Working Together
Our experienced family law team provides specialist advice in relation to all areas of family and matrimonial law.
We understand that one of the main concerns when instructing a Solicitor is often the cost. We offer a free no obligation initial appointment for up to 1 hour which can be arranged at your convenience and is completely confidential (we do not hold drop in clinics which can be very public). We will provide detailed advice and explore with you the many options available for resolution.
We are fair and transparent on costs and an estimate is provided at the initial meeting. A full, detailed and easily understandable breakdown of the work done accompanies every invoice sent to you. We are committed to providing a first class service tailored to your individual circumstances and needs. We are flexible and can accommodate out of hours appointments and telephone discussions where necessary. We are based in Oldham Town Centre and our office is easily accessible from Saddleworth, Manchester, and Tameside.
Our Expertise
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.
Testimonials
What our clients say
My thanks to Jenny for explaining my Lasting Power of Attorney so clealy and as much as possible in laymens terms. Also thank you for the personal contact that North Ainley provide. 
Anna took the time to explain everything in terms we were able to understand and also took time to answer any questions we asked. Thank you.
I would just like to thank you for what you did for us. You was excellent. I will be using you for my Will and other matters. Thank you.
Vinesh was highly professional and the speed of transaction was excellent, superbly assisted by Cassie.
I felt assured that my sale was being dealt with in a professional manner and was comfortable contacting someone without feeling like I was mithering or being a nuisance.
Jenny was very helpful, kind and explained everything clearly to me.
Very good and very helpful.
Everything was dealt with quickly and professionally. Discussions were easily understood and not rushed through. Thank you.
Thank you for making the process smooth and easy to understand. Will definitely recommend North Ainley to others.
Excellent and prompt service. Would definitely recommend.
Excellent service as usual. Thanks to Kirsty and Sarah.
It was a pleasure doing business with you. The staff were pleasant and helpful. Michelle explained everything so that I could understand it all. Thank you.
Anna made the process of writing my Will very straghtforward. She made sure that I fully understood all terminology and the implications of decisions that I made. Thank you.
I cannot find any fault with the service I received from the Company. The staff I dealt with were very helpful and patient. Faultless. Very grateful.
I first met Anna Woolard at Maggies at The Royal Oldham Hospital. Making a Will is not always easy but I felt very relaxed. I then saw Anna in her office some weeks later as I had been hospital. All my instructions were carried out. Procedures and regultions was all explained to me and in a pleasant manner. I am very happy and if I ever need a solicitor I will contact Anna Woolard. The receptionist was very kind and caring too. Thank you.
We certainly would have not hesitation in recommedning North Ainley to anyone, as we found Michelle always to be so considerate and patient at all times.
Michelle was very helpful and knowledgeable. My Will was a very easy thing to sort.
We liked Michelle's easy explanation, plus her easy attitude. A credit to North Ainley.
Our solicitor was Michelle Chapman and in our opinion went above and beyond. She was professional, friendly and clear when explaining to us. Would highly recommend.
All staff very good. Kirsty always returned our calls. Thank you very much. I have recommended my husband to use you for his business.
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In This Section
- 13 October 2020
Lexcel Accreditation - Another Successful Year
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- 6 June 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) - Office open for screened appointments
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- 24 March 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) - Office Update
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- 18 March 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
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- 22 January 2020
Online divorce
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- 13 January 2020
Charity of the Year
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- 2 December 2019
Equal Rights
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- 16 November 2019
International Day for Tolerance
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- 16 November 2019
Oldham Law Association Dinner
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