Divorce Solicitors in the East Midlands
Ending a marriage or relationship can be a daunting process. There are many practical arrangements needing to be made at a time when emotions are running high.
Our expert divorce solicitors – based across the East Midlands – can guide you through the divorce process and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.
At Rothera Bray, our local divorce solicitors are experts in alternative dispute resolution. This means we can reduce conflict in divorce and avoid court proceedings wherever possible. That said, we also have the necessary expertise to represent our clients in court if required. We’ll tailor our approach to you and your individual needs.
You may be worried about issues such as finances, the family home or what will happen to your dependents. Rest assured, we can support you in coming to an agreement about these matters. We’ll do our best to help you maintain amicable relationships throughout the process.
Our experts can help you with matters including:
- Applying for and obtaining a divorce
- Reaching a financial settlement
- Making arrangements for children
Why choose Rothera Bray for your divorce?
Where possible, we’ll suggest alternative dispute resolution methods. These might include mediation, negotiation or arbitration. This is so an agreement is reached which avoids the costs of going to court.
If court proceedings are unavoidable, we’ll be on hand throughout, supporting and guiding you. In cases where specialist divorce advice on tax, trusts, pensions and property is needed, we can also help.
Our family law team includes members of Resolution. We’re also Law Society Children Panel members, demonstrating our ability to handle even the most complex issues.
Our expertise also extends to assisting in:
- negotiating child arrangements after a divorce or separation
- injunction orders in cases of domestic violence
- business or commercial issues that may arise from divorce or separation
With offices in Nottingham, Leicestershire and Derby, we can meet you in person, or by phone, email or virtual meetings.
Send us a message
“We’re committed to matching you with the best solicitor for your unique needs.”
Rebecca Emeleus
Family Law Partner
Our divorce services
Applying for and obtaining a divorce or dissolution
If you’d like to end your marriage you can apply for a divorce. In the case of a civil partnership, you can apply for a dissolution. The process is broadly the same for both.
A ‘no-fault’ divorce process was introduced in April 2022, which means you no longer need to provide a reason for your divorce or dissolution. This removes the need to apportion blame to one party for the end of the relationship.
You need to have been married for one year to get a divorce or dissolution. If you’ve been married for less than a year you can create a separation agreement.
Only one divorce application needs to be made to get a no-fault divorce. Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to do this jointly with your partner or submit a sole application.
Our divorce solicitors can guide you through the process of applying for and obtaining a divorce. We provide clear and practical advice to help you finalise your divorce quickly and efficiently whilst maintaining an amicable relationship where possible.
Reaching a financial settlement
The financial settlement can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. It has the potential to lead to plenty of disagreements. A financial settlement can include plans for a range of assets including property, savings, shares, pensions, other assets and debts.
In many cases, it will be possible to agree on the details of a financial settlement voluntarily. This can be assisted through alternative dispute resolution methods: negotiation, arbitration, mediation or collaboration.
If you can make a voluntary agreement, applying for a consent order makes the terms of this agreement binding. This avoids the risk of your spouse changing their mind in future.
If you can’t reach an agreement out of court, our divorce solicitors need to apply to a court for a Financial Order. This will decide how your matrimonial assets should be divided.
This allows both parties to move on with their lives without the possibility of future financial claims being made.
Making arrangements for children
Child arrangements can involve making plans for various aspects of your children’s lives. This could include where they live, contact, maintenance, relocation, grandparents’ rights and any other issues. It’s not just about ‘custody’.
As above, our divorce law solicitors can use alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation to help you settle these matters amicably.
If this isn’t possible, our divorce solicitors have the expertise to represent you during court proceedings. They’ll advocate for the best interests of you and your family.
FAQs
To start the divorce process, you begin by completing a divorce application. This application asks the court to grant the divorce and includes details about both parties. It will include a statement confirming the ‘irretrievable breakdown’ of the marriage, meaning there’s no chance of you getting back together.
If both spouses apply together, it’s called a joint application, and they’re known as joint applicants. If one spouse applies alone, they’re the applicant, and the other is the respondent.
The completed application, along with the marriage certificate and a court fee, is then sent to the court to begin the divorce proceedings.
