Anyone got any recommendations on a company for divorce advice/proceedings or is it sensible to do it yourself assuming a partially rational agreement with the other half (not convinced that is possible). Not done it before so its all new territory.
It is possible to DIY your divorce, BUT, if there are children involved then I could not recommend it. My divorce was businesslike, we both saw solicitors after we had drawn up a schedule of our assets and their division between us.
Sorry to hear you need them. Much can be done without solicitors, in fact solicitors can make things worse, but for the financial side if nothing else, a legal opinion's worth it in my view. There are effectively three elements. Access to kids, finances and the annulment of the marriage. The last one's the easiest, but it needs the others. You could make a list of your joint assets (mortgage endowments and pensions can be complicated) and see if there's a split you'd both be happy with. If there is, and you can agree a statement of arrangements for the kids, you're well on your way. You can do that without solicitors, taking the final agreement to them to be formalised. The Family Court are great for information, but they can't give advice. Good luck.
Thanks, that is helpful as are previous posts. I'm hedging away from DIY as I want it done properly and fairly and there are three children, one who will want to come with me, one who will stay with the mum due to age and the other unsure.
I can always start sorting the information now and see how she feels. I need to be happy that we can partially agree before one of us moves out which needs to be sooner rather than later.
Be aware, I know a few people that went to the solicitor wanting a reasonable, amicable divorce, but were encouraged to go for more, which after great expense and much upset, the solicitor couldn't deliver, but got wealthier. Have a clear idea of what's fair to all, and before a decision, ask yourself "is it in the best interest of the kids". Talk to your kids about as much as your able, even if they can't reply. None of it is there fault.
Hi Did mine myself but with the help of a pack from Masons solicitors in Hull. To be fair mine was straight forward but the pack was great and if you do get stuck they will give you guidance - saved me a fortune. http://www.masonsolicitors.co.uk/
Hi Did mine myself but with the help of a pack from Masons solicitors in Hull. To be fair mine was straight forward but the pack was great and if you do get stuck they will give you guidance - saved me a fortune. http://www.masonsolicitors.co.uk/
I have a natural distrust of Solicitors and am more interested in looking after my children so I have a responsibility to look after the wife up to a point so I'll not fall foul of sharp practices. Thanks for the warning. My worry is that the wife may go down this route though if we don't stay amicable from the start. She can be quite irrational at times and a sucker for sales spiel.
Asking strangers for advice will give an unbiased and impartial viewpoint. If you ask family/friends then you run the risk of coming up against misguided or vested interests. Good luck Frank....
Have dealt with Masons for Probate and House selling / buying. No problems. Divorce was done by Gosschalks, they screwed me more that the ex wife.
Sorry to hear of your plight. My recommendation would be to do it yourself (with agreement of wife) and save yourself giving the parasite solicitors thousands. Go to the courts and ask for the forms. You pay an initial charge (say £100) and the balance a few weeks before it goes through. I did the above a few years back. If you are having a divorce night out let me know. I am always up for a few bevvies. Good luck mate
We have 2 kids. We sorted all that between us (access rights, maintenance etc). Don't be led by solicitors. All they do is meet up and discuss over a few beers to extract more money out of you. Hopefully you have a decent wife who will go along with a easier divorce.
