Fixed Fee Divorce Package
The breakdown of a relationship can be a deeply traumatic process. When you have decided you want a divorce, you need prompt, professional advice. Pennine Law offer an efficient service with the advice you need as part of our fixed fee divorce package.
What is our package? - We will deal with your divorce from start to finish professionally and efficiently keeping you up to date every step of the way.
How much does it cost?- Our fee for an uncontested divorce is fixed at £350 plus VAT of £70. In addition there is a Court fee of £550 though depending on your financial position you may not have to pay the full Court fee. We will help you to work out if you are entitled to this financial help with the Court fee.
How do I pay? - Pennine Law offer different ways for you to pay. Ideally payment can be made in full at your first appointment. Alternatively you can pay by instalments, most often with an initial payment of £650 which includes the Court fee of £550 and enables the divorce petition to be lodged with the Court. The second payment of £320 is to be made before we apply for the Decree Absolute bringing the marriage to an end.
What is included?
- We will manage your divorce from start to finish.
- We will draft, complete and file with the Court all the divorce forms.
- We will handle all Court correspondence on your behalf.
- You will have direct contact with your legal representative by telephone and email throughout the divorce.
What is not included?
- The cost of obtaining a replacement marriage certificate (approximately £10) or obtaining a translation of a foreign marriage certificate.
- Advice or work involved in pursuing or enforcing a Costs Order and representation at a costs hearing.
- Enquiry Agent/Personal Service fees if your spouse does not respond to the Court papers. We can recommend a local enquiry agent and obtain a quote for personal service of the Court documents.
- Any advice if the divorce is defended or contested
- Any advice or assistance if the court requires the divorce petition to be amended after being issued or your spouse files a counter divorce petition.
- Any advice about property issues, finances, children matters or domestic violence.
- Updating your Will.
If any of the additional work outlined above is required, or any unforeseen circumstances or problems arise, we can continue to support you and let you have further details of our charges.
How long will it take? - The legal formality of getting a divorce is a relatively straightforward process. The length of a divorce can vary and depends on how co-operative your spouse is in the divorce proceedings. If they return the necessary Court form without delay the divorce process should take between four and six months. However if your spouse does not co-operate it may be necessary to personally serve them with the divorce papers by a Court bailiff or enquiry agent at additional cost which will cause delay.
Will I have to go to Court? - For an uncontested divorce there will be no need to attend Court. However, if there is a dispute about who should pay the costs of the divorce a short private hearing may be necessary.
Does my spouse need a solicitor? - No, however we always recommend that your spouse takes independent legal advice.
John Dimmock who works at our Hoyland and Penistone office is a qualified solicitor specialising in all aspects of Family Law and would be happy to speak to you at whichever office is most convenient to you. /