We offer an initial consultation with a solicitor to help you consider your options for free.
You will come away with advice on your own difficulties, how best to resolve matters, and an idea of the likely costs.
This is a one-off appointment and you are under no obligation to instruct us after this.
At MD Family Law, we will always try to accommodate the needs of working clients, and wherever possible we offer ‘work friendly’ appointments for our clients.
On average a straightforward divorce should take around 5 to 6 months. However, as with most things delays can happen. For example, your wife/husband may not confirm receipt of the divorce papers by signing the form sent to him/her by the Court; or the form may not be completed correctly. At all times we will keep you up to date on what is happening. If there are issues surrounding property or money then the conclusion of the divorce proceedings may be delayed until these have been satisfactorily resolved.
What you can expect from your lawyer will depend on what you hire them to do, but on a typical file, your lawyer can be expected to do the following: attend court appearances on your behalf; obtain and review the prosecution’s file; inform you of the alleged facts and of your legal jeopardy; research comparable cases and your defences at trial; formulate an opinion of your chances of success at both trial and at resolution; negotiate resolution with the Crown prosecutor (if directed); prepare for and attend trial; and prepare for and attend sentencing.
We can advise you how best to protect yourself and the children in situations of domestic violence it is often necessary to consider all the possible options and to act quickly to protect you and your family. Where necessary we will make emergency applications to the Court.
If you have children then it is very important that their lives are affected as little as possible by the separation. The children need to know that no matter what troubles you are going through, you love them just as much as ever. It is the parents themselves who often make the best arrangements for the children. However, we all know that this is not always possible. We will help you to achieve the best possible outcome for you and the children. We offer a sympathetic approach to all situations involving children and will give you a realistic indication of what would happen if a Judge were to decide such arrangements.
Often when a relationship breaks down there will be money or property to be shared out. The simplest and cheapest way is by reaching an amicable agreement but for whatever reason, this may not always be possible. If you need to know more about your entitlement then we at MD Family Law can help. Our help can be anything from advising you, writing letters on your behalf, or preparing agreements. We can also arrange for you to attend mediation as another way to try and settle matters without having to go to Court. If all else fails then we will advise and represent you through the Court proceedings.
