Frequently Asked Questions

Our mediator can speak with both of you. It is natural for someone to be skeptical or unsure about how mediation may be able to help. Family mediation, of course, is a voluntary process and no one can be forced to mediate.

Once you make contact with us, we can consider any pressure of time that you may be under and to work as quickly as possible to confirm a family mediation date for you. Overall, mediation can be arranged quickly and subject to screening interviews (to assess whether mediation is suitable), if suitable, a mediation session could be arranged within a matter of days.

We can discuss with you in advance the cost of mediation together with the next steps before you decide to proceed. The cost is usually split between both parties.

Family mediation can work at any time. Sometimes, couples will want to try mediation right at the start before they start court proceedings. Equally, sometimes there are existing court proceedings but mediation is recommended with a view to help the couple resolve their differences and to end the family court’s involvement.

Mediation can continue until there is a resolution between the couple. The initial meeting lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Full mediation sessions usually last between 1 – 2 hours depending on the complexity of the situation.

One obvious point is that the family mediator cannot provide you with separate and individualised, independent legal advice. The mediator can however, provide you with general legal and other information in an even handed way, to assist you both when working towards solutions. Through the mediation process you are always recommended to seek your own legal advice from a solicitor. This works hand in hand with mediation and to help you make an informed decision.

Sometimes mediation, like any form of communication, can cause some stress and anxiety. There may be a history of conflict or you do not like confrontation. However, mediation is seen as a conciliatory process and the mediator is there to help reduce any tension and to allow you both to communicate effectively. It is important each person enters the mediation process able to discuss matters freely. Being prepared for mediation and understanding what you would like to get out of the process will help you and allow you also to feel more confident. Our mediator can speak to you about this.

If you cannot reach an agreement through family mediation or that your case is not suitable, a family judge can ultimately decide on any issues that remain in dispute with you and your partner. Mediation is still a positive experience because it can significantly improve your communication with each other, and this can help promote an overall agreement by reducing any acrimony during future court proceedings.

It is crucial that you feel safe both before, during and after mediation. Our mediator is sensitive to these issues, the different dynamics within relationships to include issues of domestic abuse and power imbalances. This will also form part of the screening process in terms of whether or not your case is suitable for family mediation in the first place. Our mediator will follow strict safety procedures to ensure that everyone is safe and secure during mediation. It is also possible to mediate by video so that you and your partner do not need to be psychically in the same place for the family mediation session.

Mediation essentially runs parallel to any court proceedings if they are up and running. It does not prejudice the court proceedings and it should not cause any delays. If you are able to reach an agreement during family mediation then this can be converted, for example, into a consent order and approved by a judge. If, however, you are not able to reach an agreement during family mediation, then a judge can decide on the issue.

Yes, you can try family mediation again and if your situation has changed or there is a new issue you can come back to mediation again. This is all positive to help with communication, to identify the issues that you are finding difficult to resolve and to help you promote an overall agreement.

Our mediator is there to help you narrow the issues in dispute between you and to a point where it makes sense for both of you to agree on a way forward or a solution. The mediator will work with you both, to help find ways of reaching an outcome that you both consider will work.

Around 70% – 80% of cases settle during the mediation process and of those that do not settle, the majority of them will shortly afterwards. Family mediation therefore has an extremely high success rate. It allows you both to negotiate on your financial settlement and/or issues to do with the children.

Try to avoid blaming one person or the other. Focus instead on the problem, identify what you can agree and therefore what remains in dispute; and then engage in joint problem solving. Compromise should not be underestimated and it is always important to provide positive and constructive feedback during family mediation.

Mediation is voluntary and you are not forced to attend mediation. You come to mediation by choice. However, family mediation may be recommended as an alternative to the family court process.

Yes, it looks like the Government is going to finally change the divorce system. From April 2022 we will have a new ‘no fault’ divorce similar to the US. This means that people will not need to use one of the five facts and that should make the divorce and separation process more amicable and less expensive in the long run. Our specialist divorce solicitors can advise you about your options and whether it might be better for you to divorce now or wait until April 2022.

An injunction is a court order that forbids somebody else from carrying out an act. Often it can be used to prevent violence, intimidation, abuse or harassment. However, in some cases, it may be related to property – such as preventing one partner from living in the family home. There are also financial injunctions, for example, to freeze property or assets.

