Divorce

The prospect of a divorce can be daunting and worrying even for the most resilient of people. It can involve the severance of both emotional and financial ties, which in many cases have been years in the making. Anyone using our family team to deal with their divorce can rest assured that it will be dealt with by an understanding and sympathetic lawyer.

We will advise you on the circumstances in which you are able to obtain a divorce if your marriage has broken down. These are:

• Adultery

• Unreasonable behaviour

• Two years’ desertion

• Two years’ separation with your spouse’s consent

• Five years’ separation without your spouse’s consent.

Our aim is to ensure that, wherever possible, your divorce is processed as quickly as possible so as to shorten this difficult period. In the majority of cases it is not necessary to attend any type of court hearing. However, in some cases it is necessary to defend divorce proceedings or deal with such issues as who should be responsible for the costs of the divorce. Our team can provide representation at any court hearings.

Whenever there are children involved in a marriage breakdown, their long term arrangements will be considered by the court dealing with the divorce. The welfare of any child will be of paramount importance to both parents and the court. We will ensure that you have expert advice regarding those arrangements.

For those on a lower income or in receipt of benefit, we are able to offer public funding under the Legal Services Commissioner’s Legal Help Scheme. For those who do not qualify for the scheme, we will provide an accurate estimate of the total costs involved at the outset or any proceedings.

For further information and assistance please contact a member of our Family Team:

Liz Oldham - Department Head (Partner)
Email: Liz.Oldham@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514314

Paul Owen - Partner
Email: Paul.Owen@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514301

Siobhan Brown - Assistant Solicitor
Email: Siobhan.Brown@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514305

Shelley Rolfe - Assistant Solicitor
Email: Shelley.Rolfe@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514326