Divorce Solicitors Sittingbourne, Kent

Sittingbourne Divorce & Separation Services

If you’re getting divorced then the process will be stressful even if it’s a no fault divorce. Adding divorce lawyers to a broken relationship may seem like extra stress and cost, but having fair, impartial legal advice allows the divorce to run as smoothly as possible.

Our team of experienced family lawyers work together to get the best results. We have offices in Sittingbourne and serve the South East, we have regional expertise and are local. We have years of experience with clients going through big life events such as divorce and separation.

Divorce law has changed with the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which has modernised the process and how applications are handled.

Even if you and your spouse have been amicable in the separation, issues can arise once paperwork is required to finalise the divorce. In most cases issues can be resolved without going to court especially if both parties are open to negotiation and minimising conflict.

If this is the case then we can help and can quote a Fixed Fee to get the divorce through the Court. You will be told upfront what the costs are before you proceed, so no hidden fees. This won’t cover financial arrangements or arrangements for any children involved but we can help you with these after the divorce is finalised.

Dealing with a difficult divorce

Many are surprised to hear that most divorces are amicable. While there is still a long legal process to go through, if the separation has been mutually agreed it’s much less stressful.

But if you and your partner can’t agree on the key issues then it’s better to have a solicitor on board to help. Just ploughing ahead with no legal advice can end up being very costly and unsatisfactory. We can help you come to an agreement and then we will help you with the paperwork. Negotiation plays a big part in getting a resolution, so both parties can discuss and settle finances and child arrangements with professional support.

In the minority of cases where even solicitors can’t help in getting a solution then your divorce will go to Court. We will continue to assist in this process, liaising with the Court, your spouse and their solicitor. Disputes are resolved through the court process and we will get the best result for our clients. Proceedings at this level can be costly and time consuming, that’s why having a solicitor on board to minimise disruption is key.

Getting a Divorce: Help & Advice

If on the other hand you and your partner can’t agree then it’s a good idea to have a solicitor on hand to help. Having a solicitor gives you more control over the process so you can make informed decisions at every stage. Just ploughing ahead with no legal advice can end up being a very costly and unsatisfactory route to take. Very often we can help you come to an agreement and then we will just help with the paperwork.

If no agreement can be reached and the Courts need to get involved we will advise you, liaise with the Court and your spouse or their solicitor. This can be a fairly costly exercise but we will always tell you upfront what the costs are before you make any decisions. Unfortunately it can end up being much more costly not employing a solicitor and therefore not getting the right advice. You can rely on us for a high standard of service throughout your case.

Common questions to consider as you plan for divorce

As you go through the divorce process you should consider the following:

• What are your grounds for divorce? Is there unreasonable behaviour involved or have you been separated for some time?
• Who is the applicant? Who will start the divorce application and what are the waiting periods or steps for the applicant at each stage?
• What’s the meaning of the conditional order? This is a court-issued approval at a key stage in the divorce process. There are specific timescales to understand before the final order is granted.
• If children are involved who will they live with? What contact arrangements will be made?
• Arrangements for any pets that are co-owned.
• Will the home have to be sold and if so who will keep it?
• Who will keep which possessions?
• Who pays what?

If you are lucky enough to still have a good relationship with your spouse despite proceedings starting then you may want to sit down with your spouse and go through the above together. This isn’t necessary though and if you don’t want to communicate with your spouse once you’ve decided to start divorce proceedings then you can communicate your wishes through your solicitor. Contact us and we’ll get back to you.

Starting divorce proceedings

Initiating divorce isn’t easy but our expert solicitors at Ratcliffes are here to help. If you’ve decided to start divorce proceedings then we can assist with this. The steps involved are:

• Preparing your divorce petition outlining the reason for the relationship ending
• Submitting the petition
• Dealing with any objections from your spouse
• Applying to finalise your divorce if both parties are happy to proceed

The divorce process has changed significantly with recent legislation such as the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which has updated the legal requirements and made the process easier than previous laws.

If your spouse contests the divorce then you will also need to be represented in Court. Our experienced solicitors will help you through this process, supporting you through big life events like divorce and helping you move forward with confidence.

Responding to a divorce petition

If you’re served with a divorce petition then it’s a difficult time but you still need to respond correctly. The person who starts the divorce proceedings is known as the applicant and they start the process and observe the waiting periods for different orders. Our solicitors will help you with this. You will need to:

• Draft a response to the divorce petition and then submit this to the court
• Provide clarification or rebuttal on the reasons outlined in the divorce petition
• Be represented in Court if both parties can’t agree

Benefits of a Divorce Lawyer

Divorce proceedings under the Dissolution and Separation Act can be complex and emotionally challenging. Working with an experienced divorce solicitor offers many benefits, protecting your interests and minimising the legal process.

• Expert guidance on the process
  We’ll explain each stage including how to submit a divorce petition and the court fees.
• Joint applications
  We can advise on whether a joint application is suitable for your situation.
• Protection of your legal rights
  A divorce lawyer will ensure your entitlements are considered, from asset division to spousal maintenance.
• Clear guidance on the breakdown of the marriage
  We’ll advise on how to establish grounds for divorce and what to do next.
• Informed decisions
  Our balanced, professional advice will help you approach negotiations with clarity and confidence.
• A fair outcome
  With a divorce solicitor by your side you’re more likely to get a resolution that’s in your favour.

Choosing the Right Divorce Solicitor

Choosing the right divorce solicitor is a key part of ensuring your interests are protected during what can be a difficult and emotional time. Our team of family lawyers have many years of experience and a friendly, approachable manner, so we’re well placed to advise on all aspects of family law. We deal with financial consent orders, property ownership issues and complex cases where one partner lives abroad.

When choosing a solicitor you should consider their experience, expertise and approach to disputes. Our commitment is to provide clear, practical advice and to resolve matters quickly and cost effectively, always with your family in mind. We understand the sensitive nature of family law and will provide a supportive environment where you feel heard and protected at every stage.

FAQs

Is divorce the only option for a couple who want to separate?

If a couple want to separate a formal divorce isn’t the only option. A separation agreement allows a less formal approach and is often seen as a precursor to divorce.

The main advantage of a separation agreement is that it allows much of the financial side of a split to be settled before a divorce. Having this in place for 2 years before a divorce can make the divorce itself a simpler process.

How long does a divorce take?

The time it takes to complete the divorce process will depend on how contested it is.

There are several stages to the divorce process including the conditional order which is a court issued approval that signifies a couple’s intention to divorce after a mandatory reflection period before the final order is granted.

A simple divorce can take around 6-8 months. As with any legal matter there is a lot of paperwork to complete to finalise an agreement. Our solicitors are experts in this area and can guide you through the process to reduce delays.

How much will a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce varies depending on how contested it is and the assets involved. Clients are always informed of the costs before we proceed so you know what the legal fees and disbursements will be. At Ratcliffes we offer an initial fixed fee consultation and many of our services are available at discounted rates or on a fixed fee basis. During your consultation we can advise you further on your costs. Call us now to book an appointment.

Expert advice & guidance from divorce lawyers

At Ratcliffes Solicitors in Sittingbourne we can guide you through the divorce process with care and expertise, navigating the legal minefield and helping you get a good outcome, with divorce mediation. Our clients consistently comment on the high level of service they have received from our experienced lawyers. We will help you move forward after divorce and ensure you have the support and guidance you need for what’s next. Call us 01795 334626 or complete our contact form and we’ll get back to you.

Kent Divorce Solicitors

To book a Fixed Fee appointment to see what we can do for you call 01795 477505 or contact us online.