Alexander JLO (AJLO) is a highly reputable London-based firm with over 45 years’ experience in divorce, separations and wider family law cases.
Our Expertise
We specialise in providing a sympathetic service and as an active member of Resolution, the body dedicated to improving the family justice system. Our divorce solicitors are committed to following best practices that encourage sensitive, conciliatory, fair and efficient approaches to resolve family legal issues.
Divorce Solicitors
Our specialist divorce Solicitors are trained to consider the needs of every family member and regard the child’s interests as the most important in every case. The majority of our divorce cases are completed without divisive court action, which reduces legal fees, tension and stress for all family members.
London Based Divorce Services
With offices in the Canary Wharf area of London Docklands, Our divorce solicitors offer local and supportive services and are committed to dealing with divorces quickly and fairly, to minimise family upset.
Divorce Services
Alexander JLO’s divorce solicitors can assist you with:
- Ancillary Relief – negotiating and drafting financial agreements following a divorce; seeking ancillary relief financial orders through the courts
- Children Applications – dealing with child residence, custody orders, contact and access applications and injunctions to prevent international kidnapping through the Hague Convention
We offer divorce solicitors who specialise in both English marriages and marriages outside the jurisdiction. However, we are unable to assist with Legal Aid applications.
Our Legal Team
Peter Johnson, the head of Alexander JLO’s family law department is a highly respected divorce solicitor with an outstanding 5-star rating in the Good Lawyer Guide for his performance in family law and:
- Keeping clients informed
- Dealing with enquiries
- Expert knowledge
- Reasonable fees
We would be delighted to offer a free initial appointment to discuss your divorce in one of our London offices.
Get in touch with the best divorce lawyers in London
Our team of experts will utilize their knowledge and experience to help your divorce go as smoothly as possible. Our team of legal advisors and divorce solicitors are on hand to help. We also offer a free legal appointment to discuss your requirements and how we can assist. Contact our team today to arrange an appointment or send us an email with the relevant details included and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Call; 0207 537 7000Email: info@london-law.co.uk
FAQs
Many of our clients often have questions about our divorce services. Below are some of the most common queries.
The time it takes to finalise a divorce varies based on the individual circumstance. We work efficiently and swiftly to ensure we offer the best service possible for our clients. Other factors can slow the process i.e. response times by the spouses’ legal representation, coming to agreements of assets or custody if there are children involved, and any changes of circumstance.
Divorce costs vary depending on the individual circumstances of the divorce, splits of assets, change of circumstances and more. A fee of £593 must be paid to Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Services to apply for divorce. Those on lower incomes can apply for further financial help from the government.
In order to divorce in England or Wales you must have been married for at least 1 year as well as a permanent home in the country.To apply for a divorce you must prove that your marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’ based on one of the following 5 reasons;
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion
- You have lived apart for more than 2 years and you both agree to the divorce
- You have lived apart for at least 5 years
In UK law there is no grounds for divorce that covers ‘irreconcilable differences’, this is a law in USA.
Divorce Law Changes April 2022
From April 2022 a new law will come into force under which there doesn’t need to be blame placed on one party for the breakdown of the marriage and those seeking a divorce will no longer need to prove one of the 5 reasons stated above.The laws are changing due to criticism over current laws for being outdated and unnecessarily creating conflict between spouses. Criticism also came from having to prove why the relationship has broken down for others to judge and deem whether those reasons are valid.
Circumstances vary however, if those circumstances include 5 years separation or unreasonable behaviour, you will be able to proceed with the divorce, if it can be proven that your spouse received the papers. If the divorce is application is based on adultery or 2 years separation, it could be more difficult to proceed. This is due to needing written consent from the other party for the 2 years separation or an admission to the alleged adultery. It is common for those in their situation to change the grounds of the divorce to ‘unreasonable behaviour’.
It is rare for divorce cases to reach court proceedings. A non-confrontational process is often used. Solicitors who are members of Resolution, will encourage the use of alternative approaches to reach an agreement such as mediation and collaborative law.
Legal aid is no longer available for most divorce cases except those that include;
- Risk of abuse or serious harm
- Forced marriage
- Risk of homelessness or losing your home
- You’ve been accused of a crime, face prison or detention
- You’re being discriminated against
- You need family mediation
- Your case falls under the Human Rights Act
More information on legal aid can be found on the Government’s website.
Individual circumstances dictate whether a Solicitor will be required however, if there are any of the following included in the divorce proceedings then you should seriously consider using a solicitor.:
- complexities,
- one spouse is unwilling to divorce
- there are children involved
- You and your spouse own significant assets
- You and your spouse are in business together
- If there are overseas connections
- If either spouse has ever been declared bankrupt
- Financial dependency on either spouse
No, this would be a conflict of interest. Solicitors are not permitted to act on behalf of both parties.
No. Although commonly believed, the courts do not grant access and custody rights in all cases. If you have children, you will need to file a ‘Statement of Arrangements for Children’ form. This provides the courts with the basic details about the child(ren) including date of birth, where they go to school, who is responsible for the child’s care when at work etc. this form does not form the basis of custody or access rights. In most cases the parents will come to a joint decision, sometimes via mediation to ensure the interests of the child are kept at the forefront of any agreement.
The financial agreement sets out how money and property will be divided. Normally the courts do not have to proceed over the financial agreement but it is advisable to use a family law or divorce solicitor to make your agreement legally binding. If the matter does go to the courts you will have to prove that you have attended a meeting to work out whether mediation is a possible resolution.
The splitting of assets is a complex matter that relies on a number of factors including;
- The length of the marriage
- The financial assets
- Liabilities of the parties
- Any childrens requirements
This process is unique to each divorce and will be reliant on the willingness of each spouse.
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CONTACT
For further information, please contact our team on:
Jack Dash House
2 Lawn House Close
Isle of Dogs
London, E14 9YQ
Dx 42653 Isle of Dogs
Legal Services
OUR FIRM
Alexander JLO firmly believes in a “hands-on” approach to the law backed by personal attention to detail. Our experienced solicitors offer a friendly service, and are dedicated to providing highly professional and successful services by gaining an accurate understanding of each customer’s individual case and objectives. Our client-base includes small and medium-sized companies, large multinationals, as well as individuals.
Established in 1975, Alexander JLO (AJLO) is a highly respected firm of London solicitors with offices in the Canary Wharf Area of London Docklands. This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (registration number 258699) and is governed by rules of professional conduct which may be found at: www.sra.org.uk
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