Divorce & Separation
If you are considering divorce or have already separated, our experienced Family Law solicitors are here to help. Thornton Jones Solicitors provide expert legal advice on every aspect of divorce and separation, including financial settlements, child arrangements, mediation and alternatives to court. We will guide you through the process with clear advice, practical solutions and compassionate support, helping you protect what matters most and move forward with confidence.
How Our Divorce and Separation Solicitors Can Help
Every family situation is unique, which is why our experienced divorce solicitors provide tailored legal advice based on your individual circumstances. Whether you are at the beginning of a relationship breakdown or are already part-way through the divorce process, we will explain your options clearly and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Our Family Law team can assist with every aspect of divorce and separation, including:
- Divorce applications – Guiding you through the legal process from your initial application to the Final Order, ensuring everything is completed accurately and efficiently.
- Civil partnership dissolution – Advising couples wishing to legally dissolve a civil partnership while resolving any financial or child-related matters.
- Judicial separation – Helping those who wish to separate legally without ending their marriage, whether for personal, religious or financial reasons.
- No-fault divorce – Providing straightforward advice under the current no-fault divorce law, helping couples separate without the need to assign blame.
- International divorce – Advising where one or both parties live abroad, have overseas assets or where there are questions about which country’s courts should deal with the divorce.
From your first consultation through to financial settlements, child arrangements and implementing Court Orders, we will be by your side throughout the process. Where possible, we encourage constructive and amicable solutions through negotiation, mediation and other forms of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR). However, if Court proceedings become necessary, our experienced Family Law solicitors will provide robust representation to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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The Divorce Process Explained
Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, the legal process has become more straightforward. While every family’s circumstances are different, the divorce process generally follows the same key stages.
- How do I start a divorce? – A divorce application can be made by one spouse or jointly by both spouses. Once the application has been issued by the Court, it is served on the other party, who must acknowledge receipt before the case can progress.
- What is a Conditional Order? – After a minimum waiting period, you can apply for a Conditional Order. This confirms that the Court sees no legal reason why the divorce cannot proceed. During this stage, it is often advisable to resolve financial matters and child arrangements if these have not already been agreed.
- What is a Final Order – The final stage is applying for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. Before taking this step, it is usually important to ensure any financial settlement has been finalised, as obtaining the Final Order too early can affect certain legal rights.
Financial Settlements After Divorce
When couples separate there are usually financial issues to resolve. Depending on your circumstances, this can involve a court application for “ancillary relief” to resolve the division of capital assets (such as your house, pension sharing and maintenance). We will deal with the entire process for you, making sure we obtain all of the relevant financial information from your ex-partner and work to secure the best possible outcome for your future.
- Dividing Property – Deciding what happens to the family home and any other property is often one of the biggest concerns during divorce. We can advise you on the options available, whether that involves selling a property, transferring ownership or agreeing that one party remains in the home.
- Pensions – Pensions are often among the most valuable assets in a marriage and should not be overlooked during a financial settlement. We can advise on the different ways pensions can be dealt with, including pension sharing, pension attachment and offsetting arrangements.
- Savings and Investments – Savings, investments and other financial assets may also form part of a divorce settlement. Our solicitors will help ensure that all relevant assets are identified and considered so that an appropriate financial agreement can be reached.
- Family Businesses – Where one or both spouses own a business, specialist advice is essential. We work with business owners and professionals to help protect commercial interests while achieving a fair financial settlement.
- Spousal Maintenance – In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to financial support after divorce. We can advise whether spousal maintenance is appropriate, how payments are calculated and the circumstances in which they may be varied or brought to an end.
- Consent Orders – Once a financial agreement has been reached, it is usually advisable to record the terms in a Consent Order approved by the Court. This makes the agreement legally binding and helps provide certainty for both parties while reducing the risk of future financial claims.
