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DIVORCE SOLICITORS BRIGHTON
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Compassionate, Clear Divorce Advice When You Need It Most
Need expert legal advice from one of our Brighton divorce solicitors?
Call email or provide us with a few details of your matter by completing the enquiry box and we will endeavour to reply to you within 48 hours.
Understanding the Divorce Process
Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, couples no longer need to prove wrongdoing to end their marriage. Instead, either party — or both jointly — can apply for a divorce by simply confirming that the relationship has broken down irretrievably.
The process is now more straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges. While the paperwork is typically handled via an online court portal, complex issues often arise around finances, property, and children. That’s where our divorce solicitors in Brighton step in — to ensure your interests are protected throughout.
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
The average divorce takes a minimum of 26 weeks (just over 6 months), though this may vary depending on individual circumstances, especially if financial agreements or child arrangements are contested. The timeline generally follows three key stages:
- Divorce Application - You or your spouse (or both jointly) submit an application online. The court will issue the application and serve the other party.
- Conditional Order (formerly Decree Nisi) - After a 20-week reflection period, you can apply for the conditional order — a confirmation that the court sees no reason why you cannot divorce.
- Final Order (formerly Decree Absolute) - After at least 6 weeks and 1 day from the conditional order, you can apply for the final order, which legally ends the marriage.
At Arlingsworth, we often advise delaying the final order until any financial matters have been resolved through a consent order or financial settlement. Our Brighton divorce solicitors will guide you through this strategy based on your unique situation.
What About Finances and Children?
These are usually the most contentious aspects of a divorce. Our team of expert divorce solicitors in Brighton can support you with:
Financial Settlements – Including division of property, pensions, savings, business assets and spousal maintenance.
Child Arrangements – Covering where children will live, contact with each parent, and long-term decisions such as schooling or healthcare.
Child Maintenance – Guidance on formal and informal arrangements, or applications through the Child Maintenance Service.
We’ll help you negotiate fair agreements wherever possible but are fully prepared to represent you in court should matters escalate.
Additional Services
As part of our wider family law practice, we also regularly advise on:
- Annulments
- Dissolution of civil partnerships
- Separation agreements
- Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
Our Brighton divorce solicitors work across all aspects of family law, ensuring your legal and personal needs are met with care and professionalism.
Divorce Brighton FAQ
In most cases, no. The divorce process is now primarily handled online. However, if there are disputes over children or finances, a court hearing may be necessary.
Under the no-fault divorce system, a spouse cannot contest the divorce simply because they don’t want it. Disputes may arise around financial or child arrangements, but not the divorce itself.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case. We offer transparent pricing and can advise on fixed fees for straightforward divorces, or tailored quotes for more complex matters.
You can still apply for a divorce under the no-fault system, regardless of how long you’ve been apart. We’ll advise on the best way to proceed.
Speak to Our Divorce Solicitors in Brighton Today
At Arlingsworth Solicitors, we combine legal excellence with a personal touch. Whether your separation is amicable or complex, our divorce solicitors in Brighton are ready to help you move forward confidently.