Calm, practical advice when your family is going through change
Separation, divorce and disputes over children are some of the hardest things a family can face. We help you understand your rights and options clearly, so you can make decisions with confidence.
Wherever possible we aim to resolve matters by agreement, keeping costs down and conflict to a minimum. When court is needed, we’ll guide you through every step.
How we can help
Family law advice for married couples, civil partners, cohabiting couples and parents.
Divorce and separation
No-fault divorce, separation agreements and dissolution of civil partnerships.
Read moreFinancial settlements
Dividing property, savings, pensions and businesses fairly, made legally binding.
Read moreChild arrangements
Where children live and how they spend time with each parent.
Read moreDomestic abuse protection
Urgent non-molestation and occupation orders to keep you and your children safe.
Read moreCohabitation and prenups
Cohabitation agreements and pre-nuptial agreements to protect your future.
Read moreIslamic marriages and overseas divorce
Advice on nikah-only marriages, recognition of overseas marriages and divorces.
Read moreWhere are you right now?
Choose the option closest to your situation to see what usually happens next.
Need urgent protection?
If you or your children are at risk, the court can make emergency orders, sometimes on the same day and without the other person being told first.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
0808 2000 247
How a divorce works in England and Wales
Since April 2022, divorce is “no-fault”. Nobody has to be blamed, and you can apply on your own or jointly.
Application
One or both of you apply online, stating the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
Day 1Acknowledgement
Your spouse confirms they’ve received the application.
Within 14 daysReflection period
A minimum waiting period before the next step. A good time to agree finances and children.
20 weeksConditional order
The court confirms you’re entitled to a divorce.
Around week 20Final order
The marriage is legally ended.
6 weeks and 1 day later
Clear, upfront fees
We’ll always tell you the likely cost before any work starts.
Initial consultation
£[X][Fixed-fee or free first meeting to discuss your situation and options.]
Uncontested divorce
£[X] + VAT[Fixed fee. Court fee of £[X] is payable separately.]
Consent order
£[X] + VAT[Fixed fee for drafting a financial agreement and making it legally binding.]
Meet your solicitor
Qamar Uz Zaman
[Qualifications, when you qualified, and your experience with divorce, finances and children matters.] You speak directly to Qamar, who handles your matter personally and in confidence.
- Discreet and confidential
- Culturally aware
- English, Urdu and Punjabi
- Agreement first
- One point of contact
- SRA regulated
What our clients say
[Real client review from Google.]
[Real client review from Google.]
[Real client review from Google.]
Frequently asked questions
How long does a divorce take?
The minimum is around 26 weeks: a 20-week wait before the conditional order, then 6 weeks and 1 day before the final order. It often takes longer if finances need to be agreed first.
Do I need a reason to get divorced?
No. Under no-fault divorce you only need to state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. You don’t have to blame your spouse, and they generally can’t contest the divorce.
Does divorce sort out our money and property?
No. Finances are dealt with separately. A financial order, often a consent order, makes your agreement legally binding and can stop future claims.
Will we have to go to court over the children?
Many parents agree arrangements themselves or through mediation. Before applying to court, you’ll usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), although there are exemptions, for example where there is domestic abuse.
Is my nikah legally recognised?
An Islamic marriage ceremony carried out in England or Wales without a civil registration is generally not recognised as a legal marriage, which can affect your rights on separation. A nikah performed abroad may be recognised if it was valid in that country. We can advise on your situation.
Do unmarried couples have the same rights?
No. There’s no such thing as “common law marriage” in England and Wales. Cohabiting couples have fewer rights on separation, so a cohabitation agreement can be important.
How much will it cost?
It depends on what’s involved. We offer fixed fees for some services and will always give you a clear estimate before any work begins.
Book a confidential consultation
Tell us a little about your situation. Everything you share is treated in confidence.
Prefer to talk?
- Phone
- +44 7925 273896
- Qamar@lcssolicitor.co.uk
- Office
- [Street address, Town, Postcode]
- Opening hours
- [Mon to Fri, 9am to 5:30pm]