement is a legal document that confirms the practical arrangements you have made following a break-up and is designed to give you peace of mind for the future.

You can find out more about our expertise with Separation Agreements here.

Who pays the Solicitors’ fees in a divorce?

Who pays the Solicitors’ fees in a divorce?

It will usually be the case that you and your partner will each pay your own Solicitors’ fees.

How much does it cost to apply for a divorce?

How much does it cost to apply for a divorce?

There is a £612 court fee to apply for divorce. The way you pay this fee will depend on the way you apply, as in some cases the court fee can be reduced for those on a lower income. The court fee is in addition to your solicitors’ fees.

This fee will also be non-refundable once you have been notified that your divorce application has been issued by the court.

How much do Divorce Solicitors cost?

How much do Divorce Solicitors cost?

The fees you may be expected to pay for the support of a specialist Solicitor or Lawyer for divorce will vary from case to case and will depend on a wide range of factors.

Once we have a better understanding of what your case involves and the level of support you require, our team will be able to advise you further on what the likely costs will be. Legal aid may also be available in certain circumstances, depending on your eligibility.

We have Family Law Solicitors near you

If you are interested in understanding how Taylor Emmet can help you with your family law issues then please contact us.

0114 218 4000

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Life isn't straightforward, and we know that things don't always go to plan. But when they don't, it's important to have agreements and plans to negate the need for court action, especially regarding your family.

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Divorce and Financial Settlements

Securing your financial future following a divorce or civil partnership dissolution will understandably be one of your top priorities. We know that this can be a daunting prospect, which is why we are here to support you in negotiating a financial settlement that protects your current and future interests.

Our Family Law Solicitors and lawyers are experienced in supporting clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, including high-net worth individuals who require advice on their financial rights and responsibilities.

Where required, our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers at Taylor Emmet can also work in tandem with our Property, Trusts and Corporate specialists to offer a comprehensive service to make sure that every detail has been accounted for.

Divorce and Civil Partnership

No matter the circumstances, a divorce or civil partnership dissolution is always like to be a difficult time, with a range of emotional and practical challenges to overcome. While the process of obtaining a divorce has been streamlined with the introduction of The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, it is still vital that you have an expert on your side to help you navigate the process with confidence and to ensure your financial security is not put at risk.

Our expertise ensures that we can advise you on every aspect of your divorce or civil partnership dissolution, from the formal application process through to additional arrangements for your finances and children.

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements may not seem like the most romantic notion on the surface. Equally, many people may believe that such an agreement is only accessible for the rich and famous. This is far from the case.

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements have grown in popularity in the UK, and for good reason. For many couples, these types of agreements can be a highly effective way of determining how assets will be handled during a future separation, reducing the potential for disruptive and costly disputes.

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can provide bespoke advice in relation to pre- and post-nuptial agreements, helping you to consider what should be included, or respond to any documents that have been sent by your partner.

Child Arrangements

Making arrangements for your children in the wake of divorce or separation is extremely important. While in many cases couples are able to come to a voluntary agreement, there may be situations in which an application to court is required.

Our team will work alongside you to establish what arrangements are best suited to you and your children, ensuring that you have the support you to achieve a resolution, including in situations where a court order will be required.

Cohabitation Disputes

Despite popular belief, cohabiting couples do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This can have a range of potential consequences, particularly in the event of a future separation.

Cohabitees have minimal protection during separation, so it is vital that you understand exactly where you stand and what your options are if you find yourself in a cohabitation dispute with your former partner.

Our Family Law specialists can advise you on your position and responsibilities, as well as guiding you through the necessary steps to take to protect both yourself and your children.

Collaborative Law

The Collaborative law process is a method of dispute resolution that can act as a viable alternative to court proceedings during divorce and separation. During collaborative law, both parties appoint a Solicitor who is specially trained to support them during round table meetings, agreeing on the practical details of the separation.

You can arrange an initial meeting with our collaborative lawyer Michaela where she can take a closer look at your circumstances and determine whether it is a suitable process for your separation.

Resolution Together – 1 Lawyer, 2 Clients

Resolution Together is a new initiative designed to allow a single Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer to work alongside a couple jointly, as opposed to one individual, during a divorce or separation.

This method of resolution is likely to be ideal for a wide range of separating couples, including those that intend to make a joint application for divorce.

Taylor Emmet is currently one of a small number of firms in Yorkshire that offer the Resolution Together service.

Domestic Abuse

In every instance, your safety, and that of your family, is paramount. Our empathetic Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers have substantial experience and, with members of our team Resolution specialists in handling cases of domestic abuse - we understand the impact domestic abuse can have on the health of you and your family.

We will handle your case with sensitivity and tact, guiding you through all of the legal options that are available to you, including applying to the court for orders under the Family Law Act 1996. We have a legal aid contract, which means we are able to offer legal aid for anyone eligible.

Separation Agreements

There are many reasons why formal proceedings won’t be the right option for couples who intend to separate. Whether it’s because you are undecided about the current status of your relationship, or you simply wish to try a temporary period apart from one another, it is sensible to consider the alternative options that are available – such as a separation agreement.

Separation agreements are legal documents which couples can prepare, confirming the practical arrangements they have made following a separation. They can be used by married couples, civil partners, and cohabitees.

Child Support

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help ensure that you are able to find a solution that provides the right level of financial support for your children now and in the future.

We understand how sensitive matters involving your children are likely to be. As such, we are committed to promoting an amicable approach to resolving any disputes that may arise surrounding child support, avoiding lengthy legal battles wherever possible. That said, if court proceedings are required to find a solution, you can be certain that you will receive robust representation and diligent legal advice.

Frequently asked questions about Family Law

What is family law?

When we talk about ‘family law’, we are typically discussing any legal matters that are related to family relationships. This could involve marriages, civil partnerships, cohabitation, parents and children, and the individual arrangements that are made in relation to these relationships.

Family law can also cover various other matters, such as change of name and domestic violence.

What does a Family Solicitor or Lawyer do?

Family Solicitors and Lawyers play a vital role in helping individuals, couples and families to navigate the various hurdles they may be confronted with when dealing with a legal matter.

Exactly what role a Family Solicitor or Lawyer will play will vary from case to case. In addition to providing legal advice that confirms someone’s rights, responsibilities and options, a Family Solicitor can also help parties in dispute to work towards a fair and just resolutions, as well as providing representation during court proceedings.

How much does a Family Solicitor cost?

The fees you may be expected to pay for family law services from a specialist Solicitor or Lawyer will vary from case to case and will depend on a wide range of factors. Once we have a clearer understanding of what your case involves and the level of support you require, our team will be able to advise you further on what the likely costs will be. Legal aid may also be available in certain circumstances, depending on your eligibility.

How can we avoid going to court?

There are a number of methods of dispute resolution which can all be used to help avoid the prospect of having to head to court.

At Taylor Emmet, we are the only firm in Sheffield to offer the full range of options, meaning we are well positioned to help you find a solution to your matter while keeping conflict to a minimu.

Our expertise includes Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, all of which our team can advise you on in detail.

Is it better to have a Solicitor in the family court?

There may be a situations whenre it is necessary to take a case to the family court in order to achieve an outcome that is in theyour best interests of you andand those of your children. In every case, it will always be more beneficial to have a dedicated Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer on your side, who will be able to understand the intricacies of your case and the legal processes involved, significantly increasing your chances of achieving a positive outcome.

Why choose us?