Divorce and separation

When a relationship breaks down it can often be a stressful and confusing time. You may be unsure as to what route would be best: divorce or separation. We can help you decide on what the best option is for you.

In order to be eligible for divorce or separation, the marriage has to have broken down irretrievably and be beyond repair, as a result of one of the following:

Adultery
Unreasonable behaviour
Desertion after two years or more
Separation of two years or more where both spouses consent
Separation of five years or more

We will go through all of these grounds with you and explain the implications of each.

Our approach:

Divorce can often be viewed as an intimidating procedure involving endless paperwork and visits to court. We are committed to making the entire process as hassle-free as possible. We will provide you with pragmatic, common sense advice that is affordable and suited to your individual situation. Wherever possible, attendances at court will be avoided and to this end we endeavour to ensure that petitions for divorce are issued by agreement and proceed undefended and essentially by post. Divorce remains a legal process but we realise that for many people this may be their only experience of court and our aim is to de-mystify and simplify the steps involved for you.

You may of course feel that you do not need a lawyer to handle every aspect of the divorce process for you, or you may simply be anxious about costs. We appreciate that many clients seek different levels of advice on different aspects of their case and are always willing to work with you to provide assistance to the extent that you require. In some cases, this means that we are involved only in the preparation of preliminary documents, in others we offer telephone advice throughout whilst you deal with the court directly and in others we deal with all steps from preparing the initial documents to collecting your decree absolute from the court.

Our lawyers are highly experienced in all matters relating to divorce and separation and will advise you on all related issues, including arrangements and disputes in respect of children and also financial and property issues. Judith Middleton and Alison Shepherd are fully qualified in collaborative law, meaning that, wherever possible, they will work to settle your case outside of court, saving you both money and stress. We also have outstanding residential property and wills teams, meaning that if you do decide on divorce or separation we can provide you with a fully comprehensive legal service tailored to your specific needs.

If you would like more information on how we can help you regarding divorce and separation then please contact us today. Our divorce solicitors in Middlesbrough and divorce solicitors in Darlington will be able to provide you with clear, practical advice.

Middlesbrough: 01642 252828

Darlington: 01325 389800

Latest Posts:

Darlington Divorce Solicitors: Is a judicial separation right for me?

Divorce solicitor advice in Darlington . When you decide to end your marriage, there are two options: a judicial separation or a divorce. A judicial separation is when you are legally separated and a binding agreement is drawn up regarding your house, finances and children. You apply to a court for the judicial separation, just like a divorce.

However, the marriage is not legally ended unless you apply for a divorce. Some couples may consider this option if there is the possibility of reconciling the marriage. Whatever you decide, it is important to seek expert legal advice from a firm like Macks Solicitors to guide you through the process.

Which Darlington divorce lawyers firm is the best for child custody issues?

Darlington divorce lawyers. Emotions often run high when going through a divorce. It can sometimes be difficult to come to a reasonable compromise when you are full of hurt and anger. It is important to seek legal advice early on in the process to get advice on your options and full consideration of the implications of any arrangements made.

Divorces can be difficult, especially when children are involved, but a confrontational approach is unlikely to produce results that can be agreed upon. An experienced lawyer, such as those at Macks Solicitors, can also help you reach a constructive compromise and move forward with your life.

Middlesbrough divorce lawyers kept busy as divorce rates go up

Middlesbrough divorce lawyers. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that the rate of divorce in the UK went up in 2010 for the first time in seven years. Many commentators believe that this could be linked to the economic recession as money troubles lead to tension and arguments amongst couples.

There are roughly two couples getting married for every one couple that gets divorced, although the mediam duration of marriages that ended in 2010 was 11.4 years, higher than its lowest point of 8.9 years in 1985. Around half of couples divorcing had at least one child aged under 16.

Middlesbrough divorce solicitors and mediation

Middlesbrough divorce solicitors. When you’re going through a divorce, mediation may be an option to help you consider the arrangements for your divorce in a controlled and neutral environment. In fact, it has become law that couples must consider mediation before going through a divorce.

Mediation is not the right option for every couple but in some cases, it can be effective. Mediation works best when both parties have access to good legal advice through an experienced solicitor in order to keep them well informed and to guide them through the whole divorce process. Macks are experts in divorce law and are committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach in our work.

Divorce Solicitors in Darlington

Divorce Solicitors in Darlington. Going through a divorce can be an emotionally fraught and difficult time. There are lots of divorce solicitors in Darlington so how do you know who to choose and do you even need a solicitor at all? Even if your divorce arrangements are straightforward, it is recommended that you get some legal advice to clarify your position and make sure paperwork is completed correctly.

Without legal assistance, the process may be delayed. Macks Solicitors have built up a reputation based on a quality and caring service, just at the time when you need it most. Call us today to discuss your divorce with an expert.

Meet The Team

Judith Middleton

Consultant Solicitor

Judith Middleton an accredited family law specialist who strives to give clients the help and support they need as they go through divorce and relationship breakdowns

Phone: 01325 389800

Email: judith.middleton@mackssolicitors.co.uk

Alison Shepherd

Consultant Solicitor

Alison has 24 years of experience in family law. She handles family disputes including financial provision, children, divorce and Inheritance Act disputes.

Phone: 01642 252828

Email: alison.shepherd@mackssolicitors.co.uk

Send us email

Give us a call

01642 252828

01325 389800

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Choosing a divorce solicitor

Darlington Divorce Solicitors

The end of a marriage is a difficult time. Emotions can run high and you may find it hard to come to an agreement with your ex partner about your house, the division of finances and the custody of any children. There are two options if you decide to end your marriage.

