Divorce
Everyone who gets married expects their partnership to last a lifetime. People change, however, and life events can push even the happiest couples towards a relationship breakdown. At Eldwick Law, our divorce solicitors will provide the expert legal advice and representation you need to ensure you achieve what you want regarding your financial settlement and arrangements for your children.
We are one of Central London’s busiest and most highly recommended divorce lawyers. As a boutique firm that has an exceptional commercial law department as well as one dedicated to family law, we have the unique ability to provide a full service to divorce clients that require assistance restructuring their business interests to ensure their financial settlement objectives are met.
Many high-net-worth divorce cases have an international element. London is known as the divorce capital of the world because the courts often provide generous settlements to the financially weaker spouse. Our divorce solicitors are highly experienced in international family law and will act quickly and strategically to file for divorce in England and Wales if this is to your advantage.
Below are the answers to some common questions regarding family law.
How do I get divorced in England and Wales?
On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (DDSA) 2020 comes into force. Under the DDSA 2020 neither party will be required to ‘blame’ the other for the marriage breaking down. Instead, one or both parties simply need to make a statement that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. There is no longer a requirement to cite adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Parties can file joint petitions and one spouse cannot try and prevent the other from being granted a divorce.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
The court will grant a Conditional Divorce Order (formally a Decree Nisi) no sooner than 20 weeks after the filing of the divorce petition. This time allows not only for couples to reconsider their decision to divorce but to also make arrangements for their children.
Our team will work closely with you throughout the entire process, ensuring that you achieve the results you want.
Can I file for divorce in England and Wales if I was married abroad?
For high-net worth and/or international couples deciding the jurisdiction in which to file for divorce is extremely important. This is because the financial settlement granted in one country can differ greatly from that granted in another.
You may be able to petition in England and Wales if:
- You and your spouse are habitually resident in England and Wales.
- You and your spouse were both last habitually resident in England and Wales and one of you continues to reside there.
- The Respondent is habitually resident in England and Wales.
- The Applicant is habitually resident in England and Wales and has resided there for at least one year immediately before the application was made.
- The Applicant is domiciled and habitually resident in England and Wales and has resided there for at least six months immediately before the application was made.
- You and your spouse are domiciled in England and Wales.
- You or your spouse is domiciled in England and Wales.
There are many considerations when deciding on the most advantageous jurisdiction for filing your divorce petition. Our experienced divorce law solicitors will carefully examine all of your options and work swiftly to ensure the petition is filed in the jurisdiction that is likely to give you the best financial settlement.
What differentiates us from other law firms is our focus on niche practice areas and the sheer intelligence and commitment of our team. We understand how important it is for high-net-worth individuals to secure a fair financial settlement and have flexible child arrangements in place that can accommodate frequent travel. Our solicitors will carefully listen to your objectives and, where possible, use alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation and mediation to ensure your divorce proceeds smoothly. If litigation proves inevitable, however, we have relationships with some of the best family law barristers in the UK and will work closely with them to win your divorce case.
To make an appointment with our divorce solicitors, please contact us at mail@eldwicklaw.com or phone our London office on +44 (0) 2039728469