Divorce / Matrimonial / Civil Partnerships
Final Solutions & Financial Settlements
Reaching financial settlement with your spouse (Divorce and Civil Partnerships)
At some point in our lives, we just cannot ignore the need for professional advice. If you have legal problems or a question you will want to seek a qualified professional, but you might not always want to pay for it. Remember always that, legal advice should be given by a qualified professional, but there are circumstances where you may be able to avoid paying huge fees or a fee for obtaining the answer you need. There are places that give legal advice for free. In this section, you will find free legal advice that will take you up to a certain point in legal matters. At this point, we may be able to arrange a referral to one of our partners to take your case on if you are eligible for our financial package.

Our law page has been created to help you gain free information on legal issues. There are times when you do not require paying a hundred pounds just to get a question answered. Our site is here for you when that time comes. As always, we will touch on the relevant legal issues with news and articles, but they will in no way replace an independent legal advice when you are ready to take your legal needs to the next level. Our quick legal advice information will help you make that decision if you need to instruct a lawyer to take on your case. We can also make a referral if you are eligible for legal aid.
Family Matters/Divorce/Financial Proceedings & Fees
Our fixed fee for divorce is £700 from the drafting of the Form D8 to the granting of the Decree Absolute if your case is straight forward. If you are on low income, you will be able to apply for fee remission once the application is submitted with the divorce court. 
Please ring our office for further information about our fees for divorce and financial matters or financial proceedings. 

Child Arrangements Order 
Our fees for court applications range from £600 to £700 plus VAT fixed fee from drafting of the application up to the first hearing. This fee excludes barrister's fees that is called disbursements. Some clients may be eligible to have these fees reduced if they are on low income. Please ring our office to find out more. Family Law, Children Matters and Matrimonial Finances are handled by our experienced Team of specialist Family Solicitors and Fee Earners. The Team have helped the community who comes from all various walks of life, with a great outcome Please contact us to obtain a quote for other work we do, example includes financial negotiations using Form E and financial proceedings, drafting Consent Orders and so forth.
The Court Procedure:
In divorce proceedings, judicial separation or the dissolution of civil partnership, the court has the power to make a variety of Orders. This includes:
 
1. The Transfer of Property: This is where ownership of an asset is transferred from one partner to the other or from joint names to the sole name of your partner.
 
2. The Payment of Lump Sum.
 
3. Periodical Payments i.e. Maintenance
 
4. Pensions: This can be either pension sharing order or pension attachment order.  
 
The law sets out the criteria known as section 25 factors which must be taken into account when formulating financial settlements. The courts must take into account your income and earning capacity, your savings, your housing needs, your pensions, the duration of your marriage or civil partnership, your overall contributions, any disability and any other circumstances that is relevant to your case. In fact, there is no formula for dividing the matrimonial assets. The primary consideration of the court when dividing the family assets is the welfare of any dependent child or children.

The time scale from commencement to final hearing is referent from court to court as they work on a slightly different time-tables, but generally it can take up to 18 months from the date of issue of the first application form A to the final hearing.
 
Please contact us if you need further information regarding this aspect of the divorce proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a matrimonial solicitor do?

    A matrimonial solicitor handles legal issues related to marriage, divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, and spousal support. Foster Legal works to ensure fair resolutions for all parties involved, offering expert guidance at every step of the process.


  • How much does it cost to hire a divorce lawyer in the UK?

    The cost to hire a divorce lawyer in the UK varies depending on the complexity of the case. A straightforward divorce may cost between £500 and £1,500 plus VAT, while contested divorces can cost more. Foster Legal provides transparent cost estimates tailored to each situation, ensuring clarity from the outset.

  • Is it worth having a civil partnership?

    Civil partnerships provide legal rights and protections similar to marriage, including financial and inheritance benefits. Foster Legal can help individuals understand the advantages and navigate the process based on their circumstances.

  • Is a boyfriend and girlfriend a civil partnership?

    A boyfriend and girlfriend relationship is not recognized as a civil partnership in the UK. Only couples who have officially registered their partnership receive legal recognition. Foster Legal can advise on alternative legal protections for unmarried couples.

  • What happens to shared assets during a divorce?

    Shared assets like property or savings are typically divided based on fairness, taking into account factors such as financial contribution and future needs. Foster Legal specializes in helping clients reach equitable financial settlements.

  • What legal grounds are required for a divorce in the UK?

    Under UK law, no-fault divorces allow couples to part ways without blaming either party. Foster Legal offers assistance in meeting legal requirements and managing the paperwork necessary for efficiently finalizing a divorce.