Child Arrangements Following Divorce
If you have children, their wellbeing will always be the Court’s primary consideration. Wherever possible, parents are encouraged to reach agreements that are in their children’s best interests without the need for Court proceedings. Our experienced family law solicitors provide clear, compassionate advice to help you make informed decisions and resolve child arrangement matters as smoothly as possible.
- Living Arrangements – We can advise on where your children will live after separation and help you agree practical arrangements that support their welfare and provide stability for the future.
- Time with Each Parent – Maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents is often in a child’s best interests. We can help you agree when and how your children spend time with each parent, including arrangements for school holidays, birthdays and other important occasions.
- Parental Responsibility – Parental responsibility gives parents the legal right to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare and religion. We can explain your rights and responsibilities and advise on any issues that arise.
- Relocation – If one parent wishes to move to another part of the UK or abroad with a child, specialist legal advice is essential. We can advise on the legal requirements, negotiate where possible and represent you if an agreement cannot be reached.
- Court Applications – While many disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, Court intervention is sometimes necessary. Our solicitors can advise on Child Arrangements Orders and other applications, providing expert representation to protect your child’s best interests.
Civil Partnership Dissolution and Same-Sex Divorce
The legal process for ending a civil partnership or same-sex marriage can involve many of the same issues as divorce, including financial settlements, property, pensions and arrangements for children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you understand your rights and achieve a fair outcome.
Whether you are seeking to dissolve a civil partnership or end a same-sex marriage, we will guide you through every stage of the process, helping you resolve matters as amicably and efficiently as possible while protecting your interests and those of your family.
Injunctions and Protection from Domestic Abuse
If you or your children are experiencing domestic abuse, obtaining urgent legal protection may be necessary. Our compassionate family law solicitors can advise you on the injunctions available to help safeguard you from further harm and provide immediate legal support when you need it most.
We can assist with applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, as well as advising on the wider family law issues that often arise alongside relationship breakdown, including child arrangements and divorce proceedings. Where urgent action is required, we will work quickly to help protect you and your family.
Mediation and Other Ways to Resolve Divorce Disputes
Not every divorce has to end in a courtroom. In many cases, separating couples can reach agreements more quickly, cost-effectively and with less conflict by using alternative methods of dispute resolution. Our family law solicitors will help you explore the most appropriate approach for your circumstances, always aiming to achieve a fair outcome while minimising stress wherever possible.
- Mediation – Mediation involves an independent, trained mediator helping you and your former partner discuss and resolve issues such as finances and child arrangements. While the mediator remains impartial, we provide independent legal advice throughout the process to ensure your interests are protected.
- Collaborative Law – Collaborative law allows both parties and their solicitors to work together in a series of structured meetings to reach an agreement without going to Court. It encourages open communication and can help preserve positive relationships, particularly where children are involved.
- Negotiation – Many disputes can be resolved through constructive negotiation between solicitors. We will work proactively to achieve a practical agreement that reflects your priorities while avoiding unnecessary conflict whenever possible.
- Arbitration – Where an agreement cannot be reached, family arbitration offers a private alternative to Court. An independent arbitrator will make a legally binding decision, often providing a quicker and more flexible resolution than traditional litigation.
- Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) – The Courts increasingly expect separating couples to consider Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) before making an application. This includes mediation, collaborative law, negotiation and arbitration. We will advise you on the most suitable option and support you throughout the process, helping you resolve disputes efficiently while protecting your legal and financial interests.
Why Choose Thornton Jones Divorce Solicitors?
Choosing the right divorce solicitor can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case and the experience you have throughout the process. At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we combine expert legal advice with a compassionate, client-focused approach, helping individuals and families across West Yorkshire navigate divorce and separation with confidence.
Whether you need advice on financial settlements, child arrangements, mediation, collaborative law or Court proceedings, our experienced family law solicitors will take the time to understand your circumstances and provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your needs.
