Question 1

How do I start divorce proceedings in Bedford?

Accepted Answer

To begin divorce proceedings in Bedford, you must submit a divorce application to the family court (usually the local county court). You'll need: Your original marriage certificate (or a certified copy), the court fee of £612, and evidence that your marriage has broken down irretrievably. You must have been married for at least one year and either you or your spouse must be habitually resident in England or Wales. Our Bedford office can guide you through the entire application process and ensure all documentation is completed correctly.

Question 2

How much does a divorce cost in Bedford?

Accepted Answer

Court fees: The court application fee is currently £612. Solicitor fees: Costs vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case. Additional court fees may apply for financial order applications, children arrangements orders, and other applications. Other potential costs include mediation sessions, financial valuations, barrister representation, and pension division reports. We offer transparent fee arrangements and can provide a clear breakdown of all potential costs during your initial consultation. We can discuss fixed-fee options for straightforward cases and flexible payment arrangements.

Question 3

How long does a divorce take in Bedford?

Accepted Answer

Uncontested divorce typically takes 6-9 months from application to Final Order, with a 20-week waiting period from the filing of the divorce application before you can apply for the conditional order. Complex financial cases can extend to 2+ years. The process involves application submission, acknowledgement of service, Conditional Order application, and Final Order application. The whole process is centralized through a court portal with no formal hearings and is based on submitted paperwork.

Question 4

Can I get divorced without my spouse's consent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can proceed with a divorce even if your spouse objects, provided they have acknowledged your divorce application. Under current law, you only need to demonstrate that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. While they cannot prevent the divorce indefinitely, a dispute over financial arrangements can require negotiation or court intervention. Our experienced team can help manage the whole process and work towards amicable resolutions wherever possible.

Question 5

What's the difference between separation and divorce?

Accepted Answer

Legal separation allows you to live apart while remaining legally married. Divorce legally ends your marriage, allowing you to remarry. Key differences are that with separation, you are still married, cannot remarry, and cannot obtain a pension sharing order. Divorce ends the marriage, allowing you to remarry, and provides a more comprehensive process to conclude all claims, including pensions.

Question 6

What are child arrangement orders?

Accepted Answer

Child arrangement orders replace the previous 'custody' and 'contact' orders. They determine where children live, contact arrangements with the non-resident parent, and specific issues such as schools, medical treatment, and holidays. Types of arrangements commonly seen include shared care, every other weekend plus a weeknight, and holiday sharing arrangements.

Question 7

How are child arrangements decided?

Accepted Answer

The court's primary concern is the welfare of the child. Factors considered include the child's wishes, their needs, the impact of any changes, and the capability of each parent. The process typically involves an attempt at mediation (MIAM), a C100 application if mediation fails, and a first hearing.

Question 8

Can grandparents get contact with grandchildren?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but grandparents don't have automatic rights. They must first apply for permission to make an application for a child arrangements order. The court considers the existing relationship, risk of disruption, views of the parents, and the child's best interests. We have successfully helped many Bedford grandparents establish contact.

Question 9

How are assets divided in divorce?

Accepted Answer

There is no automatic 50/50 split, but the usual starting point in a marriage of reasonable length is equality. The court considers financial and non-financial contributions, future needs (housing, childcare), and the standard of living. This includes dividing assets such as the matrimonial home, pensions, savings, investments, and business interests.

Question 10

What is spousal maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Spousal maintenance is ongoing financial support from one spouse to another. It can be interim, periodic, or a lump sum. Factors affecting maintenance include income disparity, the length of the marriage, the age and health of both parties, childcare responsibilities, and career prospects.

Question 11

Can I keep the family home?

Accepted Answer

This depends on various factors, including the children's needs, financial resources, and income levels. Common solutions include a Mesher order (sale postponed until children turn 18), a transfer with a charge, or an immediate sale with proceeds divided between the parties.

Question 12

When should I contact a family solicitor?

Accepted Answer

Seek advice early if you're considering divorce, issues with child arrangements, financial disputes, or pre-nuptial agreements. Immediate advice is needed for urgent child protection issues, threats of asset disposal, or domestic abuse. Early legal advice can prevent problems from escalating and save costs.

Question 13

What happens in the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Before the meeting, you should bring relevant documents, prepare a timeline of events, and list your concerns. During the consultation, there will be a confidential discussion of your circumstances, an explanation of legal options, and a clear discussion of costs. There is no obligation to proceed.

Question 14

Do I need to go to court?

Accepted Answer

Many family law matters can be resolved without court proceedings through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law. Court may be necessary for urgent issues, domestic violence injunctions, or when negotiation fails. Approximately 80% of our cases settle without a final hearing.

Question 15

Why choose Family Law Bedford?

Accepted Answer

Choose Family Law Bedford for our local expertise, personal service, clear communication, and flexible appointments. We offer fixed-fee options and have over 45 years of experience. We are also members of the Law Society Family Law Panel and Resolution.

Question 16

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

The initial consultation is free for 30 minutes. Service fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. We offer fixed fees for straightforward matters, capped fees for cost certainty, and flexible payment plans. We can also advise on eligibility for legal aid. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Question 17

Contact Information

Accepted Answer

Our address is 19 Grove Place, Bedford. You can reach us by phone at +441234325315 or by email at info@familylawbedford.co.uk. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. We are a 10-minute walk from Bedford railway station.

Family Law Bedford

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contact a family solicitor?

What happens in the first appointment?

Do I need to go to court?

Family Law Bedford