A divorce legally ends a marriage but a judicial separation is also an option if you want to formalise your separation but don’t necessarily want to legally end your marriage. Some couples choose this option to give room for a possible reconciliation or because they don’t want a divorce either for religious or family reasons. You apply for a judicial separation from the court in the same way as a divorce but you do not have to be married for a year before you apply, as you do with a divorce.

You can also apply for a consent order which is a legally binding agreement regarding varying issues, including the division of finances. Whatever you decide, you should speak to a solicitor to discuss how the options being proposed will affect you long-term. There are many Darlington divorce solicitors to choose from but Macks offer a quality, caring service that sets us apart from the rest.

Specialist Darlington divorce lawyers

If you have decided to end your marriage and have children, you may be worried about how a divorce will affect them and how you will be able to come to an agreement about custody and access arrangements. Emotions often run high during the divorce process and children can sometimes be the victim, used by both parties to try and get one up on the other. This can be very hurtful and can have a long-term emotional impact on your children.

A better solution is to try and remain civil and reasonable – a workable custody arrangement will often be a compromise for both parties. It is usually in the best interests of your children to have frequent, regular contact with both parents and it is important to remember this throughout the divorce process. It is important to seek legal advice from a Darlington divorce lawyer early on in the process.

Macks Solicitors are experts in divorce proceedings and their consultant solicitors are members of Resolution, a group of family lawyers that promise to maintain a constructive and non-confrontational approach to divorce cases. We find this is the best approach when dealing with child custody issues to find the best solution for the children.

Middlesbrough divorce lawyers

The divorce rate in 2010 has gone up for the first time in seven years. This follows a general trend of a declining rate of divorces over a number of years. Some people have linked the increased rate to the economic recession, although others have said that financial problems often lead couples to delay divorce because of the implications of moving house, paying child support etc.

Many couples see ‘quickie’ online divorce packages as a time and cost saving option but this is not necessarily the case. Proper legal advice is important to help you understand the implications of the arrangements you agree as part of the process. Having an experienced solicitor on your side can make the process quicker and even save you money, rather than trying to navigate your own way through the system.

There are many Middlesbrough divorce lawyers to choose from – choose a firm like Macks with experience, expertise and an excellent standard of customer care. Their solicitors are members of ‘Resolution,’ a group of family lawyers who are committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach that will help you to reach the conclusion that’s right for you and help you to move on with your life.

Which Middlesbrough divorce solicitors will work with me through the mediation process?

Many couples consider mediation as an option when going through divorce. This is where a series of meetings are held with a mediator to help you agree the terms of your divorce. Going through mediation can mean that your case does not need to go to court.

Mediation works best if both parties have a solicitor who can guide them through the whole divorce process. Generally, the process works best if everyone approaches it in a calm and constructive manner. Confrontation and arguments may be difficult to avoid but may only extend the whole process and make it more stressful for anyone involved, particularly children. That’s why, although there are many Middlesbrough divorce solicitors to choose from, it’s best to choose a firm who will understand this.

Macks Solicitors have many years of experience in this area and their consultant solicitors are members of Resolution, a group of family law specialists who are committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach to divorce. Our caring approach is customer-focused and we aim to help you achieve the best outcome for you in the long-term, so that you can get on with the rest of your life. Call us today to speak to an expert.

Darlington divorce solicitor advice

Going through a divorce can be a very difficult time. There is a lot to think about and emotions may be running high. You may be angry, sad or afraid. It is natural to feel a sense of grief, even if you are glad the marriage is over, because of the hopes at dreams you had when you got married.

The emotions involved may make it difficult to come to an agreement regarding the division of your finances and the arrangements for any children you have as well as dealing with issues like whether or not to sell your house and if not, who will stay in it? At this time, it is a good idea to have a solicitor with expertise in this area to guide you through the process and act in your best interests.

The divorce process can be complicated and a good solicitor will be able to ease some of the pressure of going through it. There are lots of divorce solicitors in Darlington to choose from but at Macks, we won’t try and lure you in with false promises of a ‘quickie’ divorce – just the promise to work hard for you, whatever your situation.

Middlesbrough divorce advice

Every year, hundreds of couples will decide to end their marriages. In England and Wales in 2009, there were 113,949 divorces. That equates to a rate of 10.5 people divorcing per 1000 people who are married. People file for divorce for lots of different reasons but the petition must give one or more of five grounds for divorce. Once a petition for divorce is filed, the court will issue a decree nisi.

The couple must then come to an agreement regarding the division of property and finances as well as care arrangements for any children. From six weeks after the decree nisi is issued, the petitioner can apply for a decree absolute which finalises the divorce and means either partner can re-marry.

The median duration of divorces that were granted in 2009 was 11.4 years. Just under half of the couples who divorced had at least one child under 16. Children can mean divorce arrangements are more complicated, particularly if the parties cannot agree on care and access arrangements. It is a good idea to have an expert solicitor on your side to guide you through the process. Macks Solicitors is one of the best divorce solicitors in Middlesbrough and can offer you a quality and caring service.

When you’re going through a divorce you want the best firm of solicitors on your side to give you the best possible advice. A divorce can be long and complex when there are complicated financial or child access arrangements involved.

Even a straightforward divorce can take 3-4 months. When you petition for divorce you will need to demonstrate that your marriage has irretrievably broken down based on one of five grounds. Your solicitor will discuss with you the evidence needed to demonstrate the grounds that you choose.

Before a decree absolute is issued to finalise your divorce, the court will want to ensure that satisfactory arrangements have been made for any children. As part of the divorce, a consent order will also be issued which is a legally binding agreement regarding the division of finances. If you own a house together and have children, you can request to stay in the house for the benefit of the children.

You will need to come to an agreement for access to the children but this can be a short-term arrangement if you cannot agree on a long-term solution. Macks Solicitors are experts in divorce law with many years of experience and can offer you a quality and caring service.