Our Family Law team is recognised for its expertise and includes:
- Steven Eldridge, Director of Family Law, Resolution member and the only solicitor in Wakefield with Resolution Accredited Specialist status in Advanced Financial Provision.
- Jane Auty, Head of Family Law, a Resolution member and trained Collaborative Lawyer.
- Shelley Wales, Partner specialising in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), accredited Mediator and Resolution member.
- Arooj Begum, Chartered Legal Executive and experienced family law advocate with extensive experience representing clients in negotiations and Court proceedings.
- Laura Lofthouse, Solicitor and Resolution member advising on all areas of family law and committed to providing clear, pragmatic advice.
We understand that every family is different. That’s why we focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you while reducing conflict, protecting your interests and helping you move forward with confidence.
Speak to Our Divorce Solicitors Today
If you are considering divorce or separation, our experienced family law solicitors are here to help. Contact Thornton Jones today to arrange an initial consultation with our team in Wakefield, Ossett, Garforth or Sherburn in Elmet. Call 01924 290 029 or complete our online enquiry form, and we’ll provide the clear, practical advice you need to take the next step.
Divorce & Separation Solicitors FAQs
There is no fixed formula for dividing finances during a divorce in England and Wales. Instead, the Court considers a range of factors, including the length of the marriage, each person’s financial needs, their income, assets, pensions and the welfare of any children. The aim is to achieve a fair outcome based on your individual circumstances.
At Thornton Jones Solicitors, our experienced family law team can help you negotiate a fair financial settlement and protect your long-term financial interests.
Need advice about your financial settlement? Contact Thornton Jones Solicitors today to arrange an initial consultation with one of our divorce solicitors.
The family home is often one of the most valuable assets to consider during a divorce. There is no automatic rule about who keeps the property, as every case depends on factors such as financial circumstances, the needs of any children and whether the property can be sold or transferred.
At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we can advise you on your options and help you reach an agreement that protects your interests.
Speak to our family law solicitors today for expert advice about your property and financial settlement.
Pensions can form a significant part of a divorce settlement and should always be considered alongside other assets. Depending on your circumstances, pensions may be shared, offset against other assets or subject to a pension attachment order.
The experienced divorce solicitors at Thornton Jones can explain your options and help ensure pensions are dealt with fairly as part of your overall financial settlement.
Contact our Family Law team today to discuss your financial arrangements following divorce.
You are not legally required to instruct a solicitor to obtain a divorce. However, taking legal advice is strongly recommended, particularly where there are children, property, pensions or other financial assets involved.
At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we provide practical, straightforward advice to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Arrange a consultation with our experienced divorce solicitors for tailored legal advice.
Yes. Most divorces are resolved without the need for contested Court hearings. Many couples reach agreements through negotiation, mediation, collaborative law or other forms of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR).
Our family law solicitors at Thornton Jones always explore the most appropriate way to resolve disputes as quickly and amicably as possible, while protecting your interests.
Contact our team today to discuss the best approach for your circumstances.
A straightforward, uncontested divorce typically takes around seven to eight months to complete. However, resolving financial matters or disputes regarding children can sometimes extend the overall timescale.
The experienced family law team at Thornton Jones Solicitors will guide you through every stage of the divorce process and keep you informed from start to finish.
Get in touch today for clear advice about your divorce and the likely timescales involved.
The cost of a divorce depends on the complexity of your circumstances and whether financial or child-related issues need to be resolved. Straightforward divorces are generally less expensive than cases involving disputed assets or Court proceedings.
At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we’ll explain our fees from the outset and provide transparent advice so you know exactly what to expect.
Contact our divorce solicitors today to discuss your circumstances and receive information about our fees.
Mediation involves an independent mediator helping separating couples reach agreements about finances or children without going to Court. In many cases, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a requirement before making certain family Court applications, although there are exceptions.
At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we can advise whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances and support you throughout the process.
Speak to our Family Law team today to discuss mediation or other ways to resolve your dispute.
