Family Law Solicitors in Oldham

We provide practical advice in respect of the divorce process.

We offer a fixed fee for divorce of £500 plus VAT and the Court Fee (£593) if you are the person starting the process.

With effect from 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 was implemented, which introduced ‘no-fault divorce’.

Under the new law, separating couples will no longer have to provide a fault-based fact to prove irretrievable breakdown of their marriage, encouraging a more amicable process by removing the need to accuse or blame the other party.

We can provide legal advice on the processes and help with the paperwork to ensure that it has been completed on time.

Please note that with the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, it is now possible to apply jointly, but no longer possible to defend a divorce.

In summary, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has introduced a much simpler and more ‘user-friendly’ process for both Applicants and Respondents.

We can also act for you in respect of dissolution of civil partnership.

From high value multi asset settlements to low asset cases, we have the experience to provide thorough advice and representation.

We can advise you in respect of:

• The division of property, capital and pensions
• Spousal maintenance
• Pre and post nuptial agreements
• Separation agreements
• Mediation and the collaborative process
• The Court process

Cohabitees do not have the same legal rights as married couples and cannot claim financial support from each other in the same way.

Cohabitees may have an entitlement in respect of the family home even if this is owned in their partner’s sole name.

We can assist cohabiting couples by formalising the arrangements in the event of separation by preparing a Cohabitation Agreement.

This can be a complex area and one that you should seek our advice on without delay.

We appreciate that when a relationship breaks down your main concern is likely to be the arrangements for the children and we can assist you in reaching agreement.

If an agreement is not possible we can represent you in Court proceedings in respect of applications for:

• Child Arrangement Orders
• Prohibited Steps Orders
• Specific Issue Orders

If urgent Court intervention is required our team will be able to assist.

There are various alternatives to the Court process and as members of Resolution, we will actively encourage you to use these alternative methods (where appropriate).

These alternative methods include:

Mediation

We can refer you to mediation and support you through this process.

Collaborative Law

Alison Winterbottom is a trained Collaborative lawyer.

Arbitration

We can refer you to arbitration where appropriate and advise and represent you in this process.