There are a number of things you can do that will help to ensure the divorce process goes as smoothly as possible and doesn’t leave you worse off than before. Before your first consultation with an experienced divorce solicitors chester, there are certain questions you should ask yourself and steps you should take to prepare yourself for this stressful but inevitable part of life. It can be difficult to know where to start, so consider the following questions to help you decide which solicitor would be best suited to your needs.
How Long Will it Take?
In England and Wales, there is no set time limit for bringing a case before a judge. Instead, it’s based on how complicated your case is. Many cases can be completed within 12-24 months, although complex divorces may take longer. Solicitors will be able to give you a free consultation and estimate of how long your case is likely to take when they begin representing you.
Choosing a Solicitor
If you haven’t already started proceedings, your first step is deciding which family law solicitor to use. Solicitors are licensed by The Law Society of England and Wales. Before making a choice, research your options and look for firms that have an established reputation in their field, as well as experience dealing with complex divorce proceedings. Remember, a good solicitor can help guide and support you through what can be a stressful time – so it’s worth taking your time finding someone reliable and reputable.
The Process
Divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage. If you are filing for a divorce, or are being served papers because your spouse has already begun filing, you’ll need to be familiar with how it works. Generally speaking, obtaining a divorce in England and Wales involves submitting an application for dissolution of marriage to your local County Court. This can be done by yourself or through solicitors.
Once you’ve submitted your application, a hearing will be scheduled and both sides of your case will be heard. Once your marriage has been dissolved, there are some additional steps that can affect how property and assets are divided up between you and your spouse. If either of these processes is particularly complex or sensitive, consider hiring solicitors to help ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Dealing With Financial Issues
Divorce is never easy, but it’s a time in your life when you need to pay extra attention to issues that can feel overwhelming. Dealing with finances is one of those things, and soliciting help from a solicitor who specialises in divorce issues can ensure that you resolve financial matters as quickly and effectively as possible. Solicitors understand how stressful a divorce can be, so they will work hard for you to make sure your rights are protected.
Special Circumstances
Divorce comes in all shapes and sizes. If your marriage has been dissolved by death, you may be wondering how to proceed. Having a lawyer who is skilled in family law matters is critical for resolving any complications that might arise down the road during a complex divorce proceeding. Because each state handles these matters differently, it’s important that you get help from family solicitors in making sure your rights are protected at every stage of your case.