Expert Divorce Lawyers and Family Solicitors in London
Providing clear, compassionate, and results-driven legal support for divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements
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Who We Are
Welcome to FisherWright Family Law
Welcome to our website! I’m Ewa Fisher, the lead family solicitor here at FisherWright. I want to take a moment to personally welcome you to our website and to express my commitment to supporting you through your family law journey.
As Specialist Family Law solicitors we understand that dealing with family matters can be one of the most challenging times in your life. Whether you’re facing a divorce, navigating child custody issues, or planning for the future, my team and I are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. We believe in a compassionate approach, ensuring that you feel understood and empowered every step of the way.
At FisherWright, we prioritise building strong relationships with our clients. We take the time to listen to your unique situation and tailor our legal strategies to meet your specific needs. Your peace of mind is our mission, and we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your family.
Please feel free to explore our website to learn more about our services and how we can assist you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation, don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here to help.
Our Services
Divorce
Divorce is often a heart-wrenching, unhappy and difficult time for both spouses and their families. At FisherWright Solicitors, you can rest assured that our dedicated…
Finances on divorce
The division of matrimonial finances following a divorce and separation can be extremely complex, especially when there are children involved whose interests you need to…
Consent Orders
It may be a common assumption that financial remedy proceedings only take place when parties are in dispute as to the division of matrimonial assets….
Child Arrangements Orders
Whether you are a parent of a child who is currently going through a divorce or separation and wish to seek arrangements in respect of…
Child Maintenance
Statutory Child Maintenance The initially the statutory child maintenance scheme was regulated by the Child Support Agency (CSA), however, the responsibility was transferred to the…
Claims For Children
Schedule 1 the Children Act 1989 was intended to make limited financial provision for the children of unmarried parents when they separated. Following the Child…
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professionalism”
You are welcome at FisherWright Solicitors and we promise we won’t let you down.
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Our wealth of experience - Divorce and Matrimonial Finance
We specialise in all aspects of family law including: divorce and matrimonial finances, pre and post nuptial agreements, divorces with international element, annulment of marriage, financial applications following an overseas divorce, and injunctions. If you looking to appoint a family lawyer, you are certainly in the right department. We are also a proud member of Resolution for family practitioners
Our biggest passion –
Family and Children Law
Children law is our second main area of practice, where we represent clients across a wide range of disputes related to children including: child arrangement orders, contact, specific issues and removal from the jurisdiction. Cases involving children must be dealt with delicately and sensitively. We are expert in children law cases, including those with international element where speed is often of the essence.
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Contact Info
Get in Touch 24/7
We are committed to providing reliable legal support whenever you need it. Whether you have a simple question or need urgent advice, our team is available around the clock.
- 0345 095 5000
- info@fisherwright.com
- 71-75 Uxbridge Road, Spaces, Aurora House, London, W5 5SL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a divorce?
To start divorce proceedings in England, the process is now streamlined under the “no-fault” divorce system introduced in April 2022. Here is a step-by-step guide for lawyers advising clients or managing the process:
1. Eligibility
- The parties must have been married for at least one year.
- The marriage must be legally recognised in the UK.
- At least one party must have a permanent home in England or Wales.
2. Initial Considerations
- It is important to consider arrangements for children, finances, and property, as these are dealt with separately from the divorce itself.
- If there are international elements (e.g., domicile, assets abroad), It is important to consider jurisdiction issues early.
3. Application
- Divorce can be applied for online.
- Applications can be made solely or jointly.
- Required documents: original or certified copy of the marriage certificate (and certified translation if not in English), and proof of name change if applicable.
- The court fee is £612 (fee remission may be available for those on low income or benefits).
4. Service
- For sole applications, the court serves the application on the respondent (usually by email and post).
- The respondent must acknowledge service within 14 days.
- If the respondent cannot be located, alternative service methods or deemed service may be used.
