Divorce and Family Law Solicitors in Market Harborough
How our experienced Market Harborough family law solicitors can help you
Our dedicated team can cover all your family law needs, whether that’s finances, children, relationship agreements and more.
- Divorce and Separation Agreements
- Dividing Assets
- Finances On Divorce
- Children matters – including contact and ‘custody’ of children
- Prohibited steps orders
- Cohabitation/Living Together Agreements
- Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
- Alternative court resolution/how to avoid court
- Clean Break Consent Orders
- Injunctions
Market Harborough’s surrounding area is quite rural. As such, we even have solicitors specialising in the complexities of farming divorces.
Rothera Bray: your high street divorce and family law solicitors
Our experienced team have the expertise to address a wide spectrum of family law services.
We offer:
- A fixed-fee initial consultation lasting up to an hour for £300 (inclusive of VAT) with no obligation. Your first call to us is always free.
- Flexible communication options, including: phone, email, video calls and face-to-face meetings in our Market Harborough office or nearby
- Use of online court systems to speed up processes
- Guidance on self-help divorce services
- Direct communication with a qualified family law professional from the outset, who will remain with you until resolution
- Transparent and up-front fee structures and financing alternatives
- Membership in Resolution shows our dedication to resolving issues constructively. One of our solicitors is the Chair of Resolution Leicestershire.
- Accreditation as Family Law specialists by the Law Society, including membership in the Family Law Accreditation Scheme and the Children Law Panel
- Exploration of alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration as alternatives to court proceedings
- Personalised service tailored to your specific needs to ensure desired outcomes
- Access to a network of professional contacts, including accountants, independent financial advisors, counsellors and mediators – should you need support in these areas
Local solicitors mean local value
Our Market Harborough solicitors possess over 120 years’ combined family law experience.
We’re part of a firm that’s been serving the public for over 200 years, so we have a breadth of expertise surpassing even the largest family law practitioners.
Yet we’re based in an office on Market Harborough High Street.
Send us a message
“Our friendly solicitors offer comprehensive family law advice and representation across Market Harborough, Corby, Kettering, Hinckley, Rutland and Northampton.”
Sarah Gill
Family Law Partner
Our divorce and family law services
We can also help you apply for a Prohibited Steps Order, which can prevent a parent from carrying out an action or making a decision about the child without the Court's permission.
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.
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.
Lorraine Lloyd
Paralegal
Lorraine is a Paralegal in the Family Department based at our Market Harborough office.
Frequently asked questions about divorce and family law
How do I get divorced?
To start divorce proceedings, the marriage must have lasted for at least one year. While the marriage can have occurred anywhere globally, divorce applications are only accepted in England and Wales if either spouse meets specific residence conditions or lives in the region.
The divorce process is typically conducted online, minimising the need for court appearances. However, if one party contests the proceedings, a different procedure applies, although contested cases are uncommon.
Who can file for a divorce?
Either party to the marriage, individually or jointly, can file for divorce. In the case of a joint application, both parties share responsibility for the application and can agree on how to cover the court fees.
How long does a divorce take?
A divorce or dissolution typically requires at least six months to complete due to the mandatory 20-week waiting period in England and Wales.
However, the process may extend longer if additional issues regarding finances, property, or children need resolution, which are handled separately from the divorce application.
What is a conditional order (decree nisi)?
Once the respondent spouse acknowledges receipt of the divorce petition and at least 20 weeks have elapsed since the start of proceedings, the petitioner can apply for a conditional order, previously termed as decree nisi. This order confirms the court’s view that there are no obstacles to proceeding with the divorce.
What is a final order (decree absolute)?
Following the conditional order, a further six-week waiting period ensues before the petitioner can apply for a final order. This used to be called a ‘decree absolute’. This document marks the official conclusion of the divorce.
What does a family law solicitor do?
Our family law solicitors in Market Harborough specialise in providing guidance on divorce proceedings and facilitating dispute resolution within families. Whether you require representation during a divorce or domestic abuse case, our solicitors can assist you or your family member.
Additionally, we offer services for drafting pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements for married couples or those in civil partnerships, ensuring peace of mind for the future. Matters concerning children and care proceedings are also within our expertise, including negotiations for Child Arrangement Orders that determine parental responsibilities and residence arrangements.
Our experience also extends to various other aspects of family law, such as: relationship breakdown advice for unmarried couples, cohabitation agreements, financial matters, and civil partnership law. We prioritise dispute resolution and negotiation to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, especially in cases involving family court.
Why should I use a family law solicitor in Market Harborough?
Choosing a local family law solicitor offers several advantages, including personalised face-to-face consultations, a deeper understanding of local services, and enhanced accessibility.
Establishing an in-person relationship is particularly beneficial for sensitive legal matters like divorce, allowing our Market Harborough-based family law specialists to provide tailored support and establish a strong connection with clients.
With Rothera Bray, you can access a highly-competent family solicitor local to you, while avoiding the fees associated with London and other city firms.
Dividing finances during divorce: what you need to know about consent orders
One of the most challenging aspects of any separation is deciding who gets what, and how to make those decisions legally binding. Whether it’s the family home, pensions, savings, or other assets, reaching a fair financial settlement is crucial for moving forward with confidence and clarity.
Are current financial settlements fair and consistent?
With the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 – which governs marriage and divorce law in the UK and Wales – now 50 years old, a review has been commissioned. The review is to find out whether this legislation is still useful in helping the Courts and the Judiciary reach fair settlements for divorcing couples – or whether it’s time for an overhaul.
What rights do grandparents have to see their grandchildren?
In recent years applications to Court by grandparents have become increasingly common. Sadly, when relationships break down, especially acrimoniously, it often affects who the children can spend time with.
Compulsory mediation and the importance of getting advice early on family matters
With the family courts facing unrelenting backlogs due to the number of separating couples attempting to reach a settlement in court, in 2023 the government launched a consultation to determine whether mediation should be made compulsory for all ‘suitable low-level’ family court cases.
Family Law Solicitor Charley Kelly becomes new committee member for Resolution Leicestershire
Our Family Law Solicitor Charley Kelly has become a new committee member for Resolution Leicestershire.
Top Tips for Co-Parenting During the School Holidays
As some counties head into the Easter school break, our latest Child Care blog has advice on how divorced or separated parents can plan ahead to ensure smooth co-parenting during the school holidays.