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 18 April 2025
This divorce started off as a very stressful time for me, but the professional support, on a very specialised subject, provided by Rothera Bray, made all the difference... I can only describe Rebecca as my “GUARDIAN ANGEL” who manifested in human form to offer guidance, support and protection. At the very first telephone call I had with Rebecca, I could sense only fantastic positive vibes, that made me feel comfortable.
A Mullath
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Posted 11 April 2025
I recently had the pleasure of working with Rothera Bray Solicitors during a challenging divorce process, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Their guidance and support were invaluable, making a difficult time much more manageable. A special shout-out to Rebecca Hudson, my solicitor, who was exceptional throughout the entire process. Rebecca's expertise, compassion, and dedication were evident from our first interaction. She provided clear, practical advice and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small. Her professionalism and empathy helped me navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and peace of mind.
Paul
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Posted 1 April 2025
Emma Adcock has by far been outstanding in all aspects of her role. Nothing was ever too much, her quick response to my questions (there were many!) and her knowledge and professionalism were outstanding. Again I cannot express how grateful I am to her. I have felt heard and my situation understood fully. I would highly recommend Rotheras Bray.
Kelly Neave
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Posted 31 March 2025
Thank you for checking in, I am so happy it is over I feel like a new woman. You have been amazing I really appreciate everything you have done for me.
Divorce Client
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Posted 14 March 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Emily on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. From the very start, she was clear, supportive, and highly responsive, making what could have been a stressful process feel much more manageable. Emily's attention to detail and ability to explain complex legal matters in a straightforward way gave me confidence throughout. She handled everything efficiently and kept me informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. I highly recommend Emily to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled solicitor. Her expertise and client-focused approach truly set her apart. Thank you, Emily, for your outstanding work!
L Malcolm
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Posted 10 March 2025
On a personal note, I know there is still some way to go, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your help and sage advice you have provided. It is really appreciated and it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you. Thank you!
Family Law Client
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Posted 20 February 2025
I cannot fault the service and advice I have received from Rebecca and Cindy throughout my difficult, acrimonious and complicated divorce. They have helped me get my life back on track. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation to mine.
Mr H
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Posted 4 February 2025
I highly recommend Emma Adcock at Rothera Bray solicitors, she was most knowledgeable and helpful as well as understanding of my needs to implement my financial settlement and clean break order. She was easy to talk too, was not pushy and explained everything in easy to understand language when you are going through difficult and challenging times you need someone like Emma there to help and guide you and that she did. Thank you for all you did for me and my children.
K Ryan
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Posted 23 January 2025
Emily Sherwood at Rothera Bray was a brilliant solicitor from start to finish. She was thorough, efficient, kind, helpful and I couldn’t have got through it all without her. Her expertise and knowledge was second to none which gave me the reassurance I needed at various points. I couldn’t recommend Emily highly enough, a true professional who supported me wholeheartedly every step of the way.
Gemma
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Posted 17 January 2025
Emily Sherwood was absolutely brilliant throughout my child arrangement proceedings. Emily demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and compassion, ensuring that every step of the process was handled meticulously. Her guidance and dedication gave me the confidence to navigate a challenging situation, and her commitment to achieving the best possible outcome truly shone through. Thanks to Emily's expertise and support, we achieved the right outcome for my family. I am incredibly grateful for her hard work and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of a first-class solicitor.
TM
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Posted 12 November 2024
I want to thank you for your advice and suggested next steps including assistance with my final statement, which played a significant part in the court's final decision making, which I believe is in the best possible outcome for my children’s future. You got to the bottom of the issue straight away and provided simple and effective advice which made a huge difference to the outcome. I spent over a year using another solicitor whose advice in hindsight prolonged the whole process – whereas you simply got to the point which achieved the desired outcome. I also want to thank you for being there for me and caring about the best possible outcome happening, this spirit of going above and beyond makes your services very special and sets you aside from at least some of the other firms out there providing similar services. You are a credit to Rothera Bray.
Mr H
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Posted 9 October 2024
I have used Rothera Bray and do not usually leave reviews. My solicitor was Emily Sherwood she was fantastic. I hopefully never need to use them again but if it I do I would definitely try to get Emily again. She was very friendly did everything that I asked and advised me on things I did not even think about. Thank you
Leanne
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner & Chairwoman
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 matters.
Joanne Millward
Partner & Head of Family Law
Joanne Millward is Head of Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.
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.
Rebecca Emeleus
Family Partner & Head of Talent & Resourcing
Rebecca is a Partner in the family team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.
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.
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.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
Emma Adcock
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.
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 Lace Market and Derby offices.
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.
Emily Sherwood
Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Cindy Dodd
Senior Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s 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 Family 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.