If your spouse makes a sole application for divorce, you’ll be notified by the relevant court. You must reply within 14 days with an ‘acknowledgement of service’ form.
Once a divorce application has been issued, there will be a minimum 20-week waiting period before you can apply for a Conditional Order. This ‘cooling-off’ period gives couples time to reflect on their decision and make any necessary choices.
After the cooling-off period, the court will issue a Conditional Order, which is a legal document that establishes that there are no barriers to your divorce. This is sometimes called the ‘decree nisi’.
After obtaining a Conditional Order, you must wait at least six weeks before applying for a Final Order. Once the court issues you with the Final Order, your marriage will be officially dissolved. The Final Order is sometimes called the ‘decree absolute’.
If you’re getting divorced or dissolving your civil partnership, you or your ex-partner will need to pay the court fees.
You must pay whether you handle the divorce or dissolution yourself or use a solicitor.
The main court fees for a divorce in England and Wales include:
- An application to the court for a divorce or dissolution costs £652
- A judicial separation – if you want to legally separate but don’t want to end your marriage or civil partnership – costs £402
- A Consent Order to make your financial arrangements legally binding costs £58
- A Financial Order – if you need the court to decide how your assets will be divided – costs £303
Under the no-fault divorce process, a divorce will take a minimum of 26 weeks to complete: 20 weeks for the Conditional Order and six weeks for the Final Order.
However, most divorces will take longer than this. This is because of the added complications or making arrangements for finances and children.
If a marriage or civil partnership breaks down, you don’t have to have a divorce right away. Unlike a divorce, a separation agreement allows you to live apart but remain married.
Its purpose is to reach a voluntary joint agreement with your spouse. This could cover property, investments and children. You can incorporate this into a separation agreement or deed of separation to formalise the decisions.
Whilst they aren’t technically legally binding like a divorce, separation agreements are legal contracts. If the agreement has been negotiated fairly and written correctly, it could be upheld in court proceedings if challenged.
The Rothera Bray divorce lawyers can help draw up and negotiate a separation agreement.
stars
Posted 7 October 2025
I have received amazing support and service from Emily at Rother Bray. She has been brilliant throughout and has always answered any questions that I have and nothing has been too much trouble for her. Would highly recommend.
Hannah
stars
Posted 28 September 2025
Sarah Gill gave me great, clear, concise advice on a complicated matter.
Mr Palmer
stars
Posted 26 September 2025
I had an excellent experience with Rothera Bray Family Solicitors. From the outset, they truly listened and showed real empathy, which immediately gave me confidence that I was in safe hands. Their legal counsel was clear, practical and reassuring, and every query I raised was handled with genuine care and diligence. In particular, I would like to commend Emily Sherwood, who was instrumental in guiding me through the process. She provided structured and thoughtful advice that was easy to follow, which helped to significantly reduce the stress and anxiety these matters so often bring. I am deeply grateful for the support I received and would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray to anyone in need of professional, compassionate and reliable legal advice.
Peter
stars
Posted 25 September 2025
Absolutely excellent service! David Berridge was straight forward and very to the point, kept me in the loop throughout my case and handled it well with sound and logical advice. He was also conscious of the cost and always gave me options with explanation to each process as well as the possible cost it could incur. David acted in a timely manner, communicated well and was efficient in dealing with my divorce case. My parents as well as other family members have also utilised the services of Rothera Bray solicitors and they have always been professional, prompt and courteous when handling any of our cases.
Mayur N
stars
Posted 23 September 2025
I changed from a previous representative to Rothera Bray to handle a very messy and complicated case at almost the final stages. Gabriella and Hannah were amazing, they communicated with efficiency and empathy while remaining completely focused. The case was closed very shortly after Gabriella and Hannah worked there exceptional skills. Selecting an amazing advocate for court counsel I offer my highest recommendation for the this firm.
D.K.
stars
Posted 11 September 2025
David Berridge is the best solicitor in my experience. I had a very positive experience ,very professional and approachable and always explained things clearly. He kept me informed throughout the process. I would always recommend David Berridge if anyone needs legal support.
