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Article: Do I need a solicitor to divorce?

Posted: 12th October 2017
Written by: David Kirkman - Solicitor - Divorce and Family Law Team - York

There is no requirement to use a solicitor if you want to divorce, but using a specialist divorce solicitor is vital to make the process more secure, fairer and smoother.

David Kirkham at Newtons Solicitors

For anyone considering divorce or separation who has sizable assets and investments, using a divorce solicitor is a must. That is often clearly understood. However, even with more modest assets, using a specialist divorce solicitor is crucial in achieving a more secure, fair and smoother divorce process:

More secure

As a couple you may have agreed how your finances are to be split, but unless you have properly drawn up this agreement any decision will not be binding. Either party could later change their mind.

A solicitor will ensure that any financial settlement is put in a binding and enforceable document, giving you piece of mind and helping you plan for the future.

…fairer…

When a couple separate they have to sort out the finances. An experienced solicitor will be able to tell you what you should expect to receive.

If you do not seek specialist legal advice you may not realise what the law entitles you to have. People who do not use solicitors often agree to an unfair financial settlement that they would not have accepted if they had sought proper advice.

Smoother…

Most people thinking about divorce don’t know where to start. Specialist divorce solicitors deal with divorces day-in-day-out and know the process well.

There can be all sorts of bumps in the road if you don’t know what you are doing. For example, 40% of divorce petitions are returned by the court because they’ve been completed incorrectly or documents are missing. Having a solicitor will take away much of the stress when going through one of the most stressful things in life.

For more information about how Newtons can help you, contact us at info@newtons.co.uk or visit our family law pages for: Divorce and family law