Divorce Solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester
We know that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ divorce. Our experienced family lawyers understand that the circumstances surrounding relationship breakdown can be difficult to deal with, and that it is not always easy to start again.
Ending your marriage involves so much more than just paperwork. Our divorce lawyers are able to advise you and handle every aspect of your separation, so you can focus on what matters most.
Divorce proceedings
We’ll support you through every step of the divorce proceedings, whether you and your spouse agree on things or the divorce is contested.
Since 6 April 2022, divorce in England and Wales has moved to a fully ‘no fault’ process.
Accordingly, contested divorces are now extremely rare and typically relate only to where the parties do not agree as to the Family Court in England and Wales having jurisdiction to deal with the divorce . It is important to understand that jurisdiction in respect of financial matters on divorce flow from jurisdiction in respect of the divorce itself.
Our expert family law solicitors are able to draw on and work with a wide network of foreign lawyers so that we will always be able to advise you seamlessly on which jurisdiction is likely to result in a better financial outcome for you.
Where there are no jurisdiction issues, the divorce proceedings are administrative (i.e. no court hearings) and straightforward – the key issues will be in respect of financial matters and the arrangements for the children .
During your initial meeting with us we will explain how the divorce process works and the key linked issues regarding financial matters.
Filing for divorce
We prepare and submit your divorce application to the court. You’ll need to wait 20 weeks before you can apply for the next stage—this is known as the ‘reflection’ period. We handle all the paperwork and keep you updated.
Conditional order
After the 20-week period, we apply for what is known as the ‘conditional order of divorce’ (conditional order). This usually takes a few weeks to come through. The conditional order is significant to the timing of when the financial arrangements can be formally concluded.
Final order
Six weeks after the conditional order, we apply for your final order of divorce (final order). Once granted, your divorce is complete and you can remarry. From start to finish, most divorces take around 6-18 months.
Timing is extremely important: if a divorce is not handled by an expert family solicitor you can lose highly valuable pension rights, your right to remain in the family home, and other key benefits by applying for the final order prematurely. Generally speaking, the final order should only ever be applied for after the financial matters have been fully concluded.
Why choose Slater Heelis as your divorce solicitors
Recognised excellence in family law
We’re commended in The Times’ Best Law Firms guide for 2026. The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading family law firms in the North West. With over 1,800 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us when their friends and family need help.
Over 250 years of excellence
We’ve been providing legal advice to families since 1773. With offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we’re rooted in the communities we serve and understand the issues families face. We also advise clients across the UK from offices in London, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Sheffield. Our divorce solicitors expertly handle all aspects of divorce, including the most complex of financial disputes.
Straightforward and proactive advice
From your first meeting with us we will help you cut through the noise and understand what’s important to achieving the outcome you want. We will represent you fearlessly and proactively, without incurring unnecessary legal costs.
Our offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester are open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK, with meetings at other locations, such as London, Leeds and Liverpool, available by appointment. We’ll keep you informed, act quickly and help you move forward with clarity and confidence during what we know is a difficult time.
Provided you’ve been married for over a year and the marriage has broken down, you’re entitled to apply for a divorce. Your marriage needs to be legally recognised in the UK, and you also need to satisfy the jurisdiction requirements.
Since April 2022, you can now get a no-fault divorce. You don’t need to prove adultery, unreasonable behaviour or separation anymore. The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?
Trying to manage the divorce and financial settlement process without an expert family solicitor is fraught with significant risk and not advisable. Attempting to ‘go it alone’ without a solicitor is likely to result in a significantly worse outcome for you. The timing of certain steps in the divorce must always be coordinated with the financial aspects of the divorce in order to avoid you losing access to valuable financial resources and other key rights (such as the right to live in the family home). Jurisdiction issues should always be considered at the very beginning of a divorce.
Similarly, in respect of the financial negotiations, an expert family solicitor will know how to progress things in order to produce an excellent and fair outcome for you.
How much does a divorce cost?
The divorce itself is not a significant cost, but it is very important to understand the majority of the legal costs in respect of divorce relate to the financial aspects.
The current court fee for divorce is £612. Many divorce solicitors offer fixed fees in respect of the divorce itself. Our current fixed fee is £650 plus VAT to handle the divorce process.
Does my spouse have to agree to the divorce?
No, your spouse does not have to agree to the divorce. It can be easier if there’s mutual agreement, but spouses can no longer contest a divorce application unless there are jurisdiction issues. This follows recent statutory changes, which mean one person can end the marriage even if the other doesn’t consent to do so (provided the marriage has existed for at least one year).
Will I have to go to court for a divorce?
The vast majority of divorces will not involve any kind of court hearing. The exception to this is if there are jurisdiction issues in respect of the divorce.
It is also important to understand that the related issues in respect of finances and child arrangements are much more involved. Although they can be resolved without court proceedings, where there are court applications (whether in respect of finances or child arrangements) multiple hearings can be expected.
Do both parties have to pay for a divorce?
The person who files for divorce (the ‘applicant’) typically pays the court fees. However, couples can agree to split the fees. In some circumstances, you can apply for help with the court fee if you’re on certain benefits or have a low income.
Your divorce law solicitor will advise you on whether an application should be made for your ex to pay some or all of your legal costs in contested cases.
What's the difference between a conditional order and a final order?
A conditional order (previously called decree nisi) is the first of two divorce orders. The conditional order is made where a judge is satisfied the legal requirements have been met for divorce. It is significant because financial orders (which are part of a separate process) can be made once the conditional order has been made in the divorce proceedings.
The final order (previously decree absolute) is the legal document that officially ends your marriage. You must wait at least six weeks between the two. Again, the final order should generally not be applied for until your family law solicitor advises.
Can I get divorced if my spouse lives abroad?
Yes, provided you meet certain jurisdiction requirements. Generally, you or your spouse must have a connection to England and Wales. Our expert divorce solicitors can advise whether the Family Court in England and Wales can handle your case, what other options might be available, and the most beneficial jurisdiction in which to divorce.
