We can provide clarity on the cost of your divorce
If you are considering getting a divorce, you may understandably be concerned about the costs involved in legally dissolving your marriage. However, it is possible to reduce this expense with a fixed fee divorce.
Susan Howarth & Co. offer a Fixed Fee Divorce service to bring down the costs of a divorce, in cases involving undefended proceedings.
Our fixed fee divorce service is suitable for individuals who have come to an agreement on child arrangements and financial settlements but would like the reassurance of a family law solicitor managing the process.
Contact our fixed fee divorce solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire
If you’d like to discuss your legal needs with one of our experienced fixed fee divorce lawyers today, give us a call on 01606 48777 or email info@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions about fixed fee divorce
What is a fixed fee divorce?
A fixed fee divorce is a straightforward and transparent pricing arrangement for legal services during a divorce. Instead of unpredictable hourly rates, you pay a pre-agreed fixed amount for the entire process.
This approach is suitable for couples who have already settled child arrangements and financial matters amicably but are looking for professional guidance. The fixed fee covers services such as consultations, document preparation and applying for orders, offering financial clarity from the start
It ensures you know the total cost upfront, providing peace of mind throughout the divorce process. This straightforward pricing structure removes any hidden costs and allows you to focus on navigating the emotional aspects of divorce with the support of a family law solicitor.
What is the difference between fixed fees and hourly rates?
The main difference between fixed fees and hourly rates for solicitors lies in the billing structure. Fixed fees involve an agreed-upon amount for a specific service, providing clients with clarity on the cost of their case, from the start. This approach is commonly used for straightforward legal matters such as uncontested divorces.
Hourly rates involve charging clients based on the time spent on their case, often in 6-minute units. This method is common in more complex or protracted legal cases.
While hourly rates offer flexibility in billing for complex cases, they can result in potentially disproportionate costs for clients. It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons when choosing between fixed fees and hourly rates for legal services.
How does the divorce process work?
You must be married for a minimum of one year before initiating a divorce.
The divorce process involves extensive paperwork, often referred to as divorce papers, including the divorce application, acknowledgement of service, conditional order, and final order.
Divorce Application: Commencing the divorce process requires submitting an application to the family court, declaring that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. The applicant is the person who initiates this process. The application, accompanied by the original marriage certificate, is sent to the court. If the original certificate is unavailable, a copy can be obtained from the Register of Births and Deaths for a nominal fee. The court assigns a reference number and forwards the application to the respondent, the other party in the marriage.
Acknowledgement of Service: The respondent has 14 days to reply to the divorce application by completing and returning the acknowledgement of service form to the court, confirming receipt of the divorce application. The respondent cannot contest the divorce unless it challenges jurisdiction. Once the court receives the signed acknowledgement, it is forwarded to the applicant.
Conditional Order: After receiving the signed acknowledgement and waiting for 20 weeks since submitting the divorce application, the conditional order can be sought. This signifies the court's agreement to terminate the marriage.
Final Order: Following an additional 6 weeks and 1 day after obtaining the conditional order, the final order can be applied for. This legally concludes the marriage. After the final order is issued, the divorce is finalised, and both parties are free to enter into a new marriage or civil partnership.
Who is eligible for a fixed fee divorce?
You can access our Fixed Fee Low-Cost Divorce Service if you receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Guarantee Credit
To qualify, you must bring evidence of your benefits from the Benefits Agency to your initial appointment, ensuring the documentation is not older than 28 days on the appointment date.
If you have a low income or receive specific state benefits, you may also be exempt from court fees.
Feel free to reach out to us at 01606 48777 for more details about this service and potential fee exemptions.
How much does the fixed fee divorce service cost?
The family law solicitor or fee earner handling your case will discuss with you the available payment options and determine what would be suitable given your circumstances.
During your initial meeting, we will provide you with a cost estimate based on our hourly rate.
We offer fixed fee packages for undefended divorce proceedings. If both parties agree on the divorce grounds and arrangements concerning children, finances, and property, the case is considered undefended.
Alternatively, you may opt to engage us for specific and limited tasks, such as providing divorce advice on financial settlements after disclosure or preparing legal documents. We can offer guidance and document preparation while you represent yourself in court proceedings as a litigant in person, should you prefer to avoid the expenses associated with full representation.
In any situation, we will supply you with a Summary of Work clearly outlining the tasks we will undertake and associated costs.
How long does the fixed fee divorce process typically take?
According to the regulations introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, the minimum timeframe for getting a divorce is now 26 weeks (6 months). Each step in the process must be carried out promptly and accurately to keep to this timeframe.
The fixed fee divorce process is likely to be more streamlined and therefore quicker than more complex divorce proceedings as your finances and child arrangements will already have been pre-agreed.
If you can agree on these matters between you in advance, it will generally be much quicker than relying on court proceedings.
Why Choose Susan Howarth & Co. for fixed fee divorce advice?
At Susan Howarth & Co., we strongly believe in upholding everyone's right to access justice and receive expert legal advice.
Our dedicated family law department is a source of pride, with expert fixed fee solicitors who have earned an excellent reputation in the community.
Each case is approached with professionalism and unwavering commitment, recognising the individual needs of every client.
Our expertise has earned independent recognition, including being ranked as a Band 2 legal practice in the Chambers & Partners UK legal guide. Directors Susan Howarth and Victoria Poole are both distinguished as Notable Practitioners by Chambers & Partners UK. We are also acknowledged as a Band 3 Leading Family Law Firm in The Legal 500 directory. Susan Howarth, recognised as a Leading Individual for four consecutive years, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, a distinction held by only seven individuals in Family Law (North West).
Our accreditations include recognition by the Law Society for Family Law and Children Law, with many team members being members of Resolution, the leading professional network for family lawyers. We consistently earn Lexcel accreditation for excellence in practice management year after year. Winning the Best Family and Childcare Law Firm (North West) in 2023 and 2022 at the AI Legal Awards, along with being Lexis Nexis Family Law Firm of the Year (North) finalists for two consecutive years, further underscores our commitment to exceptional service.
Contact our fixed fee divorce solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire
If you’d like to discuss your legal needs with one of our experienced fixed fee divorce lawyers today, give us a call on 01606 48777 or email info@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk.