Family and Divorce

The beginning and end to a family relationship brings emotional and financial challenges. We are compassionate and creative in our approach. We listen and provide a clear strategy to achieve the best outcome for you and your family. 

We are recognised nationally and internationally as one of the best teams of family lawyers in the country for our expertise in both financial cases and cases relating to children. We assist clients from all walks of life and at all stages, whether at the beginning of a relationship and planning a future (for example before a wedding or when relocating to the UK) or at the end of a relationship. Many of our clients or their spouses have international connections, are high net worth or ultra high net worth individuals or professionals, and may have a public profile. The breadth of our firm’s expertise means we can provide a full-service approach, working alongside our immigration, private client, reputation management and criminal law colleagues.

We will work with you in ways that best suit your needs. That may involve us guiding and advising in the background or representing you in the courts. Regardless of how you want to use our services, we will support you and put you and your family’s interests first.

Please see below for the range of services we offer and ways in which we can assist you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long can it take to get divorced?

We talk about “getting divorced” but in legal terms applying for divorce is just the first step in disentangling your married lives. From our perspective, the divorce itself is procedural and will take at minimum of 6 months due to the court mandated timetable.

However, it is unusual to finalise a divorce without agreeing a financial settlement and that can often take much longer. Even if you were to proceed through the standard court process, it is hard to predict the timetable given a lack of resource in the court system which can lead to delay. We would envisage it taking at least a year, if not longer. However, many of our clients opt to use the private system (for example, arbitration) which can help to speed the matter up and this is certainly something we can explore with you. With our support and advice, we also find that many of our clients are able to reach an agreement much earlier, thus avoiding the need to pursue the court process to its end.

How much will it cost?

Family law work is, by its nature, unpredictable. It is therefore extremely difficult to predict every step that will occur in your matter, and how long it will take to resolve.

However, once we have an understanding of your situation we will be able to estimate your likely costs. We will provide you with details of our hourly rates in advance of our first meeting, and at that meeting we should be able to provide you with a bracket of estimated costs should you decide to proceed. A more detailed estimate will be included in your engagement letter and will be reviewed and updated from time to time, as necessary.

Our fees will be based on the amount of time spent on your file. Lawyers of varying seniority will have different hourly rates. The engagement letter will include further detail on the way in which we charge. Our regular invoices will also keep you fully informed of the level of fees you are incurring.

We will be more than happy to discuss how we can work together to manage your costs at any time.

How to apply for a divorce

There is only one ground for divorce in England and Wales, which is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This diagram here sets out the process clearly, and we can of course talk you through it in the context of your own situation.

Changing your solicitor and obtaining a second opinion

We frequently speak with clients who are not receiving the support they should from their legal team and regularly take over cases from other solicitors at the beginning or part way through.

The process of changing solicitors during the course of your case is relatively straightforward and we will make it as painless as possible. If we believe that you have been poorly advised by your previous lawyers to the extent that you have suffered damage, then our dispute resolution team will be able to assist with issues of professional conduct, breach of contract and negligence. More details can be found here.

Domestic abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour - where can I find support?

We take a holistic approach to our advice and recognise the importance of seeking support, beyond legal advice. We are fortunate to have a top tier criminal law practice at Kingsley Napley, who we can work alongside to take a holistic view of your situation. Perhaps more importantly, we also have excellent links with professionals who can provide you with emotional and therapeutic support as you navigate the range of legal options available to you. More details can be found here.

Jargon buster

We will try our best to communicate with you in plain English, but unfortunately some technical language is unavoidable. We have produced a family law “jargon buster” to help you understand some of the terms you will hear most frequently 

wHAT IS SAID ABOUT US

The family team are extremely competent, friendly and approachable."

Legal 500, 2025

High-powered, well-respected team with strength in depth. They have seen it all, done it all, and well."

Legal 500, 2025

Kingsley Napley has an excellent technical and human approach. They have very strong partners and very promising associates."

Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide 2024

Kingsley Napley are incredibly proficient and have exceptional attention to detail. They are swift to respond, deft, and empathetic in dealing with very personal and emotional situations."

Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide 2024

Kingsley Napley are adept at navigating complex issues on behalf of their clients and have a team of highly skilled lawyers."

Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide 2024

Kingsley Napley lawyers are masters at handling the most complex of financial cases in an understated and slick way."

Chambers HNW 2023

Kingsley Napley's family team is competent, thorough and empathetic."

Chambers HNW 2023

What makes The Family team stand out is without a doubt its ethos and its mission to always hold children’s wellbeing at the centre of its work."
Legal 500, 2023

A real powerhouse in the family law market. They have a brilliance in that team that I find unmatched. They are one of the best teams in London. They approach cases in a fantastic way."
Chambers UK, 2023

What you get with the team is a real understanding that the work and the client don't just need lawyers but also a listening ear and a friend to hold your hand in the darkest moments in your life."
Chambers UK, 2023

An incredibly well resourced, well respected firm. They have a strong international presence and are commercially astute."
Legal 500, 2023

They are one of the most respected firms in London for family matters. They give you a phenomenal service."

Chambers UK, 2023

Reliable, sensible, thorough, thoughtful and easy to deal with."

Chambers UK, 2023

Superb team from top to bottom."

Chambers UK, 2023

The mediation team offers real strength and depth. The firm is committed to mediation and a genuine alternative for clients."

Legal 500, 2023

They are flexible and extremely able so provide a top notch service for mediation clients."

Legal 500 UK, 2023

In my experience, I’ve always found they bring genuine heart and humanity to their work, driven to change the culture around divorce."

Legal 500 UK, 2023

Contact our family lawyers

If you require further information or advice from our team of specialist family lawyers, please contact a member of our team, email us or call us on +44 (0)20 7814 1200. Alternatively you can submit a brief online enquiry here.