Can both parties use the same solicitor in a divorce?

Asked by: Dr. Delphine Schimmel  |  Last update: June 23, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (9 votes)

“But what if we are in agreement,” you might ask. Even though you and your spouse may be amicable and agree on all terms of the divorce, an attorney is not able to represent both of you at the same time. The attorney can only represent one side or party in a lawsuit.

Can you use the same solicitor in a divorce UK?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, due to come into force in England and Wales in Autumn 2021, will enable separating couples to submit divorce petitions jointly but will not remove the prohibition of one solicitor acting for both parties.

Can both parties file for divorce UK?

partnership, you can apply for a dissolution. The process is the same for both. You don't need to give a reason to get a divorce or dissolution - this is sometimes called 'no fault'. You can only get a divorce or dissolution after you've been married or in your civil partnership for at least 1 year.

Does it make a difference who files for divorce first?

Filing for divorce first does not give you any inherent rights over your spouse. One benefit is that if the specific facts of your case warrant, you could have a choice of which county—and sometimes which state — to file the paperwork in. To be clear, you cannot just file in any ol' location.

How much does a divorce cost UK 2020?

There's a £593 fee to apply for a divorce. The way you pay depends on how you apply. Your fee will not be refunded after you are sent the notice that your divorce application has been issued.

Can an attorney represent both parties in a divorce?

15 related questions found

Can husband and wife use the same solicitor for divorce?

Can I use the same solicitor as my spouse? Solicitors are not permitted to act for both parties to a divorce. This is known as a 'conflict of interest', so it will be necessary to instruct another firm to represent you.

Can I use the same solicitor as my husband?

Even where the husband and the wife have reached an agreement between them, it is not possible for the same solicitor to act for both of them.

Should both parties have a divorce lawyer?

Not all financial agreements reached without the benefit of legal advice are unfair but each spouse will still require separate representation. It is still important to ensure each party has the benefit of independent legal advice to ratify any final financial agreement.

Can the same lawyer represent both parties?

As per the laws of the Law Society, an attorney cannot represent both parties simultaneously to avoid any possibility of conflict of interest. This is because both the parties will pressured for better rates and higher profits. However, the parties are allowed to hire different lawyers from the same law firm.

Do I need a solicitor to separate from my husband?

You don't have to go to court to decide what to do when you separate unless you really can't agree with each other. It can be cheaper and quicker to figure out the arrangements yourselves, but even if you do agree, it's a good idea to talk to a solicitor.

Do I need a solicitor to get a divorce UK?

Strictly speaking, no. You are not “required” to instruct a Solicitor, even if your spouse has one. However, it is advisable to get legal advice and to have representation throughout the divorce and financial settlement process.

Do both parties need a solicitor?

Do both parties need a solicitor for transfer of equity? In a transfer of equity, the person being added to the deed must be represented by a solicitor. However, the person who already holds the deed doesn't have to. It's quite common for both parties to have their own representation.

Who pays divorce costs UK?

In 90% of divorce cases in the UK, it will be the person initiating the divorce proceedings (Applicant), who pays the legal fees and court fees. Of course, couples can come to an amicable agreement between themselves regarding the divorce costs.

Do solicitors have to tell the truth?

According to Solicitors' Code of Conduct your solicitor will be bound by a duty of confidentiality and he should therefore not make any unnecessary disclosures about your case. He on the other hand has a duty of disclosure which makes him disclose information if the court so orders.

Can I have two solicitors?

In practice, when a firm of solicitors agrees to act for both parties in a conveyancing transaction, they will usually arrange for a separate solicitor to work for each party. These solicitors will often work in different offices so much of the conveyancing will proceed in the same way as if separate firms were acting.

Can you trust your solicitor?

It is reassuring to know that solicitors are generally still considered to be trustworthy because they do need to help people at crucial stages in their lives, dealing with matters which are personal and confidential.

How do I know if my solicitor is good?

How to know if your solicitor is right for you
  1. Relationship building. A good solicitor will spend time making you feel at ease. ...
  2. Local knowledge. Local knowledge can often be an added benefit when choosing your legal representation. ...
  3. Personal references. ...
  4. Check for quality. ...
  5. Communication. ...
  6. Fee transparency. ...
  7. Gut feeling.

How are finances split in a divorce UK?

How are Assets Split in a Divorce in the UK? In the UK, divorce settlements typically aim to achieve a 50/50 split for both parties. However, this split is often not met due to other circumstances that arise, meaning that one party receives a larger portion of the matrimonial assets than the other.

What is the first thing to do when separating?

7 Things to Do Before You Separate
  • Know where you're going. ...
  • Know why you're going. ...
  • Get legal advice. ...
  • Decide what you want your partner to understand most about your leaving. ...
  • Talk to your kids. ...
  • Decide on the rules of engagement with your partner. ...
  • Line up support.

How much is a divorce UK 2022?

How Much Does a No Fault Divorce Cost? If the court fee stays the same, the minimum cost of getting a no-fault divorce will be £593. However, not everyone can do their own divorce and therefore, the average cost of a divorce is likely to be £772 – £1,500 even after the divorce law changes.

Can both parties use the same solicitor when buying a house?

Yes, most of the time you can use the same conveyancer for buying and selling – provided that certain criteria are met. (These criteria are set to protect both parties from any potential risks associated with using the same lawyer.)

Do I need a solicitor if my ex partner is buying me out?

Do I need a solicitor to transfer equity? Whilst you can complete parts of the process yourself, you will need a transfer of equity solicitor, or transfer of title solicitor, for some parts of the transaction. If you are buying another owner out, you will need independent legal advice.

Can you move from one solicitor to another?

Absolutely! You are entitled to switch your solicitors for whatever reason you wish.

Can my ex wife claim money after divorce UK?

Can My Ex Husband or Wife Claim Money After Divorce? Generally, a former spouse is entitled to claim against your money or assets at any point up until they re-marry unless a financial consent order has been approved by the court.

How much does a straightforward divorce cost UK?

If you are represented at court by a solicitor or barrister you will usually be quoted £20,000 plus VAT for a financial order, if you go to a final order hearing. For child arrangements, the structure is less fixed, but you should budget between £5,000 to £15,000.