CORONAVIRUS UPDATE APRIL 2021

A message to our clients:

With the recent move to allow shops and offices to fully re-open, we will continue to review our policy on clients attending our offices. Currently, we are not inviting clients into the office but we are able to briefly meet with clients by appointment at the door of the office. Please note that face coverings are still required indoors until further notice. We remain committed to following the Government guidelines as rules continue to change in line with the easing of lockdown.

We continue to operate our business as usual across all the services that we offer our clients, both current and prospective.

We continue to offer teleconference-based or telephone consultations.. We are aware that not everyone has been offered full vaccination yet and understand that some people may feel safer continuing with socially distanced communications.

Our family and wills / probate solicitors continue to offer initial advice remotely by video conferencing and by telephone for up to one hour (as advertised on this website). Please call us if you would like to speak to one of our experts.

If you have a case in court, please telephone us so we can discuss representation.

We appreciate your patience, support and understanding over the past year since the restrictions related to the pandemic began. We hope you continue to stay safe, and wish you a brighter 2021!

Talk to a solicitor today 0117 973 1391

Decided to get a divorce – is it as straightforward as you think?

If you and your partner have decided that your relationship has broken down and you are ready to take the next step to apply for a divorce (or dissolution if you are in a civil partnership) then you may think this is a simple straightforward step.

However, there are several factors that need to be considered before you begin the application.

You need to consider the following:

  • What is the reason for the divorce?
  • Where should you send the divorce petition?
  • What are the different stages of the divorce process?

The law regarding divorce are changing and a “no-fault divorce” is being introduced in April 2022. This is when the current process to apply for a divorce will change. It is important to make sure that you receive full legal advice to make sure that you apply correctly.

At present to apply for a divorce you need to be able to prove one of the following five facts:

  1. Adultery (does not apply to same sex relationships)
  2. Unreasonable behaviour
  3. Separation for two years with the consent of both parties
  4. Separation for five years without the consent of both parties
  5. Desertion for two years.

Battrick Clark Solicitors have a team of experts ready to help you with the next step to make the process as smooth as possible. Our fixed fee divorce costs are currently £400 plus VAT if you are the petitioner (the party petitioning for divorce) or £250 plus VAT if you are the respondent (the party who is responding to the divorce). These fees apply to undefended divorce/dissolution.

The court fee is currently £550. Dependent upon your financial circumstances, you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption of the court fee.

For this fee you will receive advice from an experienced solicitor and the following:

  • Preparation of divorce petition and all legal documents
  • Dealing with all steps from filing your application at Court to applying for Decree Absolute.
  • Liaising with the Court and to your spouse to progress the divorce proceedings to Decree Absolute.
  • Advising at agreed stages about your progress.

For further information about what is not included in the fixed fee please visit https://www.battrickclark.co.uk/family-law/fixed-fee-divorce/.

If you require any further advice then please get in touch with our family department on 01179 731 391 or email [email protected].