An uncontested divorce is a mutual agreement between both parties, where both partners are ready to divorce. This is usually simple and does not require you to appear in court. A contested divorce is one in which one partner or both does not agree with the divorce. For example, they may not agree with one of the ‘five facts’ such as unreasonable behaviour. These proceedings are more costly, time-consuming and stressful – but our expert family law solicitors are always here to help. The divorce law is also set to change in April 2022 to a new ‘no fault’ based system.

You are legally allowed to change solicitors during the divorce proceedings if you are not happy with the service. This is why we offer a roadmap consultation to make sure you’re happy with our services before you take the next step.

Your divorce law firm cannot represent both of you during divorce proceedings. Even if your case is amicable, your divorce solicitor is obliged to act in your best interests and that is not possible when, for example, trying to obtain the best settlement for you both. This is classed as a conflict of interest. We can guide you if you believe your partner may be looking to use the same solicitor or law firm as you.

At Maguire Family Law, we offer a fixed fee initial consultation that takes into account all the details that are personal to our clients and their case. We offer a roadmap service that involves a consultation, guidance and then the divorce proceedings themselves. We can then provide you with cost information moving forward and advice about how to save legal costs.

This depends on your individual situation and on what you can actually agree. The separation agreement itself will outline your entitlement to assets and responsibilities, property, personal effects, financial assets, joint debts, child maintenance, ‘lump sum’ payments, and the provision for divorce. This states that both parties agree and aims to reach a settlement on how assets are divided and implemented.

The main difference between divorce and separation is that divorce legally ends a marriage, whereas separation does not. You can only remarry after a divorce. A separation can be legal for example a ‘judicial separation’ and there are some similarities with a divorce. For example, you no longer have to live together, and the Family Court can decide how your assets should be divided. However, you are still married and there is no financial clean break between you, which is important.

The benefit of a separation is that there is no time limit, whereas couples need to be married for a year and a day before they can divorce. You don’t need to prove that your marriage has broken down irretrievably, although you will need to use one of the ‘five facts’ of divorce.

The benefits of divorce are that you can remarry and you can divide and share pensions…

You will need to tell your divorce solicitor why you have decided to end your marriage. You should be honest – for example, if you are living with a new partner, you should make this clear. You should outline your main priorities, such as the children’s living arrangements, financial assets and your needs.

You should ask your divorce solicitor who will be handling your case, how much it is likely to cost, whether you are likely to go to court; and what your reasonable expectations should be. This may include children, timescales and living arrangements, for example. There may also be special circumstances such as mediation or a contested divorce, so be prepared if you have questions about this.

A divorce solicitor can help you to decide on which of the ‘five facts’ is applicable to your divorce – the reasons for your separation. They can also represent you in court and negotiate the best settlement. If you do not have a solicitor, you may risk not getting the financial settlement you deserve, or not seeing your children as often as you would like or their best interest not being properly taken into account.

Whilst you do not need a solicitor for a simple divorce, it is highly recommended. Even if you and your partner are separating amicably, you may need help to come to a financial settlement or make arrangements for your children. It is important that such divorce/financial, separation or children agreements are properly recorded and approved by the family court.

To qualify for a divorce, you must state one of the following cases on your application: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, separation for two years and consent from the other party for the divorce, or separation for five years (where no consent is required).

In same-sex marriages, there are four facts, and adultery is not considered. This is because adultery is defined in legal terms as “having sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex”.

A divorce can be started so long as you have been married for at least one year. A divorce petition is prepared and submitted to the court. You can read about the Divorce process here. The other party then receives an acknowledgement form. You can then proceed to the Decree Nisi stage (the interim divorce order) and, after waiting six weeks and one day, you can apply for the Decree Absolute (the final divorce order). Extra care is needed where the case has an international element to it as a divorce could possibly be started in more than one country but the financial outcomes might be significantly different.

Usually an uncontested divorce process takes about four to six months to complete. This is mainly due to the court turn around times. Any issues to do with the children or finances could take longer, often between six and twelve months. It is always worth seeking the advice of a family law specialist to ensure that the process is fully and properly completed and that you have fully investigated the financial implications involved. You can find advice to ensure your divorce is as quick & easy as possible here.

This can be an immediate concern when a relationship breaks down. The focus should be to agree a level of interim maintenance to ensure that the mortgage and bills are paid. Sometimes tax credits become available which can supplement a person’s income. However, if an agreement cannot be reached then you do have the right to apply to a court (through a divorce) for interim maintenance and/or to apply to the Child Maintenance Service for child support maintenance. Seek advice from us and we can help to make any necessary applications for you.

