Divorce

Navigating the end of a marriage or civil partnership can feel overwhelming. Our experienced divorce solicitors in London provide clear, strategic advice at every stage of the process, from starting a no-fault divorce to resolving financial settlements and child arrangements. We work to protect your interests while helping you achieve a stable and secure future for you and your family.

We act for clients across London and the South East, including Walthamstow, East London and Central London, as well as international clients with assets, property or family connections across multiple jurisdictions. Whether your case involves cross-border issues or high-value estates, we offer expert guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Our specialist family law solicitors in London advise on all aspects of divorce, including financial remedy proceedings, property division, business assets, and complex wealth structures. We also provide practical and sensitive advice on child custody and parenting arrangements, ensuring the best possible outcome for your family.

We combine strategic legal expertise with a discreet, client-focused service designed for modern families and complex personal situations. If you are looking for trusted divorce lawyers in London, we are here to provide straightforward, effective advice and help you move forward with confidence.

 

No-Fault Divorce

How the Process Works

The law in England and Wales allows couples to divorce without assigning blame. You no longer need to prove fault such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion.

A divorce can be started by one spouse or jointly, based on the requirement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Once the application is issued, there is a mandatory waiting period before the conditional order, followed by the final order.

Although the process is more straightforward than in the past, early legal advice is still important, particularly where there are children, property, pensions, business interests or international assets involved. A divorce ends the marriage, but does not resolve financial or child arrangements.

 

Divorce and Financial Settlement

Divorce and Finances

Divorce and financial matters are dealt with separately. Many people are surprised to learn that the divorce itself does not determine how assets or income are divided.

If you are separating, you may need to address the family home, savings, pensions, debts and business interests. In many cases, a financial remedy order or clean break agreement is required to achieve a fair and final outcome.

We advise clients on financial settlements ranging from straightforward agreements to complex cases involving significant assets, property portfolios or business ownership. We focus on achieving a practical and secure financial resolution that protects your long-term interests.

For more information, see our [financial settlement page].

 

The Divorce Process

The Stages of Divorce

The divorce process follows a structured legal framework:

Step 1 – Application
The divorce begins when an application is made to the court by one or both spouses.

Step 2 – Service and Response
If made by one spouse, the other is formally notified. In most cases, the divorce itself is not disputed.

Step 3 – Conditional Order
This confirms there is no legal reason why the divorce cannot proceed.

Step 4 – Final order
This legally ends the marriage or civil partnership. We recommend taking legal advice before reaching this stage if financial matters remain unresolved.

 

LGBTQ+ and International Clients

Inclusive divorce advice

We regularly advise LGBTQ+ clients, including same-sex spouses, trans clients and non-binary clients, on divorce, civil partnership dissolution, financial settlements and child arrangements. Our approach is inclusive, respectful and sensitive to modern family structures.

We also assist clients with international elements, including overseas property, assets in different jurisdictions and cross-border family arrangements. Where required, we can advise on the practical implications of divorce involving more than one country.

Why choose our divorce team in London?

Our divorce solicitors provide clear advice, steady support and a focused approach to resolving the issues that matter most to you. We work with clients seeking straightforward guidance as well as those facing more complex financial, property or child-related matters.

Clients choose us because we offer:

• Clear legal advice in plain English 
• Inclusive support for LGBTQ+ clients and families 
• Experience with international and cross-border matters 
• Practical help with finances, property and child arrangements 
• A calm and supportive service during a difficult time 

 

 

Can I get divorced without my spouse’s consent?

Yes. A spouse cannot prevent a divorce simply because they do not want the marriage to end.

While your spouse must be notified of the application, the ability to challenge a divorce is now very limited under the no-fault divorce law.

 

What happens to our finances when we divorce?

Divorce does not automatically resolve financial matters between spouses.

Even after the final Order has been granted, financial claims can remain open unless they are dealt with through a Court- approved financial order.

For this reason, it is often advisable to obtain specialist legal advice regarding a financial settlement. Please see more information on our [financial settlement page].

 

Speak to Us in Confidence

If you need advice from a divorce solicitor in London, contact our team to discuss your situation. We can help you understand your options, protect your position, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

 

Important

This page contains general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek tailored advice from a qualified solicitor regarding your specific circumstances.