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Divorce & Separation

Divorce Lawyers Shrewsbury, Hereford, Ludlow, Conwy, Telford, Oswestry

Going through divorce proceedings can be a very difficult time for everyone involved, so it is important to have experienced lawyers guiding you through the process towards a fair outcome.

The family law specialists at Lanyon Bowdler can provide you with the advice, guidance, and legal representation you may need throughout your divorce, working in a friendly and approachable manner.

We understand that the cost of legal proceedings can be a daunting prospect. As a specialist family law firm, Lanyon Bowdler offers a range of flexible pricing options, including fixed fees, so you have a good idea how much things are likely to cost from the outset.

We support a wide range of individuals with a focus on divorce and family law in Shropshire, Herefordshire, and North Wales, but cover the whole of England and Wales.

No two divorce cases are the same, so it is important to seek advice that is tailored to your own unique circumstances. At the outset you will no doubt have dozens of questions, doubts, and concerns, but we’ll make sure everything is clear for you at every stage.

The divorce lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler have extensive experience helping clients with divorces in all manner of circumstances and are well-versed in the wide-ranging issues that can arise.

You can count on us to support and guide you, no matter what challenges or obstacles you are facing.

Contact our family law team in Shropshire, Herefordshire, and North Wales today for a friendly chat about your situation, and to find out how we can help.

No Fault Divorce: what’s changed?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has introduced a much needed update for the procedure and terminology around Divorce Law. The most significant difference is the removal of the process that required the petitioner to prove the irretrievable breakdown of marriage, through at least one of five criteria, two of which - unreasonable behaviour and adultery - were blame based. It used to be necessary to back up these claims with evidence.

Additionally, the respondent could contest the petition, rendering the process longer, more complex, and much more litigious and traumatic.

The new legislation aims to reduce the acrimony associated with blaming the other party for the breakdown of the marriage. If a couple has decided they wish to bring the partnership to an end, a joint application can be submitted, which should make the process quicker and easier.

The resolution of disputes - most importantly regarding children and financial matters - is also hoped to be made less contentious.   

A 20-week reflection period between the filing of the initial application and the Conditional Order being available to be applied for, has been introduced. The Final Order can follow six weeks after the latter has been pronounced at the earliest. These orders functionally replace the Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute respectively.

For more detailed information about No Fault Divorce and how our family solicitors can help you, visit our Guide to No Fault Divorce.

Divorce Advice

It is vital to speak to a family law solicitor at the earliest opportunity when you are considering divorce proceedings, so you fully understand the proper procedures.

Although the process has now been simplified, most people will benefit from the experience of a divorce lawyer to guide them through the necessary steps.

We will support you from the initial divorce application to resolving disputes, managing court orders, negotiating financial arrangements, children arrangements and any other areas of consideration for your unique circumstances. The specialist lawyers here at Lanyon Bowdler will be able to talk you through the options available to you.

Podcasts

In this episode you can listen here to Gemma Hughes and Caroline Yorke from the Family team as they chat about alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It's a process that helps couples navigate through a relationship breakdown in a way that can streamline or avoid court proceedings.

In this episode family lawyers Caroline Yorke and Gemma Hughes follow on from their previous podcast about (ADR) and talk about the processes involved in going to court if the financial aspects of a divorce can't be settled between couples, including details about FDRs (Financial Dispute Resolutions).

In this episode, family solicitor, Lisa Grimmett is chatting with relationship therapist Adele Ballantyne about Collaborative Law. This is an alternative solution to mediation when resolving family disputes out of court. You can find out more about Collaborative Law, and setup a meeting here.

In this episode, family solicitor Philippa Pearson chats with Suzanne Lowe from Talk Mediation about family law and mediation. They describe the process, which can take place face to face, or online. Suzanne has a specialist accreditation which enables her to speak directly to children, and feedback their wishes and feelings to the parents.

How does the No Fault Divorce Procedure work?

Firstly, you must submit a divorce application with a family court. Unlike the system in place before April 2022, neither the court nor your spouse can contest the application or refuse to process it. Only an acknowledgement from the receiving party must be issued in the case of sole applications. If your spouse has already started proceedings, we can advise and represent you throughout the process as needed.

A 20-week reflection period will follow, at the end of which a confirmation of proceedings must be made. This time should ideally be used to sort out financial matters, arrangements for children and any other related issues; our expert team of Family Law Solicitors can help you reach a resolution to these issues and obtain the necessary Court orders.

The steps following the reflection period are:

  • An application for the Conditional Order
  • Court review and Conditional Order
  • Financial Consent Order (if agreed and applicable)
  • Final Order

The new Act has made the process simpler, quicker, and less blame laden. For more information about the new no fault divorce procedures, please contact the team who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

LGBTQ+ Divorces

Since 2013, LGBTQ+ marriages are essentially treated equally to heterosexual marriages in the eyes of the law. No Fault Divorce brings more equality to divorce and dissolution for lesbian, gay, transgender, and same sex couples; notably, it effectively removes the reliance upon the outdated definition of adultery which was once one of the criteria to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Since 6 April 2022, non-heterosexual couples are able to apply individually or jointly for a No Fault divorce.

Contact The Divorce Solicitors At Lanyon Bowdler

Many of the Family Lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler are members of the Law Society’s Family Panel and we have Accredited Specialists with Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers, so you can be sure our lawyers are experienced in all aspects of family and children law.

Our divorce lawyers are approachable and professional, and will always adopt a balanced and practical approach to negotiations, minimising conflict and working towards achieving a realistic, positive, and satisfactory outcome for you.

Our aim is to achieve amicable resolutions swiftly, but if litigation is necessary, we have the experience and know-how to deal with the courts effectively.

Please give us a call for a friendly, confidential, chat about how we can help support you when you or your family need legal advice and representation. Please contact a member of the team or complete our online enquiry form on the right-hand side of this page.

By choosing Lanyon Bowdler for family law legal advice, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise on hand no matter what the situation. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care and will work closely and considerately with you to help find the best outcomes. Our team of family law solicitors has great experience in all areas of family law including a practicing Collaborative Lawyer and close links to family mediation services.

We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, so are able to act for clients all over Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and across the Midlands (including Wolverhampton & Birmingham). As a leading full-service law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Testimonials

Fantastic law firm - used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing & for legal advice - both solicitors I worked with were effective & professional. Law firm were fast & responsive to queries & clear pricing. Would recommend.   

- Samantha, Via Review Solicitors

Impressed by the efficiency and how they took control of our case. We don't have much of an understanding regarding solicitors and the legal system, but we were led through the whole process very well. We always felt we were in good hands.

- Mrs R Lutwyche, Shrewsbury

I was impressed with the efficiency and welcome of staff. Excellent office layout and service.  

- Mrs S James & Mr W Parkinson, Telford

A warm welcome from the receptionist. Extremely impressed by all that have helped us, peace of mind for our future.

- Mr M Court & Mrs A May, Shrewsbury

Always very efficient in dealing with the workload and advice given in divorce. Would highly recommend the service I received. 

- Mrs Suzanne Purvin

Knowledge and information given was accurate and realistic.

- Mrs Eleanor Margaret Howells, Hereford

Very efficient, pleasant and fully explained. I am well satisfied.

- Mr Stephen Turner, Oswestry

Friendly atmosphere and very professional attitude. 

- Mr Sidney Jolliffe, Oswestry

Case Studies

Nothing Left to Partner

Claire acted for a claimant whose partner died, leaving his entire estate to ...

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