Talk to a divorce solicitor in Derby
Our divorce lawyers
Chris Gabb
Chris heads our family law team. Chris is a partner and an accredited member of the Law Society's Children Panel as a Children's Representative. Admitted as a solicitor: 01/10/86
Russell Tolley
Russell is responsible for our financial remedy work. Russell is a solicitor and a specialist member of resolution in the areas of cohabitation and complex financial and property matters. Admitted as a solicitor: 15/11/86
They are assisted by:
Rachel Palmer
- Chartered Legal Executive and a member of Resolution
Lisa Fairbrother
Lorraine Bryan
Gemma Plummer
All aspects of private family law
When a marriage breaks down, the divorce lawyers at Eddowes Waldron Solicitors show the utmost care and empathy as you negotiate the next stages of your life. In family law terms, private law concerns anything between you and another individual. Our team is here to help with all cases including:
- Divorce disputes
- Separation and relationship breakdown
- Domestic violence
- Care cases
- Children's matters
- Financial issues
- Property issues
Divorce Proceedings
The procedure to obtain a divorce in England and Wales now relies upon the Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which cam einto force on the 6th April 2022. There remains only one ground for divorce and this is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
The Application can be made by one or both parties to the marriage and the subsequent Orders can be applied for either individually or jointly.
The Divorce Application is filed on line. There is currently a court fee of £593.00, although if the Applicant is of limited means, an application can be made to remit part or all of that fee.
It is always best to inform the other spouse of the intention to file the Divorce Application in the hope that matters may proceed without delay. It is usual for the divorce procedure itself to take no longer or less than 6 months from the issuing of the Application to obtaining the final Order of Divorce.
Financial Remedies
In almost every case you will need to obtain an order from the court settling financial matters arising from your divorce either by agreement with your spouse or after contested court proceedings.
This is the only way to obtain a financial "clean break" without which each party's claims against the other would remain open, often indefinitely into the future. It is important that you seek legal advice to help you obtain such an order.
Help with mediation
If your case is suitable for mediation, the Eddowes Waldron Solicitors team can assist you. A mediator is neutral and cannot give advice to either party, therefore it is in your best interests to gain legal advice before the mediation starts. We can help you to review any proposed agreement and prevent any future unforeseen circumstances. This is particularly where complex financial and property matters are involved.
Going to court
You may need to appear in court if you are unable to agree on child custody arrangements or financial settlements. In more complicated cases such as these, it is vital that you hire a quality divorce solicitor to help you understand the complex legal requirements.
You may be advised to complete a separation agreement - a document prepared by lawyers that outlines current childcare arrangements, maintenance payments, home arrangements and if a divorce is planned in the future. This acknowledges the fact you have separated, without going through the divorce process.
Living together agreements
Common law marriages have no legal basis. If a couple chooses to live together without entering into marriage or a civil partnership, they usually have no legal responsibilities towards each other. If you have children or a property, this can change. Speak to our specialist family law department to discuss how a living together agreement can protect you in the event of a relationship breakdown.
Are you separating from your spouse?
Contact the divorce solicitors at Eddowes Waldron Solicitors in Derby for further information on
