Divorce Services

Do I Need A Divorce Lawyer In Sheffield?

When a couple decides to separate, it is important to consider whether the separation is permanent. If so, should you opt for a divorce or legal separation? Obtaining advice from an experienced divorce lawyer early in the process is crucial. It helps you understand all the legal options available, enabling you to make an informed decision. In addition to applying for divorce, you will also need a separate financial Consent Order to manage finances. It is always recommended that this Order is drafted by a family solicitor, ensuring your financial agreements are legally binding. They will also be familiar with local Court protocols and how local Judges deal with financial matters.

Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law are highly experienced and dedicated divorce lawyers in Sheffield. We also have other offices throughout South Yorkshire. We offer an exceptional service to South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and surrounding areas.

We handle family cases involving:

- Divorce proceedings and civil partnerships
- Financial settlements (with a particular specialism in complex and high net value assets including those involving    businesses, farms, pension shares, public sector pensions, trusts and inheritance matters)
- Pre-nuptial agreements
- Post-nuptial agreements
- Spousal maintenance
- Child arrangements (formerly known as child custody)

How It Works

• Contact us for a free 30-minute initial consultation OR
• Book a 60-minute preliminary advice meeting, tailored to your specific circumstances and followed up in writing
• Start fixing your future right away

When Can A Couple File For Divorce In Sheffield?

An application for a divorce in Sheffield can be made at any time after the completion of one year and one day from the date of marriage. Whether you are based in Sheffield or surrounding areas in South Yorkshire, it's important to seek legal advice from a family lawyer in Sheffield to ensure you meet the legal requirements for divorce.

What Are The Grounds For Divorce?

The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Who Should Be The Applicant In A Divorce?

An application for divorce or dissolution can be made by one party individually or by both parties jointly. The advantage of being the sole applicant is that you are in control of the process but your solicitor has to do the majority of the work.  Therefore the divorce can be more expensive. Being the applicant does however ensure that you have some control as to when the Final Order is applied for. In certain circumstances it is important that the Final Order in the divorce is not obtained prior to financial matters being agreed and thereafter incorporated into a financial Consent Order. There is usually no detriment to agreeing to be the respondent. In the vast majority of cases who divorces who and on what basis has no impact on the other important issues such as the financial arrangements or the arrangements for any children (formally known as custody) of the marriage.

How Do I Apply For A Divorce?

Please see full details of the procedure on divorce.

What Are The Costs Rules And Likely Costs Rules Of Divorce In Sheffield?

For divorce proceedings, the general rule is that each party pays their own legal costs. It is uncommon to claim costs from the respondent. Typically, the Courts do not order the other party to cover divorce costs unless an agreement is reached. To understand the specific costs involved in your case, it's recommended to seek advice from an experienced Sheffield divorce solicitor. Please refer to the fee information below or contact our local team of expert Sheffield divorce solicitors who can provide more information.

Are Financial Issues Dealt With Before The Divorce / Dissolution Is Finalised?

It is not necessary for financial discussions to be completed by the time the divorce/dissolution is finalised. In certain circumstances however you will be advised not to finalise the divorce until the financial issues are resolved. The grant of the Final Order in the divorce prior to financial issues being resolved through a financial Court Order may adversely affect your financial position, for example lost pension benefit, occupation of property (if owned in the other spouse's sole name) and inheritance from the other spouse/civil partner. You need to fully consider the consequences with a divorce solicitor before applying for a Final Order in the divorce.

What If I Do Not Want My Spouse Or Civil Partner To Know Where I Live?

It is possible to request that your address is kept confidential from the other party within divorce or dissolution proceedings. If your whereabouts being known to your spouse/civil partner concerns you, then this is something which we can advise you about.

Will I Have To Attend Court?

There should be no need for you to attend Court in relation to the divorce. If, however, there is a dispute in relation to costs or the pronouncement of the Final Order then a court hearing could be necessary. It may be necessary in relation to financial matters if no agreement can be reached.

Can My Ex Defend The Divorce / Dissolution?

The Divorce, Dissolution & Separation Act, 2020 has removed the ability to defend or contest the divorce. It is now only possible to dispute the divorce in very limited circumstances, limited to jurisdiction issues and the validity of the marriage.

How Long Will The Proceedings Last?

Divorce and dissolution proceedings can theoretically be concluded within 7 – 10 months however proceedings often take longer to conclude because of the delay in finalising financial issues.  In addition to the divorce you will need a separate order dealing with financial matters.

International Divorce Considerations

If one party resides outside England or Wales, there may be complications regarding whether a divorce in the UK can be obtained. Typically, you can apply for a UK divorce if at least one party is domiciled or has been a resident in England and Wales for the previous year. The location of the marriage or civil partnership is not a factor. For anyone facing international divorce matters, our experienced divorce lawyers based in Sheffield can guide you through the process.

Separation

A judicial separation is a legal separation via the Court.  This requires a separation petition to be lodged with the Court. However, unlike with divorce, there is no final divorce order so the parties will simply remain married.

It is very unusual to obtain a judicial separation nowadays because there is usually no detriment or stigma to divorce. Most people believe that if the marriage has broken down to the extent that they require a separation they may as well instigate divorce proceedings.

Fixed Fee Divorce

We offer a fixed fee divorce package serving South Yorkshire and surrounding areas which includes all of the steps needed to take instructions for divorce proceedings, draft the petition and obtain a Conditional Divorce Order and Final Divorce Order. This helps you to budget accordingly and provides peace of mind.

Our fixed fee divorce package costs £1,313 which is inclusive of the court fee (£593) and the costs including VAT.

Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law has one of the largest family law teams in Sheffield and the wider region with an office near you.  We have experienced family lawyers in our award-winning family law team who specialise in divorce, financial claims (including those involving pensions, businesses, farms, inherited assets, trusts, personal injury awards and investments), spousal maintenance, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, civil partnership disputes, separation agreements, child arrangements (previously known as custody) and grandparents' rights. Our dedicated divorce and family solicitors can deal with both complex and straight-forward divorce and financial settlements and have an outstanding success record. They are highly regarded by the industry and clients alike being recognised in the Legal 500. They will help you understand what you are entitled to and work hard on your behalf of achieve that.

Contact us on Sheffield 0114 551 7555 for a free 30-minute initial information consultation or book a Preliminary Advice Meeting, tailored to your specific circumstances and followed up in writing. 

Preliminary Advice Meeting Options:

1) Divorce - £210 + VAT at 20%
To discuss matters arising out of relationship breakdown including divorce, finances, property, pensions and other assets, as well as arrangements for your children.

2) Children - £200 + VAT at 20%
To discuss issues solely relating to children following separation including who they will live with, contact, holidays abroad, relocation, changing schools or any other specific issues.

This meeting may be free if there are issues involving Domestic Abuse or Children's Services.