Do you need two solicitors for a divorce?

Asked by: Alessandro Schumm  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (49 votes)

The short answer is that one solicitor representing two clients is not possible. ... Just because each party has a different solicitor doesn't mean that you will end up in court. Two solicitors need not mean an acrimonious divorce. You simply have to choose the right solicitor for you.

Do you both need a solicitor to get divorced?

There is no legal obligation for either husband or wife to use a solicitor in order to get divorced. In an uncontested divorce, if the couple can reach an agreement on how to distribute any financial assets and childcare responsibilities, there will generally be no need for lawyers to get involved.

Can one solicitor represent both parties in a divorce?

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. Representing both husband and wife would be a conflict of interest.

How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree?

If both parties agree on all major issues, known as an uncontested divorce, you can keep the costs relatively low. If you do your own divorce papers and your divorce is amicable, costs could be under $500. Of course, there are filing fees in all states, which increase the cost.

Do you need a solicitor to separate?

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.

Divorce UK (England & Wales) | UK Divorce Process and Overview Explained PART 1 | BlackBeltBarrister

16 related questions found

How much does a divorce cost UK 2020?

Fee. You must pay 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 application has been issued.

Can you use one solicitor for a divorce?

The short answer is that one solicitor representing two clients is not possible. ... Just because each party has a different solicitor doesn't mean that you will end up in court. Two solicitors need not mean an acrimonious divorce. You simply have to choose the right solicitor for you.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce is automatic UK?

You can apply for a divorce if you've been separated for at least 2 years before applying for divorce and you both agree to it. Your husband or wife must agree in writing.

How do I get a quick divorce?

Here's how to get an uncontested, quick divorce;

Communicate with your spouse throughout the process. Find your marriage certificate before starting divorce proceedings. Find valid grounds for divorce and agree with your spouse. Ask your spouse to promptly complete and return paperwork.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce settlement 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.

Can I have two solicitors?

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.)

Can your solicitor be a family member?

Your attorney could be a family member, a friend, your spouse, partner or civil partner. Alternatively they could be a professional, such as a solicitor.

Can you use a family member as a solicitor?

Lawyers are not allowed to represent you if they are your friend or have been associated with you as a couple during your marriage, or if they are a family member due to these conflict issues.

How much does a divorce cost?

The average (mean) cost of a divorce is $12,900. The median cost of a divorce is $7,500. An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly.

Is divorce free after 5 years separation?

If you have been separated for 5 years you are entitled to apply for divorce, even if your spouse does not consent. Your spouse can only oppose the divorce if they can argue that ending the marriage would result in serious financial or other hardship.

Does my husband have to pay the bills until we are divorced UK?

Both spouses should continue to pay any household bills they were paying prior to their decision to separate. If regular bills are not paid during this period, this can lead to either or both parties receiving County Court Judgments (CCJs), which can make it harder to obtain credit in the future.

How long does a divorce take UK 2020?

If you agree on your divorce and the reasons why, getting a divorce legally finalised will usually take 4 to 6 months. It might take longer if you need to sort out issues with money, property or children, which will have to be done separately.

Who pays for a divorce UK?

The simple fact is that the petitioner always pays the divorce fees. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Petitioner) will always pay the divorce filing fee. The fees are paid to the court to prove the administration for the divorce process and as of September 2021 cost £593 in England & Wales.

What is classed as unreasonable Behaviour in a divorce?

In Divorce matters, unreasonable behaviour means that your spouse has behaved in a way that means you cannot be reasonably expected to live with them.

Can you get a quick divorce UK?

An uncontested divorce is the quickest and most common kind of divorce. Over 99% of all divorces and dissolutions in England or Wales are uncontested. Being organised and diligent when completing the divorce forms will help ensure an amicable and quick divorce.

What is the new divorce law in UK?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame, will come into force on 6th April 2022. The Act provides for the biggest reform of divorce law in fifty years and aims to reduce conflict between couples legally ending a marriage or civil partnership.

Do both parties have to agree to divorce UK?

To divorce following a separation, both parties must be in agreement after two years. One can file without the consent of the other if the couple has been apart for five years. If a partner has been deserted for two years, that is also grounds for divorce.

How much does a divorce solicitor cost UK?

The average cost of an uncontested divorce

If you are the one seeking the divorce then you are the petitioner and will pay £450 to £950 in solicitor's fees and £550 in a divorce centre fee – making a total of £1,000 to £1,500.

Who pays for divorce unreasonable Behaviour?

For unreasonable behaviour, the couple will split the costs 50/50. For separation or desertion, the petitioner will pay 100% of the costs.

Can my ex wife claim money after divorce UK?

Although this may be surprising, in England and Wales, a divorce does not cut the economic ties between ex-spouses. This stipulation means that one party can attempt to claim ownership over the other parties' assets, even after the decree absolute (official divorce decree) has been granted.