PRIVATE

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.

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.

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

Grounds for divorce

To begin divorce proceedings, your situation must match one of the following grounds for divorce:

Adultery has been committed by either party
After living separately for two years or more, you both consent to a divorce
After living separately for five years or more, there is no need for mutual consent
Due to your partner's behaviour, you cannot be reasonably expected to live with them
Your partner has deserted you for more than two years

In a straightforward case, proceedings should last around 16 weeks without any need to appear in court.

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.

Fees for family law cases

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.