Navigating Divorce and Separation

When a relationship breaks down, it can be one of the most emotionally challenging periods of your life. Whether you were married or co-habiting and are considering separation, initiating divorce proceedings, or facing issues related to children or finances, understanding your legal options is crucial to moving forward with clarity and confidence.

At Tallents Solicitors, we’ve been helping families across Nottinghamshire navigate these sensitive moments for generations. With our approachable and experienced Family Law team by your side, you can rest assured that your future is in safe hands if you are negotiating divorce and separation.

Andy Stout, Partner and Head of Family Law

In this article, Andy Stout, Partner and Head of Family Law explains the key aspects of divorce, separation and child arrangements under current English family law, offering practical legal advice and highlighting how we can support you every step of the way.

Understanding divorce and separation in England and Wales

Divorce is the legal process that ends a marriage, while separation can be informal or formal without legally dissolving the marriage. Professional legal advice is crucial in choosing the best path. We offer flexible appointments for clients for a one-on-one session with a specialist solicitor to explore your options.

No-Fault Divorce – a simplified approach

Since April 2022, no-fault divorce has allowed couples to separate without assigning blame. Either spouse can apply, or a joint application can be made. Tallents Solicitors offers a Fixed Fee Divorce Application service to simplify the process with clear costs and professional guidance.

Click here for more details: Fixed-Fee Divorce Application service

Separation – an alternative to divorce

Judicial Separation is a formal legal arrangement for those not ready to divorce, allowing couples to live apart and address financial and parental responsibilities. Our team can advise on whether this is suitable for your circumstances.

A separation agreement is also an option for some married couples – to record financial agreements when it may be appropriate to delay any application for divorce.

For couples who are not married, Tallents Solicitors have the expertise to provide advice about financial claims and children issues.

Child Arrangements – putting children first

We help parents reach amicable agreements on child arrangements, including where children live and how time is shared. Our Children Law services include drafting Parenting Plans, applying for Child Arrangements Orders, and advising on parental responsibility, relocation, and more. We have solicitors who focus purely on Children Law and remain at the forefront of legislation in this complicated area of law to ensure the best outcome for your children.

Financial Settlements – protecting your future

Divorce doesn’t automatically resolve financial issues. We help clients reach fair settlements on assets, property, pensions, and maintenance through Consent Orders or Financial Remedy Orders. Proper financial agreements ensure a clean break and future security and certainty for everyone.

Why early legal advice matters

Early legal advice when considering a divorce helps prevent costly financial mistakes, reduces conflict between separating partners, and ensures informed decisions can be made for everyone, especially in areas which concern children and finances. Our Initial Fixed Fee Meeting provides essential guidance from the outset.

Tallents Solicitors – supporting you every step of the way

With offices in Newark, Southwell and Mansfield, our experienced family law team offers tailored, compassionate support. We are approachable, knowledgeable, transparent with fees, and always focused on achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

We also offer a free, phone-in family law clinic every Tuesday evening. Clients can call 01636 813411 between 5-7pm to speak to one of our experienced staff in confidence.

And for anyone who has decided to proceed with a divorce, we also offer a Fixed-Fee Divorce Application service. Click here for more details: Fixed-Fee Divorce Application service

Practical tips for navigating divorce and separation

• Don’t delay seeking professional legal advice
• Keep communication child-focused (if relevant)
• Understand your financial situation
• Make considered long-term decisions, not emotional short-term ones
• Explore all available options before deciding on a path forwards.

Book your Family Law consultation today

Whether you need advice on divorce, separation, child arrangements or financial settlements, our family lawyers are here to help.

Please call your nearest Tallents Solicitors office at Newark, Southwell or Mansfield, or contact us online or via WhatsApp to book your Initial Fixed-Fee Family Law meeting today.

Let us help you take the first step towards a brighter future.

Useful Links

CLICK HERE to visit our Family Law page.

CLICK HERE to find out more about our Fixed-Fee Divorce Application.

CLICK HERE to find out more about our Initial Fixed-Fee Family Law Meeting.

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The legal content of this article is correct at the date of publishing. We recommend you seek legal advice with regards to your personal circumstances before acting.