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Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most difficult decisions you can make. Whether you are taking the first steps towards divorce or trying to understand your options, it is natural to feel overwhelmed by the legal process and worried about what lies ahead for you and your family.
At Clarkson Wright & Jakes (CWJ), our divorce solicitors in Orpington are here to guide you through every stage with clarity and compassion. We take an empathetic yet practical approach, helping you protect your interests, your finances, and your children’s wellbeing throughout.
Our family law team has extensive experience supporting individuals and families across Orpington, Bromley, and Kent through divorce and separation. We are committed to helping you reach the best outcome for your circumstances, with as little conflict as possible.
Our solicitors can assist with…
Our divorce and separation solicitors can help you with:
- Divorce proceedings and court applications
- Financial settlements and division of assets
- Arrangements for children
- Separation agreements and Deeds of Separation
- Advice on no-fault divorce under the current law
- Civil partnership dissolution
Speak to our divorce solicitors in Orpington, Bromley and Kent
If you are considering divorce or separation, do not face it alone. Our experienced family law team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind.
Call us today on 01689 887887 or fill in our simple enquiry form. We are based in Orpington and advise clients across Bromley, Kent, and the wider South East.
How our divorce solicitors can help
Divorce proceedings
Our solicitors will guide you through the divorce process from start to finish. We will explain each step clearly, prepare and submit all necessary applications, and keep you informed at every stage. If matters become contested or complex, we have the experience to handle them without unnecessary delay or distress.
Divorce and financial settlements
Finances are dealt with separately from the divorce itself, and it is important not to overlook this aspect. Our solicitors will advise you on your rights and help you reach a fair financial settlement, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.
For detailed guidance on how assets, savings, and pensions are divided, please visit our division of assets page.
Arrangements for children
When children are involved, their welfare is the priority. We will help you agree arrangements for where the children will live and how much time they spend with each parent.
Most families resolve these matters privately, but where agreement is not possible, we can guide you through the court process. You can find more information on our children issues page.
Separation agreements
If you and your partner have separated but are not ready to divorce, a Deed of Separation can formalise your arrangements in the meantime. This document sets out how finances, property, and childcare will be managed while you remain legally married.
Although a Deed of Separation is not automatically binding in the same way as a court order, it carries significant weight and can form the basis of a future financial settlement.
Our solicitors can also advise on mediation and other agreements as alternatives to court. If you are an unmarried couple, our cohabitation agreements page explains how we can help protect your position.
No-fault divorce explained
In April 2022, the law changed significantly. Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, couples can now apply for a no-fault divorce without assigning blame or citing grounds such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour.
You simply need to confirm that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. One spouse, or both jointly, can apply, and the other spouse can no longer contest the divorce on the basis that they disagree. This change has made the process less adversarial and, for many couples, considerably less distressing.
The divorce process and timeline
A straightforward divorce follows a clear sequence of steps:
- Application: You (or both of you jointly) submit a divorce application to the court, paying the court fee.
- 20-week reflection period: After the application is issued, there is a mandatory 20-week waiting period before you can apply for a conditional order.
- Conditional order: The court confirms there is no legal reason the divorce cannot proceed.
- Six-week wait: A further six-week period must pass before you can apply for the final order.
- Final order: This is the legal document that formally ends the marriage.
The minimum total timeline from application to final order is around six months. Cases involving disputed finances or children’s arrangements can take longer.
Our divorce solicitors’ fees
We believe you should have a clear picture of likely costs before you commit to anything. Where cases are more complex, fees are charged at an agreed rate, and we will always discuss this with you at the outset.
The court fee for a divorce application is currently £612. We will provide a full breakdown of expected costs at the start of your case, so there are no unwelcome surprises. Get in touch to discuss the likely costs for your matter.
Why choose our family law team?
Our family law solicitors are members of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to resolving disputes constructively and with as little conflict as possible. This means we will always look for practical solutions that avoid unnecessary court proceedings wherever we can.
Our team is ranked in the leading legal directory Chambers & Partners, reflecting the high standard of advice and representation we deliver. We have particular expertise in high-value and complex divorce cases, as well as in civil partnership dissolution. You can read more on our civil partnership dissolution page.
If you are considering remarrying in the future, we can also advise on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements to protect your assets.
Whatever your situation, you will receive responsive, bespoke advice that puts your interests and your family’s wellbeing first.
Divorce and separation FAQs
What are the grounds for divorce?
Since April 2022, the only ground for divorce in England and Wales is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. You no longer need to cite reasons such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour, and the other spouse cannot contest the divorce simply because they disagree.
How long does a divorce take in the UK?
The minimum timeframe is around six months. The law requires a 20-week waiting period between the application being issued and the application for a conditional order, followed by a further six-week wait before the final order can be granted. Complex cases, particularly those involving financial disputes, can take considerably longer.
How much does a divorce cost?
The court fee for a divorce application is currently £612. Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and we will always discuss likely costs with you before you proceed.
What is a no-fault divorce?
A no-fault divorce allows you to end your marriage without blaming the other person or proving fault. Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force in April 2022, you simply need to confirm the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The other spouse cannot contest this.
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but it is strongly advisable, particularly if you have children, shared property, or significant financial assets. A solicitor will help ensure your financial settlement is fair and legally binding, and can help you avoid mistakes that may be difficult to undo later.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement, also known as a Deed of Separation, records the arrangements you and your partner have agreed to while you are separated but not yet divorced. It can cover finances, property, and childcare. It is not automatically legally binding, but it carries real weight and can be incorporated into a court order later.
How are finances divided in a divorce?
There is no automatic 50/50 split. The court considers a range of factors, including each party’s financial needs, the length of the marriage, and contributions made by each spouse. Our solicitors will advise you on what a fair settlement looks like and how best to achieve it. For more detail, visit our division of assets page.
What happens to the children in a divorce?
Most parents agree arrangements for their children privately, without court involvement. Where agreement is not possible, the court can make a child arrangements order, with the child’s welfare as the primary consideration. Visit our children issues page for more information on how we can help.
Speak to our divorce solicitors in Orpington, Bromley and Kent
If you are considering divorce or separation, do not face it alone. Our experienced family law team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind.
Call us today on 01689 887887 or fill in our simple enquiry form. We are based in Orpington and advise clients across Bromley, Kent, and the wider South East.