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.
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Posted 6 January 2026
Emma was very calm and professional, her advice was spot on especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as the children.
S.S
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Posted 17 December 2025
Simply the best! Gurpreet was kind considerate took time to listen and I couldn’t have had a better outcome nothing was to much for him always there to help. Extremely knowledgeable would high recommend this company very professional.
Maria
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Posted 11 December 2025
Thank you for all of your help, guidance and support over the past 15 months. It has been greatly appreciated.
JN
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Posted 9 December 2025
This has been one of the most horrible years of my life, and going through a divorce is not something I would wish on anyone. But if you do have to go through it, it makes a huge difference knowing that you have a supportive lawyer to work with and that was definitely my experience of working with Sarah Gill. What really stood out for me was how well Sarah listened and heard me...She was also excellent at explaining the key background areas of law I needed to understand as I went into mediation. More than anything, Sarah’s way of working felt like a genuine partnership. I know this might sound cheesy, but it truly felt like she had my back. That support meant I could make informed decisions about my future during an incredibly difficult time. I honestly cannot thank you enough, Sarah, for all your help. I would highly recommend reaching out to her if you are looking for a solicitor who is supportive, compassionate, and highly responsive.
Anonymous
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Posted 28 November 2025
I’m glad I had Emily guide me through all the way through what has been the hardest part of my life, been around 3 years and today I got the decision I never thought I’d get. Again props to Emily for guiding and road mapping what has been a difficult time. Sorting out court dates, prepping for court, offering support and advice. It couldn’t of been done without you Emily so we as a family will be forever grateful.
Leyton
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Posted 13 November 2025
Emily was really good and helped last minute but nothing was too much trouble . She did a fantastic job wouldn't hesitate if I needed a solicitor again. 5 star service.
Laura
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Posted 12 November 2025
I recently engaged Ewan Paton from Rothera Bray – he was approachable, professional, and genuinely understanding throughout a difficult time. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and always made me feel at ease. His calm and practical approach gave me great confidence, and I couldn’t have asked for better support. I’d highly recommend Ewan to anyone needing reliable and compassionate legal advice.
Mr Morrison
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Posted 12 November 2025
I was with another firm but as soon as I seen the reviews on this firm I changed to this firm. I cannot recommend this firm enough. I have had Gabriella and Hannah working on my case they are a credit to this firm also informing me on my case. Raising any issues immediately. Very polite and professional. I would recommend anyone using this firm.
Hannah
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Posted 11 November 2025
I can’t thank the team enough for everything they’ve done for me and my children. From start to finish, the whole company have been absolutely brilliant — always putting our needs and wishes first and supporting us every step of the way. Their communication, care, and understanding have been second to none. A special mention has to go to Emily, who is truly one in a million. She went above and beyond to make sure I felt heard, reassured, and fully supported throughout what was one of the most difficult times in my life. I’d highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a solicitor who genuinely cares about both you and your family. Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done.
Nathan
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Posted 7 November 2025
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service from Emily Sherwood at Rothera Bray. Navigating a stressful situation, She provided calm, expert guidance and communicated clearly throughout the process. Her knowledge was evident, and she was always one step ahead. She successfully handled my case, and I felt supported and informed every step of the way. I highly recommend her services and would definitely use her again. Thank you very much Emily.
Ryan S
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Posted 3 November 2025
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for all your help and kindness over the past year sorting out my consent order. You have made life so much easier for both myself and my parents.
Mrs C
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Posted 2 November 2025
I emailed a number of solicitors around Nottingham about taking on my divorce case. Most didn't reply. Emma Adcock contacted me by phone, that same day, for an initial chat. I was having a really awful, stressful time, but after speaking with Emma, I felt confident that she would guide me through the process. She's vey approachable, and I felt I could contact her with all manner of queries
Alison
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.