5. Reflection Period
- There is a mandatory 20-week waiting period from the date the application is issued before applying for the conditional order (formerly decree nisi). This is intended to allow time for reflection and negotiation.
6. Conditional Order
- After 20 weeks, the applicant(s) can apply for a conditional order.
- The court reviews the application and, if satisfied, grants the conditional order.
7. Final Order
- Six weeks and one day after the conditional order, the applicant(s) can apply for the final order (formerly decree absolute), which legally ends the marriage.
Do I need a lawyer to represent me?
You do not need a lawyer to represent you in a divorce in England and Wales. The divorce process is designed so that individuals can apply for divorce themselves, either online or by post, without legal representation. However, there are important considerations:
When a Lawyer Is Not Required
- Uncontested/Amicable Divorce: If both parties agree to the divorce and there are no disputes over finances, property, or children, you can complete the process yourself. The application is largely administrative, and the court fee is currently £612.
- Simple Financial Arrangements: If there are no significant assets, pensions, or property to divide, and no children involved, a DIY divorce is often suitable.
When Legal Advice Is Strongly Recommended
- Disputes Over Children or Finances: If you cannot agree on arrangements for children, property, or finances, legal advice is highly advisable. A solicitor can help protect your interests and ensure a fair settlement.
- Complex Assets: Where there are pensions, business interests, or substantial assets, a solicitor can help you understand your rights and draft binding financial orders.
- Domestic Abuse or Vulnerability: If there is a risk of domestic violence, coercion, or you are in a vulnerable position, a solicitor can help ensure your safety and access to legal protections.
- International Elements: If you, your spouse, or your children have connections to other countries, legal advice is essential to navigate jurisdictional issues.
How long can a divorce take?
A typical divorce in England now takes a minimum of 6 months (26 weeks) from the date the application is issued by the court, due to mandatory waiting periods introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. The process is as follows:
1. Application: Once the divorce application is submitted and issued, there is a mandatory 20-week “cooling-off” period before you can apply for a conditional order (previously called decree nisi).
2. Conditional Order: After the 20 weeks, you may apply for the conditional order. Once granted, there is a further mandatory waiting period of 6 weeks and 1 day before you can apply for the final order (previously called decree absolute).
3. Final Order: After this final waiting period, you can apply for the final order, which legally ends the marriage.
Key factors affecting the timeline:
- The process can be delayed if there are disputes over finances or child arrangements, or if one party is unresponsive.
- The minimum 6-month period is for the legal dissolution only; resolving financial settlements or child arrangements can extend the overall process, sometimes to a year or more.
- The process is generally faster if both parties cooperate and all paperwork is completed accurately and promptly.
- In exceptional circumstances (e.g., terminal illness), the court may abridge the mandatory waiting periods, but this is rare.
What I am entitled to in respect of matrimonial finances?
In England, your entitlement in respect of matrimonial finances on divorce is governed by the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and a substantial case law. The court has wide discretion to achieve a fair outcome, and there is no fixed formula. Here are the key principles and entitlements:
1. Types of Financial Orders
The court can make a range of financial orders, including:
- Lump sum payments
- Property adjustment orders (e.g., transfer or sale of the family home)
- Pension sharing or attachment orders
- Spousal maintenance (periodical payments)
- Child maintenance (usually dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service, but the court can make top-up or specific orders in certain circumstances)
2. Assets Considered
All assets are considered, including:
- The family home and other real property
- Pensions
- Savings and investments
- Business interests
- Personal possessions
- Debts and liabilities
Both matrimonial (acquired during the marriage) and, in some cases, non-matrimonial assets (acquired before or after the marriage) may be considered when parties’ needs are not met by matrimonial resources and assets.
