The Family Law Practice Quiz

Blank Form (#3)

Get a quick overview of your situation by answering a few simple questions.

This tool will generate a personalised summary of your position and how we can assist you. It also helps you organise key information in advance, so your lawyer can focus on advice, not basic fact-finding.

How Can We Help You?

Separation – My relationship is ending and I need advice on finances, children, or both

Pre/Post-Nuptial Agreement – I want to plan ahead in case the relationship ends

Other family law matters

Certainly! This system will ask you a few questions so that we can give you an instant, personalised summary of where you stand and how we can help.

What is your current relationship status?

Married

Not married

Civil partnership

Already divorced

Not sure

We can guide you through the divorce process and help resolve related legal matters, including finances and parenting arrangements.

Do you have children with your partner?

Yes

Yes, but I’m not seeking parenting advice right now

It’s complicated

Provide some basic details about your children. You may use placeholder names if preferred.

Name

Age

Add another child

Name

Age

Do you or your partner have connections outside England and Wales?

Not sure

Yes

The matter may be handled outside England and Wales

Based on your answers, there do not appear to be international complications at this stage.

How would you describe your current relationship?

Hostile

Very poor

Poor

Somewhat manageable

Fairly amicable

Amicable

Which best describes your financial situation?

Mostly shared assets acquired during the relationship

A mix of shared and individually owned assets

Mostly separate assets

I am only concerned about child arrangements

We can advise on how assets may be divided, including adjustments to ensure both parties’ needs are met.

Will either of you require financial support?

Neither of us requires support

I will need support

My partner may need support

Unless you own quite substantial assets, there will usually be some adjustment for financial needs. We can consider all of your circumstances and advise you on what would be considered a ‘reasonable’ outcome in your particular circumstances.

You’ve Taken the First Step

You have taken the first step towards resolving your matter. This system has analysed your answers and provided the following guidance based on your situation.

Summary

You and your spouse are currently married, and arrangements will need to be made for your children. At present, the relationship appears strained and will require careful handling moving forward. Most of the property you own was acquired during the marriage, and there may be sufficient assets and income available to meet both parties’ financial needs.

Reaching Resolution

Although the situation may feel difficult, most separating couples are able to reach an agreement without going through lengthy and costly court proceedings. Only a small minority of cases require a judge to make a final decision, and there is a strong possibility that your matter can be resolved through negotiation.

Divorce

As you are married, you will need to apply to the Court to obtain a divorce. Legally, divorce is separate from financial and parenting matters, although it is usually practical to address everything together. A divorce changes your legal status from being married to not married.

You or your spouse may begin the process after separation, and it typically takes around six months to finalise. Under the current “no fault” system, there is no need to assign blame for the breakdown of the marriage, and your spouse cannot contest the application if you are eligible.

The Divorce Process

In most cases, the process begins with a divorce application submitted to the Court. After a minimum waiting period of 20 weeks, a Conditional Order can be applied for, confirming that you are entitled to a divorce.

If financial matters are agreed, a Consent Order will be submitted to formalise that agreement. After a further period of six weeks and one day, you may apply for the Final Order, at which point the divorce is legally complete. In practice, the final step is often delayed until financial matters are resolved.

Your Children

Arrangements for your children must prioritise their best interests. This includes decisions about where they live, how time is shared between parents, and how major decisions are made regarding their upbringing.

These arrangements can be agreed informally or formalised through a legally binding order. Alternatively, a parenting plan may be used, although it may not provide the same level of certainty. In most cases, both parents will continue to share responsibility for long-term decisions such as education, health, and religion.

Property & Finances

The aim is to achieve a fair and final division of property between you and your spouse. Assets acquired during the marriage are often divided equally, unless there is a valid reason to do otherwise. Assets acquired outside the marriage, such as inheritances, may be treated differently.

The Court has wide discretion and focuses on fairness, particularly considering the needs of any children under 18. In many cases, adjustments are made to ensure both parties’ needs are met, and where possible, a clean financial break is preferred.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance refers to ongoing financial support paid by one party to the other. While it may not always be required, it is common for the primary caregiver of children to need assistance, particularly where decisions during the relationship have affected earning capacity.

Maintenance may be short-term or extend over several years, depending on circumstances. The Court considers factors such as the standard of living during the marriage, future financial needs, and the ability of each party to become financially independent.

Child Maintenance

Child maintenance is separate from both property division and spousal maintenance. It is intended to cover the everyday living costs of your children. You and your spouse may agree on an arrangement privately, or use a government calculator as a guide.

If agreement cannot be reached, a relevant authority can assess, collect, and distribute payments. In some cases, the Court may also make an order based on established guidelines.

Next Steps

Enter your contact details below and click on Submit to schedule a free consultation.

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile