Divorce can be an extremely difficult time for those involved and emotions can be highly-charged. We are well aware of the distress which is experienced by people going through this process, As such we are sympathetic to these factors and we offer guidance and assurance in equal measure as you (and your family if appropriate) move through the process.

Owen Evans heads our team in this area. He has over 25-years experience. Owen is also a member of Resolutions, a family law panel (see heading 'Children' within 'In More Detail' section below).

We can offer you an initial consultation free-of-charge. In some respects this would be a getting-to-know you meeting with Owen Evans to ensure that Owen and the client could work together. This is central to our professional ethos at Almy & Thomas as we believe that it is essential that our clients have complete trust and confidence in Mr Evans’ professional knowledge, because they will work as a team in all aspects of any legal dispute. The other purpose of the initial, free meeting would be to identify legal issues and discuss the basis for legal charges.

We deal with a number of family law issues in the following areas:

Divorce itself is a relatively straightforward procedure, which does not necessarily require the client to attend court on any occasion. The time scale for obtaining a Decree Nisi from the commencement of proceedings is in the region of four to six months.

This is a growing area of work for legal firms. The increase in this area is due to the relative success of the economy over the last 15 years. The increase in the value of private pensions and developed legal issues has also contributed to the growth in this area.

Owen is a member of Resolutions, who are committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Wherever possible, negotiations regarding parental rights will often lead to settlement of residence and contact disputes regarding children. If all else fails then mediation is available (see below).

Mediation is an important tool in all litigation matters, which of course includes family disputes. There is a benefit to the client as mediation can mean that pursuing a case through the courts can be avoided, which can also mean a substantial cost saving for the client.

The court fees in issuing a divorce petition are £340. To obtain a Decree Absolute costs £45 together with solicitors fees of approximately £400 plus VAT. Total charges for a divorce can be in the region of just over £800.

In more detail...

If you would like more detailed and specific information on Divorce and Separation, then please read on...

Divorce itself is a relatively straightforward procedure, which does not necessarily require the client to attend court on any occasion. The time scale for obtaining a Decree Nisi in a divorce case, from commencement of the proceedings is in the region of four to six months.

Almy & Thomas do not necessarily apply for the Decree Absolute until financial issues pertaining to the divorce are finalised.

The case of White v. White set out the principle of equality in financial disputes ancillary to divorce. Miller and McFarlane also identified further legal principles, for example, compensation for loss of financial benefit subsequent to divorce. Almy & Thomas have access to professional Actuaries to value pension rights and analyse the benefit of pension entitlement, which is essential in divorce finance.

Owen Evans has been dealing with divorce and child disputes over the last 25 years he is also a member of Resolutions, a family law panel, who are committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Their members follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Members encourage solutions that consider the needs of the whole family - and in particular the best interests of children.

Wherever possible, negotiations regarding parental rights will often lead to settlement of residence and contact disputes regarding children. If all else fails then mediation is available.

Mediation is now an important tool in all litigation matters, which of course includes family disputes. Professional mediators can be appointed on behalf of both parties. It is the policy of Almy & Thomas to automatically advise each and every client in any litigation dispute of the availability of mediation.

Please do not hesitate to discuss your wishes with our Firm’s Partner, Mr Owen Evans.

Tel: 01803 299131
Fax: 01803 200399

Or send an online enquiry.