Vandana
stars
Posted 5 September 2025
David Berridge and Gita Patel have provided me with exceptional service over the past few years which I am very thankful for. It has taken a long time to resolve my issue, through no fault of ours, and with David’s experience and professionalism, his guidance and support, things were eventually worked out. Whenever David was on leave Gita was always there so that everything was ready for his return for our case to continue. Thank you to both of you. I will definitely recommend your services should someone I know require them.
GC
stars
Posted 2 September 2025
Previous solicitor messed up my case, so I changed my solicitors and got Rothera Bray to represent me. They looked out for me and actually listened to what I want out of this case, it ended in a positive outcome for myself and especially my boys. I can't thank them enough. Definitely would recommend them.
Umme
stars
Posted 26 August 2025
I went to Rothera Bray solicitors as they accepted Legal Aid, and I needed help with a non-molestation order. I also wanted to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. What started as a simple application soon changed due to the other party’s actions and behaviour. They helped and advised me every step of the way. I was never ignored and always felt like a valued client, even though I was a legal aid client, and I know that isn’t always the case with other firms. They applied for my legal aid on my behalf, which took the strain away from me. My case ran on for 17 months in total, and I was always treated by Skyler and Ann-Marie with importance and respect consistently. My case ended with me having all protective orders and a lives with order until my child is 16. I highly recommend using Rothera Bray, especially if it involves Domestic Abuse. The care and attention you require in those difficult circumstances is exactly what you need. I would go back to them if it were ever needed.
Private Children Law and Non-Molestation Orders client
stars
Posted 20 August 2025
Truly Outstanding Family Law Representation. I can’t thank Rothera Bray enough for their outstanding support during my family court case. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable about the process, but also showed real understanding and compassion throughout a very stressful time. Their advice was clear, practical, and always focused on what was best for my child. They handled every challenge with professionalism and confidence, which gave me peace of mind when I needed it most. If you’re looking for someone who truly knows family court inside and out, while also treating you like a person rather than just a case, I couldn’t recommend Gabriella Kent and Hannah Lilley highly enough.
CG
stars
Posted 18 August 2025
Emily Sherwood is a professional, supportive, informative solicitor who has put me at so much ease with discussing matters and ways to approach matters at hand. Her realistic approach has given me confidence in the legal knowledge she’s sharing with me.
R Rankin
stars
Posted 5 August 2025
I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Gabriella throughout the child arrangement proceedings. She approaches every aspect of the case with exceptional care, attention to detail, and genuine empathy. From the very beginning, she took the time to truly understand the unique complexities of my situation and the needs of my children. Her ability to balance legal precision with emotional sensitivity has been invaluable during such a difficult and personal process. What stands out most is how thoroughly she prepares — always referencing relevant case law, anticipating potential challenges, and providing clear, strategic advice tailored to my circumstances. I’ve never felt like just another client; she treats the case with the seriousness and dedication it deserves, and I feel fully supported and heard every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone navigating the family court system.
AH
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.
Rebecca Emeleus
Partner & Head of Family
Rebecca is a Partner in the family law team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.
David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.
Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
Joanne Millward
Partner
Joanne Millward has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.
Emma Adcock
Senior Associate Solicitor
Emma Adcock is a Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience across a wide range of family law matters arising from relationship breakdown. Working from our West Bridgford office in Nottingham, she has significant experience in divorce and the accompanying financial settlements.
Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.
Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
Rebecca Hudson
Solicitor
Rebecca is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and specialises in divorce and matrimonial work. She is based at our Lace Market office.
Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.
Christopher Monro
Senior Solicitor
Chris is an experienced solicitor dealing with most areas of Family and Matrimonial Law and is based at our Market Harborough office.
Ewan Paton
Solicitor
Ewan is a Solicitor in the Family Law department and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Katie Murden
Trainee Solicitor
Katie is a Trainee Solicitor in our Family Law department and is based at our Derby and Beeston offices.
Cindy Dodd
Managing Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Divorce and Family Law team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Gita Patel
Senior Legal Secretary
Gita Patel is a Senior Legal Secretary in the Family Law department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Leicester office.
Lorraine Lloyd
Paralegal
Lorraine is a Paralegal in the Divorce and Family Law department based at our Market Harborough office.
Tracey Cosgrove
Legal Secretary
Tracey is a legal secretary in the Family department based at our Leicester office.