DivorceHow We Can Help
Divorce can be an incredibly emotional and challenging time, and is often considered to be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Separating from your partner can be painful enough, but when there are issues with child custody or contact this can make the situation much more complex.
This is where we come in. Our sympathetic and experienced Family Law Solicitors understand what you are going through and will do everything in their ability to make it less stressful for yourself and your loved ones.
What is divorce, and who is eligible?
As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, divorce is ‘an official or legal process to end a marriage‘. Ending a Civil Partnership is technically called a ‘dissolution’ but largely the same processes and rules still apply as they do to a divorce.
The process of a divorce can vary but typically takes no less time than 6 months, no matter how simple or straightforward your situation appears to be. Other variables rely on specifics such as the length of your marriage, what assets you brought individually to your union, what you have shared ownership of, if there are children involved, and much more. One of the most common causes of the divorce process being significantly lengthened is either or both sides disputing the other’s claims regarding any of the aforementioned variables.
Not everyone is eligible for a divorce. You are eligible for a divorce if the following apply to your situation:
- You have been married to your spouse for one year or longer.
- Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK.
- Your relationship with your spouse has broken down irreparably.
There are alternatives to a divorce, if you should wish to not end the marriage but legally end your relationship. These other options are legal separation, or annulment. Should you wish to pursue one of these alternative options instead of a divorce, please feel free to discuss this with one of the team. They will be able to advise you on how to go about this, and the implications of selecting an alternative route.
Why choose Greystone Solicitors?
When dealing with such a sensitive and deeply personal issue, you will find the process significantly easier if you have a solicitor that you can trust and talk openly to. This is one of the best ways in which you can help yourself during any legal process, especially divorce.
Greystone Solicitors has an upstanding reputation for it’s consistently dedicated and sensitive service, endorsed by our clients past and present through excellent reviews on a variety of platforms including Google Reviews and Review Solicitors.
What Is The Divorce Process Like?
Ground Zero
When reaching the decision to file for a divorce, you may feel unsure of where to go for help. Choosing a solicitor that meets your needs is important at this point. We recommend checking reviews on well-renowned platforms such as ReviewSolicitors to find one that suits your requirements.
Agree Arrangements
Agreeing any new arrangements for your living circumstances, custody of children, division of assets, and more, is a crucial part of your divorce. You must consider if getting divorced will affect where you are currently living, and if you may be required to leave during and/or after the process of the divorce.
Submitting Paperwork
Here is the point whereby you will submit your application for the divorce. You’ll need:
- Your spouse’s full name & address.
- Your original marriage certificate (or a certified copy).
- Proof of any name changes since marriage if applicable.
If you do not know their address, there are solutions and your solicitor will be able to help you.
Conditional Order
Next you’ll apply for a conditional order, formerly known as ‘decree nisi’, for the courts to state they see no reason for you to not be divorced. If the judge takes no issue with this you and your spouse will be issued with a new certificate. This may take some time.
Final Order
Finally, you will need to apply for a final order, formerly known as ‘decree absolute’.
The courts will now check that any deadlines have been adhered to, and that there are no other conceivable reasons as to why you should not be allowed to divorce.
After you and your spouse receive your copies of the decree absolute (or final order) you will no longer be married.
‘You are allowed to let go of all those who do not set you free anymore.’
~Dhiman
Meet The Team
Jamila SalamFamily Law Solicitor
Jamila has solid family law experience as a Family Law Solicitor, acquiring a total of six years post-qualified experience, and has adopted a resilient and empathetic approach to her work. Jamila’s specialised advocacy background has enabled her to accrue ample experience in successfully representing clients fully from point of instruction to representation at Court.
Jamila competently and forensically deals with all areas of Family Law including private children matters, divorce, financial relief matters and applications for non-molestation and occupation orders. She is also bilingual in English and Bengali and can interchange between the two seamlessly. Her unwavering interpersonal skills make her highly approachable to clients.
Tanveer MoughalSenior Consultant Solicitor
Tanveer specialises in all areas of family law, English and Islamic wills, estate administration and immigration law. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2010 and has since provided legal services to the local and wider community including many vulnerable clients. Tanveer adopts a firm yet empathetic approach when advising clients in dealing with their legal issues using her strong skills set.
With language skills in Urdu, Mirpuri and Hindi she aims to make legal advice more accessible and to break down communication barriers within minority communities in accessing legal support and guidance using her cultural and legal experience.
Tanveer is a full accredited member of Solicitors For Elderly (SFE) and has specific skills and experience in advising elderly and vulnerable clients.
Katherine MuldoonSenior Family Consultant Solicitor
Katherine was admitted as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales in January 2016 specialising in Family Law.
She has extensive experience dealing in Divorce, Finances, Civil Partnerships and Cohabitation disputes. She has also regularly been instructed in complex and international Children Matters, both Public and Private law, including Adoption, Parental Alienation, Child Abduction and Alternative Family/ Assisted Reproduction matters including Posthumous Conception.
She has been regularly quoted in online articles including discussions on the law surrounding Surrogacy and has appeared live on both TV and Radio in conversations regarding Divorce Reform, and practice and procedure relating to Cohabiting Couples. She has also had many published articles in Family Law Journal and The Review on a range of matters including the requirements in children proceedings involving Domestic Abuse and the expectation on Judges and Local Authorities in Adoption Proceedings.
Idara Osung-EttiFamily Consultant Solicitor
Idara is a newly qualified Solicitor with over 10 years’ experience in the legal field. Prior to qualifying as a Solicitor, Idara worked as a Caseworker with a varied caseload including family law cases. She has a varied caseload covering Private Family matters including Divorce, Child Arrangement Orders, Specific Issues Order, Financial Relief, Special Guardianship, Non-Molestation and Occupation Order.
Idara prides herself in providing solutions to clients who find themselves in difficult family situations with the aim of helping to reduce the mental strain they are feeling. She listens to the issues in the case and then advises on the best way forward. Idara is a member of Resolution.
Nabila IqbalFamily Law Paralegal
Nabila is a Family Law Paralegal. She studied Law LLB (Hons) at City University of London and graduated in 2020. She then moved onto complete the Legal Practice Course in 2021, graduating with a Distinction.
Working under the supervision of the head of Family , Jamila Salam, Nabila has gained experience in dealing with family matters, including Divorce & Separation, Children Matters and Financial Arrangements. Nabila is empathetic and understanding, excelling in making clients feel heard and cared for.
