Divorce, Separation & Finances

The legal procedures surrounding divorce can appear daunting and many people assume conflict is inevitable. However, with the right legal guidance, it is usually possible to navigate the divorce process and get a fair separation amicably.

At Braddon & Snow our family team are available every step of the way to provide you with the support and strong advice you require at a difficult stage in your life. This is from the initial filing of the petition at the Family Court to the stage where the divorce is officially pronounced.

With the financial aspects of any separation this can be a very complex and ever-changing area of the law. The complexity is contributed by the fact there is not one right answer to a financial settlement meaning there can be a range of possible outcomes. 

Our experienced family team can advise you on this complex area of the law in a manner that ensures you are clear and confident as to the options that are available to you. There are so many issues that could need to be resolved within this area of the law including:

The work required will depend upon the complexity of your case, however we offer an initial appointment of £125.00 plus VAT during which our family lawyer will discuss the process and give you an indication of the costs that you are likely to incur from the outset.

Our family law specialist is a member of Resolution, an network of family lawyers committed to removing unnecessary conflict from divorce and family law. This reflects our commitment to helping clients through divorce in a constructive, non-confrontational way.

With local offices in Hoddesdon and Broxbourne, we work with clients from across Hertfordshire, as well as a growing number of clients elsewhere in England, Wales and abroad.

Our team are also happy to speak over the phone, via email or through videoconferencing for your safety and convenience.

For a friendly, informal discussion about how our family lawyers can help you get the right divorce settlement for your needs and those of your loved ones, please get in touch:

How we help you get the right divorce financial settlement for your needs

There are many different things to consider when making a financial settlement, including both parties’ income and needs, as well as the needs of any children. Our first step will be to talk openly with you about what you are hoping to achieve, both financially and in terms of what relationship (if any) you wish to have with your former partner in future.

Our team have strong skills in constructive negotiation and we can refer clients for options such as mediation where appropriate. Both options can be highly effective for making an amicable financial settlement during divorce, meaning contentious divorce proceedings will not be needed in most cases.

Where family court proceedings are needed to get you a fair settlement, we work closely with you to make the process the least stressful we can. We will make sure you know what to expect, including the likely outcomes, and that you have the best possible representation for any hearings that take place.

Whatever approach is needed, our family lawyers will be by your side, every step of the way, giving you all of the legal and emotional support you need.

Our divorce settlement pricing

Fixed fee divorce settlements

Some parts of divorce proceedings can be dealt with on a fixed fee basis, such as completing and filing the divorce petition and applying to a court for a Consent Order to formalise any voluntary agreement you make.

Hourly rates for divorce settlement advice

For more complex work, we will typically work to an agreed hourly rate. We will provide a realistic estimate of costs and keep you updated about expenditure, so you always remain in control of the cost of your divorce settlement.

Divorce financial settlement FAQs

What am I entitled to in a divorce settlement?

The starting point for any divorce settlement is that the couple’s assets will be split 50:50. However, in practice this is often not what actually happens as the needs of both parties and any children must be taken into account.

When making a divorce settlement, key things that will be considered include each party’s:

  • Income
  • Financial needs (and the needs of any children)
  • Responsibilities (including towards any children)
  • Standard of living while married
  • Contributions to the marriage (both financial and non-financial)
  • Loss of benefits due to the divorce (e.g. pension entitlements)

How long does it take to get a divorce settlement?

This will entirely depend on the circumstances. In general, if your finances are relatively straightforward and both parties are willing to agree a voluntary settlement, the process can be completed in a matter of months. However, where court proceedings are required, it can take much longer.

Will I have to go to court to get a financial settlement for divorce?

It is unlikely contentious court proceedings will be needed in most cases. However, this depends on how willing both parties are to agree a settlement.

Methods such as constructive negotiation and mediation are now much more common than court proceedings for financial settlements. These non-confrontational approaches not only avoid unnecessary conflict, but can also allow you to achieve a financial separation faster and with lower legal costs compared to court proceedings.

Is a voluntary divorce settlement legally binding?

No, but it can be made so by applying to a court for a ‘Consent Order’.

Your solicitor will need to draft an application for a Consent Order for you and submit this to your local family court. As long as the court feels the agreement is fair, they will then issue the Consent Order. Once this is done, the terms contained in the Consent Order will be legally binding on both parties, providing certainty for the future.

