Divorce and Dissolution

No matter your circumstances, our experienced experts will help you move forward and start again. From straightforward cases, with no assets or children, to complicated matters involving high-value assets and businesses, we’ll ensure your case is handled with care, resulting in a fair outcome.

In April 2022, ‘no-fault divorce’ legislation was introduced in England and Wales. All that is required from the spouse who applies for the divorce – the “applicant” – is a statement confirming that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. It is possible to make a sole application; in that one spouse applies alone, or a joint application, where both spouses apply jointly. The court fee to apply for a divorce is £593.

It is no longer possible to proceed with a divorce relying on the old fault-based system which could include reference to the grounds for a divorce such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. The new divorce process has reduced the animosity arising from the previous system and enabled couples to divorce more amicably.

The no-fault divorce process includes three stages:

• Application
• Conditional Order
• Final Order.

Under this system a divorce will take a minimum of 26 weeks. You must also have been married for at least one year to apply.

Civil partnership dissolution is the formal separation process for those who are in a civil partnership, and the stages are the same as above.

No, this is a common misconception. Financial claims can remain live after divorce and it is therefore important that they are dealt with. Orders can often be made by consent without contested proceedings. You can read further information about finances on divorce here.

Any existing will you have is revoked on divorce, and the rules of intestacy will apply which could mean that upon your death your assets may not distributed as you had intended. However, a will can be made in contemplation of divorce to prevent this. We recommend that any will you have is updated upon separation, and our Private Client team can help with this.

A divorce specialist is a solicitor who focuses exclusively on the legal process of ending a marriage, from filing the application through to resolving finances and children’s arrangements. At HCR, our divorce specialists handle straightforward no-fault divorces as well as complex cases involving high-value assets, business interests, or international elements, drawing on colleagues across the firm where needed.

A family divorce lawyer is a solicitor who specialises solely in the legal and practical issues arising during separation, including financial settlements, children’s arrangements, and the emotional sensitivities involved. Because HCR is a full-service firm, our family divorce lawyers can pull in specialist colleagues from wills, pensions, and property where a divorce touches those areas too.

Divorce lawyers are solicitors who formalise a separation agreement so it’s legally binding, something an informal arrangement between spouses is not. Even when both parties agree on everything, HCR’s divorce lawyers ensure the agreement is fair and properly accounts for pensions, property, and any future claims either party might otherwise be entitled to make.

No-fault divorce is a largely administrative process that removes the need to prove blame, and in most cases doesn’t require a court appearance unless the divorce is contested or finances can’t be agreed. HCR’s divorce lawyers, based across our national office network, handle the majority of cases without a courtroom being involved.

A divorce specialist experienced in complex financial settlements is essential when significant assets are involved. HCR’s team works closely with forensic accountants and valuation experts, and alongside our corporate specialists where a business is at stake, to ensure assets are fairly assessed and continuity is protected throughout proceedings.