If you've decided that getting divorced is the right option for you or if you are being asked for a divorce by your husband or wife, QualitySolicitors Belshaws offer a range of advice options and fixed fees.
Select the option below that best suits your circumstances or to find out more - give us a call today on 0800 169 9432 or 0161 477 5377 for confidential initial free advice.
ADVICE OPTIONS & COST
| Divorce service |
Free First Advice |
Lawyer Assisted |
Fixed Price (telephone) |
Fixed Price (face to face) |
Pay as you go |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What do you get? | Not sure which option is right for you? Discuss your situation with us and get some initial advice, at no cost to you. | We advise you and help you to complete the legal paperwork and then guide you through the process from there. | We do everything needed to obtain your divorce from start to finish, with on-going advice and support throughout provided via telephone and email. | We do everything needed to obtain your divorce from start to finish, with on-going advice and support throughout provided in-person. | An alternative to our fixed price services - simply pay for as much of our expert assistance as you require. |
| Is it right for me? | If you're unsure which option to select or have any questions about our services. | You want some expert help completing the right forms but you're confident in dealing with the rest yourself with some guidance. | You want a lawyer to manage the whole process and don't expect disputes over children or finances. You're happy getting advice over the telephone or email. | You want a lawyer to manage the whole process and don’t expect disputes over children or finances. You prefer face-to-face advice. | You expect disputes over children or finances and need expert legal advice to achieve the best outcome |
| What does the court charge? | n/a | £550 | £550 | £550 | £550 |
| What do we charge? | Free | £240 | £350 | £375 | Charged at your solicitors hourly rate |
| Get started | Get started | Get started | Get started | Get started | |
| What's included? |
What's included? |
What's included? |
What's included? |
What's included? |
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| Real, local solicitor firms - not 'case managers' in central call centres. | |||||
| Free guide to the divorce process. | |||||
| Initial advice over the telephone. | |||||
| All legal forms completed for you by an expert, qualified lawyer in your local area. | |||||
| We submit all forms to the court for you. | |||||
| We correspond with the court and your husband or wife on your behalf. | |||||
| On-going advice over telephone or email from our legal experts. | |||||
| We send you an official copy of your divorce certificate. | |||||
| Face to face advice from our legal experts in your local area. | |||||
| Tailored service for defended or more complex divorces including those with international elements. | |||||
| Deal with any related disputes over your children or finances. | |||||
| Get started | Get started | Get started | Get started | Get started |
Divorce process
1Free initial assessment
This is when you find out about what is involved. It is also when you decide which service is right for you – eg 'DIY', 'lawyer assisted' or full 'pay as you go'
2Petition
This is the main document in which you make your request to the court for a divorce. You need to meet one of a number of different legal 'grounds' to be able to be divorced. This gets sent to court and then to your partner.
3Arrangements for children
Where there are children, you have to agree on how they will be looked after. The court can delay your divorce until happy with the plans. If you can't agree, the court may need to become involved.
4Decree Nisi
This is the first step towards your divorce. Nisi means 'unless'. If all the paperwork is in order, a judge will grant this and 'unless' one of you changes your mind the final divorce should be a formality.
5Decree Absolute
'Absolute' means final - your divorced is finalised. You are legally no longer married. You have to wait 6 weeks and 1 day after 'decree nisi' before you can apply for this – a sort of legal 'cooling off' period.
6Financial matters
Often financial issues are agreed and a 'consent order' can be made. If not, then the court will need to decide how to distribute your finances – this often continues after the actual divorce process itself has finished.