3. Principles Applied
The starting point is often a 50/50 split of matrimonial assets, but this is only a starting point before the full consideration is applied. The court will consider the factors in section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, including:
- The welfare of any minor children (the first consideration)
- The income, earning capacity, property, and other financial resources of each party
- The financial needs, obligations, and responsibilities of each party
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
- The age of each party and the duration of the marriage
- Any physical or mental disability
- The contributions made by each party (including homemaking and childcare)
- The conduct of each party (only in exceptional cases)
- The value of any benefit lost by reason of the divorce (e.g., pension rights)
4. Needs, Sharing, and Compensation
- Needs: The court will ensure both parties’ needs (especially housing and income) are met, with particular attention to the primary carer of any children.
- Sharing: In cases where assets exceed needs, the principle of equal sharing may apply.
- Compensation: In rare cases, compensation for relationship-generated disadvantage (e.g., career sacrifice) may be considered.
5. Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is not automatic. It is awarded where one party cannot meet their needs from their own resources and the other has the ability to pay.
6. Clean Break
The court aims to achieve a “clean break” where possible, ending financial ties between the parties. However, this is not always achievable, especially where ongoing maintenance is required.
7. Non-Matrimonial Assets
Assets acquired before or after the marriage, or by inheritance or gift, may be excluded from division unless required to meet needs.
8. Disclosure
Full and frank disclosure of all assets and liabilities is mandatory. Attempts to hide assets can result in adverse costs orders and the setting aside of any agreement or order.
What will happen to my children on divorce?
When parents divorce, arrangements for children are commonly referred to as “child arrangements” and are governed by the principle that the child’s welfare is paramount. Here’s what typically happens:
1. Parental Responsibility
- Both parents usually retain parental responsibility after divorce, meaning they both have legal rights and duties regarding their children.
- Parental responsibility includes decisions about education, health, and general welfare.
2. Reaching an Agreement
- Parents are encouraged to agree on arrangements for where the children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how they will be financially supported.
- Agreements can be informal, set out in a Parenting Plan, or made legally binding by applying for a consent order.
- Mediation is often recommended to help parents reach an agreement without going to court.
3. If Parents Cannot Agree
- If agreement cannot be reached, either parent can apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order.
- Before applying, attendance at a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is generally required, unless exemptions apply (e.g., domestic abuse).
4. Types of Court Orders
- Child Arrangements Order: Decides where the child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and other contact arrangements.
- Specific Issue Order: Deals with a specific question about the child’s upbringing (e.g., which school they attend).
- Prohibited Steps Order: Prevents a parent from making certain decisions about the child’s upbringing.
5. Court’s Approach
- The court’s primary consideration is the child’s welfare, guided by the “welfare checklist” in the Children Act 1989, which includes:
- The child’s wishes and feelings (considered in light of their age and understanding)
- Physical, emotional, and educational needs
- The likely effect of any change in circumstances
- Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
- The capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
- There is no automatic presumption in favour of either parent; the court prefers arrangements that allow the child to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, unless there are welfare concerns.
6. Types of Arrangements
- Shared Care (Joint Custody): The child spends significant time with both parents, which may be close to equal but does not have to be.
- Sole Care (Sole Custody): The child lives primarily with one parent, with the other parent having contact (unless not in the child’s best interests).
- Flexible Arrangements: Increasingly, arrangements are tailored to the child’s needs and the parents’ circumstances, including “bird-nesting” or other creative solutions.
How do I proceed if I want to book a consultation?
To book a consultation with FisherWright Solicitors, you can follow these steps:
1. Reach out to us directly
- Call us on 0208 719 0101
- Email: info@fisherwright.com
- Book online: 8465e368.versum.com
2. Visit our website and complete the Contact Form
Please go to www.fisherwright.com and complete the contact form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
3. Schedule the Appointment
Once you’ve made contact with us, our staff will guide you through the process of scheduling your consultation. They will offer available dates and times for your appointment.
4. Appointment Confirmation
We will confirm your appointment by text and email.
5. Prepare for the Consultation
Before your meeting, gather any necessary documents or information related to your legal issue to ensure a productive discussion.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully book a consultation with FisherWright Solicitors.
