I'm thinking of getting a divorce - where do I start?

If you are re-evaluating your relationship, considering divorce and wondering where to begin, you’re not alone. Deciding to divorce is a big, often daunting step, and it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about how to proceed. Many people aren’t sure whether they want to start divorce proceedings at all, or they may simply feel overwhelmed by the thought of what comes next.

One of the first things we recommend is having a conversation with a solicitor early in the process. It may seem intimidating, but that first contact can really help clarify your options. We understand that taking that first step can be one of the hardest parts of the journey. Many people bring a family member or friend along to the meeting for support.

This initial conversation doesn’t commit you to anything yet. It’s simply an opportunity to talk through your situation, explore your options, and get some expert advice on how to move forward. In fact, it’s often the case that people aren’t sure whether they want to divorce and may be considering other options, such as marriage counselling. We can help to guide you to the best solution, whether that’s divorce or another path.

No matter what direction you decide to take, good communication with your spouse is valuable. If you have children, it’s particularly important to think about how and when you’ll talk to them. It’s never easy, but being prepared with honest, age-appropriate answers to their likely questions will help them cope better with the situation.

It’s also a good idea to sit down with your spouse and have an open discussion about your financial situation. This includes things like mortgages, debts, and any shared assets. However, it’s important to note that unless your spouse has given permission, you are not entitled to go through their financial records.

If communication has broken down between you and your spouse, and you’re finding it difficult to address financial or personal matters, we can help. We can assist you in getting the information you need and guide you through the process in a way that minimises conflict. Ultimately, we want to help you achieve the best possible outcome for everyone involved, and this is often best done by finding a resolution through consent rather than going down the route of court proceedings.

The decision to divorce is never easy. If you’re unsure about where to start, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help guide you through the process.