Divorce & Seperation
Our dedicated Family Team understand that going through a relationship breakdown is often a very difficult time. We aim to provide clear, practical advice on the legal process involved, whilst offering the highest level of support and guidance whatever your situation, to guide you through making the best possible plan for the future.
If you or your partner have come to the conclusion that your relationship may have broken down, we are here to help. We can guide you through the divorce / dissolution process whether you are the Petitioner (the one applying for the divorce) or the Respondent. Our specialist team provide tailored advice whilst following the Resolution Code of Practice, so as to deal with matters in a constructive way, designed to preserve dignity and encourage agreement.
As of April 2022, the law on divorce proceedings changed and there is no longer the requirement for divorcing couples to state a reason for their application for divorce. Under the new law, termed 'no-fault divorce' either parties or both jointly can apply for a divorce - the grounds for this must be that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. There is no longer the option for the other party to challenge this, unless the divorce is being disputed in which case there are grounds to challenge the validity of the marriage, jurisdiction, capacity and fraud.
Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership does not automatically deal with the financial issues arising out of separation such as transferring properties, money, pensions or incomes. See our Financial Settlement page for more information.
See the Family Teams useful tips for coping with divorce and financial settlements here.
Get in touch with the team who may be happy to provide a free initial consultation to discuss your initial concerns or get started online here.
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What our clients say
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Simon, who is professional, co-operative, open to different approaches whilst providing solid, common sense advice. With Simon’s support I have been able to process some of the case myself which resulted in much more cost effective outcome. I felt confident that I could reach out to Simon for just the right amount of support, when needed, and I am now certain that I would not have been able to have this kind of lawyer – client relationship elsewhere. I am hoping that I will not be needing Simon’s advice in future, however my experience with Leathes Prior has been so positive, that I will most certainly use your firm for any further legal advice or work I may be needing in future.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all your hard and professionalism throughout the proceedings. I always felt you were looking out for my best interests. It was a pleasure doing business with you and the company and will use you again should I need to and will recommend to others.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated Simon’s help with my recent divorce. His professionalism and advice was spot on and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others in a similar position. Obviously it was such a sensitive and emotional time but Simon’s guidance gave me reassurance and he is a real credit to Leathes Prior.
The team at Leathes Prior is prompt and proactive, and explains the options clearly. Alisdair Douglas is very knowledgeable, and guides clients through the process in a caring way. He is one of Norfolk’s leading lawyers for complex divorce and Children Act matters.
I cannot thank you enough for fighting my corner through the most difficult stage of my life to date. Your friendliness and professionalism are second to none and I cannot recommend you or Leathes Prior enough.
Thank you again for the work you have carried out for me in my divorce. It has been very difficult for me due to the manner of the divorce but you have shown sympathy and kindness towards me and the situation I found myself in. Should somebody in the future need the services of a solicitor I will have no hesitation in recommending your practice.
May I take this opportunity to pass my sincere thanks and appreciation for the services Simon provided during my recent divorce process. The situation was long, complex and quite frankly distressing at times. Simon was extremely professional through the process, and I was always feeling that he was doing his very best for me. I always perceived the empathetic side of Simon, not being treated as only a client, but also taking into consideration the nature of my own trials and stresses, and those of our fractured family unit in the advice and direction that he gave. This really made the difference in my case (and my sanity) and probably the reason I have already referred two friends toward him. I would say that Simon is a true professional, a great communicator and a people person. He is surely a credit to Leathes Prior. Thanks Simon.
Ellie has been great help and support dealing with my case, very professional and fantastic communication. Highly recommend her!
Ellie has provided unwavering support and professional advice throughout my extensive and difficult divorce process, spanning over two years. She adopts an entirely methodical and thorough approach to ensuring that progress is made, whilst maintaining a level of empathy that is critical for any client going through the long and emotional rollercoaster of divorce. She is efficient and competent, particularly when dealing with complex negotiations around finances and children. Her voice of reason and ability to articulate matters in a way that is easy for all parties to understand has been absolutely critical. She has the emotional intelligence and foresight that so many other legal advisors lack, which has made a big difference in the proceedings and makes her highly skilful at her job. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.
I have worked with Alisdair for two years to complete a divorce process. I found him to be very professional and efficient and he looked after my interests throughout. He was efficient throughout and I would recommend him to anyone needing such legal advice. I see him as very professional and almost a friend when I needed one. He is an excellent lawyer and one that shows Leathes Prior in the best light and is an excellent partner to your business.
I am writing to thank your firm for the exemplary work they have conducted with regard to my divorce and subsequent sale of my property. Special mention to Alisdair Douglas, whose guidance, understanding and wise council has been of immeasurable help in somewhat testing circumstances, as well as the thoroughness and professionalism shown. I have no reservation recommending Leathes Prior to anyone seeking legal help.
Leathes Prior’s Alisdair Douglas has a full grasp of what needs to be done. His team is easy to deal with, polite and courteous on all aspects of divorce, civil partnerships and Children Act matters.
I just wanted to write to say how grateful I am for the service provided by Alisdair Douglas in my recent divorce. He was always professional, knowledgeable and emotionally sensitive and helped me and my ex partner reach a settlement in a amicable way despite difficult circumstances.
Ellie Davies was absolutely brilliant! When divorce proceedings started between myself and my ex-partner, I enquired with Leathes Prior for assistance with the financial side of things and to help me with my overall understanding of the process itself. I met with Ellie Davies, in person, for an initial discussion on where I was at and how I was expecting or hoping things to go. Ellie told me my options and what she would advise in this situation. When things didn't go as I had hoped for, Ellie was absolutely brilliant in advising me on what direction I needed to go to get things sorted, organising paperwork and helping me understand everything clearly so I knew where I stood and at what stage we were at each time. Ellie's advice and knowledge were always spot on and I do feel I would have ended up with nothing if I didn't have her helping me. She was also very sympathetic and understanding to other issues that happened during the process. I really can't thank Ellie enough.
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