Divorce Lawyers in Malton, York & Wetherby
Going through a divorce is never easy. Emotions are running high, and there are many practical concerns to deal with in addition to the legal steps you need to go through to end your marriage.
Our solicitors aim to ease some of the difficulty you are experiencing by making the legal process of getting divorced as straightforward as possible for you. We take the time to listen to you and to understand your circumstances to handle your divorce in a way that is right for you. For most, avoiding confrontation and maintaining relationships is essential, and that is why we strive to resolve any disputes using collaborative methods. To discuss your specific needs and concerns with a specialist member of our family law team, call us today on 01653 692247 (Malton) or 01904 716000 (York) or 01937 583210 (Wetherby) or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.
We look forward to helping you move forward with your life.
The Divorce Process
Our solicitors can handle every aspect of the divorce process for you. We understand that for many of our clients, this will be the first time they have gone through a divorce and may be unsure about the process. Below is a basic overview of the steps required to become legally divorced, as well as some information about the financial settlement. We hope you find this useful, but if you have any questions or concerns about your specific circumstances, get in touch with our team today, and we will be happy to advise you.
Completing a Divorce Petition
The first step in the formal process of becoming divorced is to complete a divorce petition. If you are the one initiating the divorce proceedings, you are known as 'the petitioner'. At present, you will also need to cite the reasons for divorce to support your claim that your marriage has 'irretrievably broken down'. We can advise on this and assist you with completing the petition.
Submitting the Divorce Petition
After the form has been completed, it must be submitted along with your original marriage certificate or an official copy. You will also need to pay the court fee, currently set at £550. The petition may either be submitted online or by posting three copies of the form to your nearest divorce centre. The court will keep one copy on file and send a copy to you and your former spouse.
Financial Settlement
Financial settlement is where the practical and financial matters relating to your divorce are settled. A financial settlement is an agreement which sets out the division of money, property and any other assets you and your spouse have. After financial settlement has been agreed, the courts will make the agreement into a binding order. There will be several factors that come into consideration during the financial settlement. If you have any children, the arrangements for the care of the children will be considered for the purposes of any maintenance agreement put in place. The length of your marriage and each party's financial circumstances will also be considered. You will both need to provide precise details about your income, future income, assets and pensions. If either of you owns a business, this may need to be valued as part of the process. You will complete a form which is a sworn statement about your future income and financial needs, and it is essential that this is completed carefully and accurately.
Financial settlement is the part of the process where it pays to have an experienced family lawyer. Not only is this the most challenging part of the divorce process, but it can also affect your finances for many years to come.
Collaborative Law
Divorcing couples often turn to Collaborative Law as a way of separating with dignity. The Collaborative method emphasises reaching agreement in private without going to Family court. The process can be tailored to meet the couples' specific needs, allowing them to set their agenda so that they can focus on what is important to their family.
Family Mediation
Family Mediation is an alternative way of resolving difficulties surrounding divorce or separation. Pearsons & Ward is one of the leading firms in North Yorkshire to offer a Family Mediation service to help resolve family problems. Our Family Mediators aim to help by working with you and your spouse impartially, helping you to find your own positive solutions.
Contact Our Divorce Lawyers in Yorkshire
Our family law team are ready to help you and your family move forward. We are understanding and empathetic, and will always keep you up to date with how your case is progressing and advise you fully on what comes next.
To find out more about our divorce and how we can help you, call us today on 01653 692247 (Malton) or 01904 716000 (York) or 01937 583210 (Wetherby) or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.