Family & Divorce Solicitors In Maidstone, Gravesend & Kent

On average, a divorce can take between 4-6 months but if there are financial matters to settle then it could take longer depending on the extent of the assets and whether agreement can be reached.  If court proceedings are issued to deal with finances then it is likely to be several months before the conclusion of the matter but we will always try to settle matters by agreement to avoid you having to go through the process of court proceedings and to save on costs.

Straightforward divorce proceedings where there is no financial element, the cost on average is around £1,800 plus vat including court fee of £593.00.  Where an order is required to record the financial terms of agreement costs can vary depending on the extent of the assets and whether an application to the court is required where agreement is not reached.  We will provide you with a cost estimate before commencing work on the matter and once we have an idea of what you are seeking and how this can be achieved.

Since the introduction of ‘No Fault Divorce’ there is only one ground for divorce this being irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, where there are no prospects of a reconciliation.  

A Consent Order is the legal document, which, records the terms of agreement reached in respect of a financial settlement.  We recommend that you have a Consent Order, as there are a number of benefits in having one and some risks if you do not.  These will depend on the circumstances of your case and which we will discuss with you during the initial meeting.

Sometimes parties do not have a relevant ground to divorce straight away but need to sort out their finances, say for example, the sale of the matrimonial home.  We can advise you on ways in which to protect your assets and deal with finances pending divorce proceedings such as recording the terms in a Separation Agreement.

The care of the children can be agreed between the parents but if there is a dispute as to with whom the children should live and/or how much time they should spend with the non-resident parent then we can assist you in negotiating what would be best for the children.  If agreement cannot be reached then an application can be made to the court for a Child Arrangement order.  We can advise you on the law and procedure relating to this and how to deal with the matter most cost effectively.

This will depend on a number of factors.  Most commonly we will look at the length of marriage, ages of the parties, who will be looking after the children, whether each party is currently employed, parties’ incomes in comparison to their outgoings and whether both parties would be financially stable without spousal maintenance.  Other factors may also be taken into consideration.  We will advise you according to the circumstances of your case.

We can draft a Cohabitation Agreement which is a document recording details of how both party’s assets and finances are to be dealt with in the event that you should separate or in the unfortunate event of either party’s demise.  It can also include arrangements and provision for the children.  This document will be customised to your individual needs and agreement taking into consideration the facts of your case and the extent of assets owned by you both at the time of cohabitation, making sure that adequate and fair provision is being made for the future.

We can draft a Cohabitation Agreement which is a document recording details of how both party’s assets and finances are to be dealt with in the event that you should separate or in the unfortunate event of either party’s demise.  It can also include arrangements and provision for the children.  This document will be customised to your individual needs and agreement taking into consideration the facts of your case and the extent of assets owned by you both at the time of cohabitation, making sure that adequate and fair provision is being made for the future.

You may wish to consider applying for a non-molestation injunction, which we can help you with.  This is an order from the court preventing your husband from continuing this abuse.  At the same time you can apply for an Occupation Order to have your husband removed from the property and if the court’s feel that you need this protection the order may be granted.  We can advise you as to the method by which such orders can be obtained and how to go about starting the proceedings for divorce thereafter.