How long does a divorce take?

Under the no-fault divorce system in England and Wales, there is a minimum 20-week period between submitting your application and applying for a conditional order. You then wait a further six weeks and one day before you can apply for the final order that legally ends the marriage. In total, a straightforward divorce usually takes around six to seven months. It can take longer if financial matters need to be resolved first, which is often advisable. Our family solicitors can guide you through each stage and help you plan the right timing.

Will our assets be split 50/50?

Not necessarily. Equal sharing is often the starting point for assets built up during the marriage, but the court considers many factors, including the needs of any children, each person’s income and housing needs, the length of the marriage, and contributions made by each party. Importantly, a divorce alone does not end financial claims between spouses. A legally binding financial order is needed to achieve a clean break. Our solicitors can help you reach a fair settlement and make it legally binding.

How are arrangements for children decided after separation?

Most parents agree on arrangements between themselves, sometimes with the help of family mediation. If you can’t agree, you can apply to the Family Court for a child arrangements order. Before doing so, you’ll usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless an exemption applies, such as in cases involving domestic abuse. Throughout, the court’s main concern is your child’s welfare. Our family lawyers provide calm, practical support to help you reach arrangements that put your children first.

Are pre-nuptial agreements legally binding?

Pre-nuptial agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales, but courts will usually give them significant weight if they were entered into freely, both parties understood the implications, and the outcome is fair. To give your agreement the best chance of being upheld, each person should take independent legal advice, provide full financial disclosure, and sign well before the wedding. Our solicitors can draft and review pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements to help protect your assets and give you peace of mind.

What rights do unmarried couples have if they separate?

Many people believe in “common law marriage”, but it doesn’t exist in England and Wales. Unmarried couples who separate don’t have the same financial rights as married couples, so claims are often limited to property you own, or can show you have an interest in, plus financial support for any children. A cohabitation agreement can set out who owns what and avoid disputes later. If you’re separating or planning to live together, our family solicitors can explain your rights and help protect your position.

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Divorce & Seperation

Going through a divorce or separation is one of the most difficult experiences in life, emotionally and practically. Woodstock Legal Services offers clear, compassionate family law advice to individuals across England and Wales, helping you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Our family law solicitors advise on every stage of the process, from no-fault divorce applications and the dissolution of civil partnerships to separation agreements for unmarried couples. We help you deal with the legal steps calmly and efficiently, so you can focus on what matters most.

Wherever possible, we encourage constructive, non-confrontational solutions such as negotiation and family mediation, which can save time, cost and stress for everyone involved. You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who explains everything in plain English, gives you honest, realistic advice, and supports you from the first conversation to the final order.

Children & Parenting Arrangements

When parents separate, making the right arrangements for children is often the biggest priority and the biggest worry. Woodstock Legal Services helps parents across England and Wales reach arrangements that put their children’s wellbeing first.

Our family solicitors advise on where children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and decisions about schooling, relocation and other important issues. Where agreement can’t be reached, we can guide you through mediation and, if needed, applications to the Family Court for a child arrangements order.

Family court proceedings can feel daunting, particularly when emotions are running high. Our lawyers provide calm, sensitive and practical support throughout, keeping your child’s needs at the centre of every decision and helping you avoid unnecessary conflict wherever possible.

Financial Settlements & Protection

Sorting out finances is a crucial part of any divorce or separation, and getting it right can protect your security for years to come. Woodstock Legal Services helps clients across England and Wales reach fair financial settlements and protect their assets.

Our family law solicitors advise on dividing property, savings, pensions and other assets, and on putting agreements into a legally binding financial order. Without one, financial claims between former spouses can remain open, even after the divorce is finalised.

We also help couples plan ahead. Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements can set out how assets would be divided if a relationship ends, while cohabitation agreements give unmarried couples clarity, since there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales. Whatever your situation, we’ll give you practical advice to protect your financial future.

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Family Law FAQs

How long does a divorce take?

Under the no-fault divorce system in England and Wales, there is a minimum 20-week period between submitting your application and applying for a conditional order. You then wait a further six weeks and one day before you can apply for the final order that legally ends the marriage. In total, a straightforward divorce usually takes around six to seven months. It can take longer if financial matters need to be resolved first, which is often advisable. Our family solicitors can guide you through each stage and help you plan the right timing.
Will our assets be split 50/50?

Not necessarily. Equal sharing is often the starting point for assets built up during the marriage, but the court considers many factors, including the needs of any children, each person’s income and housing needs, the length of the marriage, and contributions made by each party. Importantly, a divorce alone does not end financial claims between spouses. A legally binding financial order is needed to achieve a clean break. Our solicitors can help you reach a fair settlement and make it legally binding.
How are arrangements for children decided after separation?

Most parents agree on arrangements between themselves, sometimes with the help of family mediation. If you can’t agree, you can apply to the Family Court for a child arrangements order. Before doing so, you’ll usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless an exemption applies, such as in cases involving domestic abuse. Throughout, the court’s main concern is your child’s welfare. Our family lawyers provide calm, practical support to help you reach arrangements that put your children first.
Are pre-nuptial agreements legally binding?

Pre-nuptial agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales, but courts will usually give them significant weight if they were entered into freely, both parties understood the implications, and the outcome is fair. To give your agreement the best chance of being upheld, each person should take independent legal advice, provide full financial disclosure, and sign well before the wedding. Our solicitors can draft and review pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements to help protect your assets and give you peace of mind.
What rights do unmarried couples have if they separate?

Many people believe in “common law marriage”, but it doesn’t exist in England and Wales. Unmarried couples who separate don’t have the same financial rights as married couples, so claims are often limited to property you own, or can show you have an interest in, plus financial support for any children. A cohabitation agreement can set out who owns what and avoid disputes later. If you’re separating or planning to live together, our family solicitors can explain your rights and help protect your position.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our family solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. During a divorce or separation, that means your case gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

One Lawyer, From Start to Finish

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a rotating team. You won’t have to repeat your story to different people. Your lawyer keeps you informed at every stage and is on hand when you need reassurance.

Calm, Constructive Approach

Wherever possible, we encourage negotiation and family mediation to reduce conflict, cost and stress. We keep your children’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision, while robustly protecting your position if matters go to court.

Meet our Family Law Solicitors

Amy Langlois

Consultant Solicitor

Family Law

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Christopher Sher Singh Woodstock Legal Services

Karen Layland

Consultant Solicitor

Family Law

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Samantha Dickinson Woodstock Legal Services

Employment Law Client Testimonials

Amy Langlois

"I worked with Amy at Woodstock during various Family Court proceedings over the last year. The advice and support that she provided during this time was very professional and supportive. She has always been very prompt in responding to my concerns, and always happy to listen and provide me with her honest and realistic opinions."

Karen Layland

"Karen Layland provided me with an outstanding service during my divorce and financial remedy. Karen offered a high level of support and very sound advice from start to finish. The result that Karen secured for me exceeded any expectations that I had. I highly recommend her! Thank you Karen.”

Reviews taken from TrustPilot & Google from October 2026

Expert Family Law & Family Mediation Solicitors

Divorce & Seperation

Children & Parenting Arrangements

Financial Settlements & Protection

Get in Touch With Our Family Law Team

Family Law FAQs

How long does a divorce take?

Will our assets be split 50/50?

How are arrangements for children decided after separation?

Are pre-nuptial agreements legally binding?

What rights do unmarried couples have if they separate?