Speak with our divorce solicitors in Hoddesdon & Broxbourne

For a friendly, informal discussion about how our family lawyers can help you get the right divorce settlement for your needs and those of your loved ones, please get in touch.

 

What our clients say

  • "No improvement to service needed. Alison was the epitome of professional calm in going over options and maintaining patience, and indeed advised against a path that certainly would have achieved higher fees for her, but the correct call in retrospect. So I feel her advice was professional and unbiased. She was attentive in keeping me appraised of news, and maintained a polite and stress free approach which kept me calm and optimistic a final result in my favour would occur. Would recommend her, and the firm, to others." Anon
  • “Dealt with Alison primarily for Power of Attorney, very helpful and polite.” Anon
  • “I cannot think of any way that we could have had better service!!!” Anon
  • "Our solicitor has been extremely conscientious at all times, always available to advise and above all has always been very supportive and empathetic to my case. He really did make a stressful situation a lot easier for myself and my family" Mrs T
  • "We used this wonderful firm for a recent home sale and purchase, their service was outstanding. Everything was carried out with the utmost care and attention and all the staff including a senior Partner were so friendly and helpful. Absolutely top notch." Anon
  • "Over the past 8 years Teresa Braddon and her team have created my Will and have done numerous conveyancing transactions for myself and my family.  I have found Teresa and her Team most helpful and efficient. Everything was carried out with care and attention. All the staff including Teresa, a senior Partner, were friendly and helpful. I would recommend Braddon and Snow and their services." Tony Stavrou
  • "I would highly recommend Braddon & Snow to anybody, very professional and efficient service. They treat you like a person rather than just a number. I am mentally disabled and sometimes I do not get respect or understanding shown to me. Braddon & Snow couldn’t of been more kind and they always took the time to explain all the legal terminology to me so I understood. I would especially like to thank Emily Morten and Jane Blackett as they really went above and beyond what they had to. Value for money and excellent staff. Use this company."  Mr M Brooke
  • "Thank you all so very much for all your help and kindest attention over the years.   In every conceivable way you go out of your way, above and beyond any expectations. You are incredible, and all your team are unbelievably pleasant. I hope these few lines go a little way to thank you so very much."  Mr M Ledger
  • "May I say that Laya has been fantastic.  She has been an absolute delight to speak with, always giving clear and positive instructions and pacifying when necessary.  Please be assured we will definitely recommend your company and hopefully be in a position to use your services again and again." L Page
  • "We found dealing with Braddon & Snow very pleasant and relaxed.  We had a few problems dealing with the seller's leaseholder solicitors which needed a lot of patience and Teresa and Laya were very helpful at all times and very easy to communicate with." R & J Keith
  • It’s been an absolute delight and superb to work your Conveyance Team of Jane Blackett and Emily, providing first class services. Dedicated and smart resolutions to most difficult queries. Our sincerest and dearest appreciation for their magnificent services and friendly communication throughout
  • I appreciate the efficiency of your team (Louise, Sara, Elle, Melanie, Alex, Lauren etc) during this crisis. You were always easy to get and had a great phone forwarding system with access to the details on transactions. Everybody was very helpful, responsive and friendly. You can be proud of the company you work for. 
  • I cannot speak highly enough of the service given to me in the sale and purchase of my properties last week by Jane Blackett and Ken Sheppard at the Broxbourne office. They dealt with my matters promptly and with care and commitment. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always there to speak to me when needed. Everything was done with professionalism and courtesy. They ensured that everything was covered and I felt very confident in their dealings with all matters concerned. I recommend them without hesitation to give their clients a smooth and excellent service.
  • The best thing throughout this process was the professionalism shown by the Conveyancing Team at Braddon and Snow Solicitors, our case was handled by Melanie and her very able assistant Roksana.  Although we were frustrated and sometimes very ratty, they kept very calm and dealt with all of our enquiries and problems as they came along, most of all they kept us advised and up to date.  We in all honesty could not have asked for or been supported any better by these two Ladies. Towards the end, we were calling Roksana on a regular daily basis, and were delighted to hear her positive and cheerful friendly voice.  I would highly recommend these Ladies to anyone, unlike the Firm that they were dealing with, who would not even respond to their calls.