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We have specialists in many areas of legal practice. Make an enquiry today: 0330 333 2613

What Do I Do If I Want a Divorce?

We appreciate that the breakdown of a relationship is a difficult time for all concerned, and not knowing how to begin divorce proceedings can only add to your feelings of uncertainty. Our Family solicitors are on hand to provide expert advice and assist you in navigating your divorce.

Initial telephone options appointment

Our expert Family Law team are here to take the worry off your hands. We provide an initial telephone options appointment to discuss funding for your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

How do I tell my spouse I want a divorce?

Before you begin divorce proceedings it is important to have a discussion with your spouse (if it is appropriate for your circumstances). We advise that you remain calm and have the conversation at a time that you feel is right, and in the appropriate location.

Although you may have considered how your spouse’s response, be prepared for different outcomes. This conversation will be a difficult and your spouse may not respond in the way you envisaged.

Once you have had this discussion, this may be when you look into mediation or appointing a solicitor to assist you.

What do I need to do first before I start my Divorce Proceedings?

Firstly, you should seek out your marriage certificate as this will be needed to start divorce proceedings.

It is also recommended that you and your spouse discuss what will happen to your home, finances, and any children you share and where they will live. We understand that coming to an agreement on this isn’t always possible, and if you can’t agree, you can still apply for a divorce.

Navigating the process of a divorce can be daunting, it is advisable that you seek advice from a specialist family solicitor before making a divorce application.

Appointing a Family Solicitor

Appointing a family solicitor to assist with your divorce is logical decision. Your solicitor will advise you on your rights and ensure that your best interests are protected. They can represent you in Court and speak on your behalf.

If your divorce isn’t amicable, having a solicitor act on your behalf will mean you don’t need to have contact with your spouse during your divorce proceedings.

No-Fault Divorce

If your decision to divorce is amicable, you and your spouse can now mutually cite ‘irretrievable breakdown’ as the reason for your divorce.

This means that you will no longer need to worry about your partner contesting the divorce and forcing you to go to Court, thus saving considerable time, money and stress.

Our family solicitors can assist also assist you if you wish to cite no-fault divorce.

Legal Aid

Our team take the time to understand the distressing circumstances our clients are in, however, the worry of legal costs can be an added pressure. If you are eligible, Legal Aid makes it possible for you to access legal services, funded by the government, if you do not have sufficient financial means.

Elliot Mather is an approved legal aid firm and will be able to advise you according to your particular circumstances.

How we can help

Our dedicated team are committed to resolving all issues relating to your case, as swiftly and with as little confrontation as possible. This is an approach that will help limit the damage to you and your family, emotionally and financially.

The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. For further information, please contact us.

Location

Our Solicitors can provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Derby, Mansfield and Nottingham.

How to get in contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us on 0330 333 2613 for a no-obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

Family

Julie Skill

LLP Member and Head of Department

Specialism's

Julie has practised family law since 1989 and she is Head of Family Law based at Elliot Mather’s Chesterfield office.

Her interest in family law originated from 5 years working as a court clerk for Chesterfield County Court. Julie initially joined the firm as a paralegal before becoming a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1994 and later qualifying as a solicitor.

Julie is also an accredited family mediator.

Julie advises on pre-nuptial agreements and if the worst happens and a relationship does fail, she handles all aspects of that relationship breakdown including issues relating to children, finances and domestic abuse in an efficient and practical manner.

A large proportion of Julie's workload comes from personal recommendations.

Areas of interest and experience

Drafting thorough and comprehensive pre-nuptial or cohabitation agreements to provide for the unfortunate breakdown of relationships
Acting for the husband or the wife in the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership to agree an acceptable solution to issues of a financial nature including lump sums, property adjustment orders, pension sharing and attachment orders as well as maintenance (both for a spouse and children)
Advising company directors, or their spouse, on the financial settlements – which are usually complicated by the requirement for a valuation of the business or director’s shareholding and pension rights
Divorce or relationship breakdown, where there is substantial property holdings – often including properties overseas.
Advising on the treatment of inherited assets in divorce, particularly in farming families where a farm may be jointly owned with siblings
Supporting clients in situations of domestic violence
Advising parents regarding arrangements for their children including where the children should live and how much time they should spend with the other parent.
Advising parents where either they or their former partner want to take children to live either outside or England and Wales or elsewhere in the UK.

Professional memberships & pro bono

Julie is a Resolution accredited specialist solicitor in the areas of financial provision, private law children work and domestic abuse and an accredited family mediator. Resolution (www.resolution.org.uk) campaigns for the improvement of family law and the family justice system and is committed to developing and promoting the highest standards of practice.

Julie is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw