Making the decision to end a marriage is one of the most difficult decisions that you will ever make. Equally, being on the receiving end of a divorce petition can be daunting, upsetting and confusing. Whether you are looking for an amicable divorce, a quick divorce or a fixed fee divorce, the team at McAlister Family Law are here to help.
The divorce procedure in England and Wales is almost always a paper process - neither you nor your husband or wife will need to attend Court to explain why your marriage has broken down - and the process can take as little as four to six months.
More on Divorce ProcedureFor some couples that separate they are just not ready to bring an end to their marriage through a divorce or dissolution of their civil partnership. Many prefer to wait to allow a “period of reflection” or delay taking action for two years so that they can present a divorce petition to the court on grounds of two years separation.
More on Separation AgreementsThe team at McAlister Family Law have extensive experience in dealing with all issues relating to same sex couples from negotiating pre-marriage and pre-civil partnership agreements to negotiating through the separation, divorce and dissolution process.
More on Civil Partnerships & DissolutionFor many couples that separate, they are keen to keep relations amicable and try to resolve their disputes without going to court or engaging separate solicitors. The team at McAlister Family Law are dedicated to considering alternative forms of dispute resolution and advising as to which option would best suit your case.
More on Out of Court Settlements: MediationThe specialist team at McAlister Family Law are dedicated to considering alternative ways of resolving issues over finances and children using one or more types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
More on Out of Court Settlements: ArbitrationWe offer a range of approaches that you can take advantage of to successfully resolve the issues between you and your partner. Non-court dispute resolution is something that we will discuss during our first meeting and review your particular situation and together we will determine the best possible option for you and your family.
More on Dispute Resolution and Out of Court SettlementsEvery divorce case is different. At our first meeting, we will take the time to understand your priorities and put in place a plan to move you out of what can appear to be impenetrable fog. Brighter times will quickly start to become a reality, as opposed to an impossibility. The McAlister Family Law team have a first-class reputation in fighting for fairness and delivering results for our clients.
Whist the law in the UK does require blame to be placed on one party for the marriage breakdown, this does not mean that the divorce cannot proceed in an amicable fashion. The team will discuss with you ways in which we can work with your spouse, to ensure that the heat is taken out of the separation and that your divorce proceeds as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
We very often see reference in the media to celebrities obtaining a “quickie divorce”, but the divorce procedure in the UK is the same whether you are a celebrity or not. Divorce takes between three and six months, depending on court timetables. If you are anxious for your divorce to proceed quickly then this should be highlighted at our first meeting so that we can take steps to ensure that your case moves as fast as possible.
We offer fixed fees for all our divorce services. Whether you are the petitioner issuing the divorce or you are responding to a petition that has been presented to the court by your spouse, then together we will be able to agree a fixed fee for our services. Our fees are highly competitive and have the advantage of allowing you to budget at what is a very distressing time.
There is an undefended divorce process as very few divorce petitions are defended or contested. If you have been served with a divorce petition and do not agree to the content, then our experts will be able to advise as to the steps that you should take to ensure your arguments are brought to the court’s attention. The ability to submit such arguments are time limited, so if you have received a divorce petition you should contact a member of team immediately.
We have an international law team that advise on cases with an international element. We have represented clients from across the globe including France, America, Australia and China. Liz Cowell is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, an organization which works with similar experts across the world. Again, international divorce cases can be time limited, so you must take immediate advice if contemplating a separation or divorce.
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