We know the breakdown of any family relationship is traumatic. There are no easy answers.
We aim to offer a professional and personal service. Save for the simplest and most straightforward case, it is unlikely that any ready-made package can meet all your needs and answer all your questions. There really is no substitute for personal advice to address your situation. We have a team of experienced family lawyers and are members of the Family Panel, the Children Panel and the Solicitors' Family Law Association (SFLA).
This page should give you some information, but really if we are to help you, then contact us on info@cma-law.co.uk. Please note that this firm holds a franchise for family work from the Legal Services Commission and public funding may be available to you.
We don't have any magic wands, but if you have a problem, contact us.
Divorce - Forget what the press and media tell you. There is only one ground for divorce and that is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down! What you have to show to the court to support that has to be at least one of the following:-
(a) adultery
(b) unreasonable behaviour
(c) two years desertion
(d) two years separation with consent
(e) five years separation
- Did you know you can only apply for a divorce where at least one year has passed following the marriage?
- Did you know that the court deals with the divorce itself separately from the financial matters which are known as Ancillary Relief proceedings?
- Do you know what a "quickie divorce" is? Basically, this is where the case proceeds undefended in what is called the Special Procedure list as the majority of cases do.
- Do you know what it might cost? The court fee for the issue of the Divorce Petition is currently £300.00. The court fee for Decree Absolute is £40.00. Our fee for acting in the divorce is generally £400.00 plus VAT. (There are fee exemptions if you are in receipt of state benefits).
- Did you know that you may recover these costs from the other party?
Financial Matters - Lawyers call this Ancillary Relief.
- Did you know that the married family and the unmarried family are treated differently when it comes to finances?
- Did you know that from the 1st December, 2000, you can apply to the court for a Pension Sharing Order, but only where you are married?
The financial matters are, in truth, often the most difficult to resolve, especially where there are children.
No "Divorce Pack" can really cover this.
Talk to us - we can help.
Children
- Did you know that unless you are married at the time your children are born, then only the Mother has parental responsibility for the child - not the Father?. However, since December, 2003, Fathers acquire parental responsibility if named on the birth certificate
- Did you know that Grandparents can apply for orders in respect of their grandchildren?
Contact and residence problems can be the most heart rending of all matters. This is where a sympathetic and understanding ear really is essential. We are members of the Children Panel and have a wide range of experience in every type of application from contact and residence to care proceedings. If you have a problem - contact us on info@cma-law.co.uk.
Family Mediation
Please see our Mediation page for further information.
Change of Name
Want to change your name? Not as difficult as you might think. We can arrange this for you with certified copies to send to relevant authorities at a relatively low cost of £75.00 + VAT. Contact us.
Do I need a Will?
Everyone should have a will, but its something we often put off. The fact is making a will doesn't kill you.
Divorce does affect inheritance. For example, after divorce you are no longer your spouse's widow or widower, and won't receive a spouse's pension entitlement.
We aim to provide a complete service - see our Wills page for further information.