It is important that there is full disclosure of the family’s finances and from both parties. Normally a request is made for voluntary financial disclosure. This includes details of all assets (including business interests), liabilities, income, outgoings and pension provision together with documents in support. Where a party refuses to do this then you are entitled (through a divorce) to make a financial application. The Court will then automatically set a court timetable for certain tasks to be completed. One of those tasks is the preparation and exchange of financial information in a form called ‘Form E’. You are then entitled to consider the financial disclosure and prepare relevant questions if you and your solicitor feel more information or clarification is needed.

No two cases are ever the same and a 50/50 split is not always appropriate. It is also important to see what is financially at stake, to check that all of the assets and income have been disclosed and that the valuations are accurate. When considering the financial issues [hyperlink], a court is guided by a number of factors to include: the welfare of any minor children income, earning capacity, assets and financial resources financial needs, obligations and responsibilities standard of living age of each party and the length of the marriage health of each party contributions (financial and non-financial) conduct loss of certain rights It is important that specialist family law advice is obtained to consider these points and so that the financial outcome is both fair and reasonable. We will always ensure the best possible outcome for you.

The living arrangements for the children will need to be carefully considered when parents separate. In a lot of cases the parents are able to reach an agreement about what time the children will spend with each of them. This might not be easy but remember that although you have rights, more importantly, the children have a right to see their parents and to spend time with each of them. Where parents cannot agree matters then the court can assist. This can be by way of a child arrangements order (previously a residence order and/or a contact order). In some cases the child arrangements can be shared. A judge can appoint a welfare officer (known as a Cafcass officer) to prepare a report to assist the court in reaching a decision. What is most important is the welfare of the children and what is in their best interests. There are many books available to help discuss divorce and separation with your children. Have a look at our reading list [hyperlink].

Whether or not the family home has to be sold will depend on the facts of your case. In most cases one of the concerns is how everyone (including the children) are to be accommodated. The parties will eventually separate and where there was one home there will then be two. This can mean that the family home is sold and the net proceeds of sale are divided so that everyone can find a new home. This does not necessarily mean, however, that there will be an equal split of the money. We can provide you with advice in relation to the finances. Much depends on everyone’s needs and what is in the matrimonial pot. It may also be possible to postpone the sale of the family home until the children have left home or to offset the family home against other assets (including pensions) so that the property can be retained. Legal advice should be obtained to see what relevant options are available.

You may be entitled to change the locks but the other party might be entitled to change the locks back again. You should seek advice from us to check your position and entitlement. Where there is a concern about your safety, it might be appropriate to contact the police or seek an injunction order.

Yes, the fact that you are not married can make a significant difference. There is no such thing as a ‘common law’ husband or wife. The legal rights and remedies might be limited to the family home and how this is owned. Where there are children, however, it might be possible to make an additional claim for financial provision for a child under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989. Child maintenance will also need to be considered.

An average undefended divorce usually costs in the region of £500-1000 + VAT for the solicitor. In addition there is a court fee of £593 to start the proceedings and to obtain the decree absolute at the end. Other cases can be more complicated for example where there is an international element to them . If there are any other issues, for example, in relation to the finances or the children then the costs are likely to be more. We can provide you with a best estimate of costs on a case by case basis and/or as the case progresses to relevant stages.

Good preparation will help you. Some useful points to consider are: Prepare a short chronology of your relationship noting any relevant dates and events Prepare a summary of assets, liabilities and income of the family’s finances as best you can Prepare a list of any questions or points you wish to raise or which are a concern for you This will allow your family law solicitor get to grips with the relevant issues straightaway; it will also save time and allow you to get the most out of your first meeting. At the end of the meeting you can consider your list of questions and raise any points which may not have been dealt with. You can also ask your solicitor to summarise (in writing too) the points of advice and the next steps to take. It is important that you are able to form a working relationship with your solicitor and that you can work together as a team. We offer a Roadmap service for our clients at the first initial consultation

It is important to retain some level of communication with your partner. Cases that often proceed to expensive court hearings are usually those where there is little or no communication between the parties. It is important to focus on the relevant issues and work as a team and with your family solicitor. Communication can be the key to unlocking the problem and finding a solution.