There is only one ground for divorce, which is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The divorce can be applied for jointly with the spouse or a sole application can be issued whereby the spouse will become Respondent to the proceedings.
The procedure for divorce has been simplified since the recent change in the law whereby parties to the marriage can apply on a no-fault basis and via the online portal which has been successful thus far.
An already difficult situation can be exacerbated if it is not handled with sensitivity and understanding.
We therefore, adopt a process to “soften” the impact of the process by a non-confrontational procedure that assists the parties in coming to terms with the breakdown of their marriage.
To make that first step in the process a little bit easier, we will happily discuss your case on the phone initially without obligation, and strictly on a private and confidential basis.
If you need legal advice in the following areas, Blythe Liggins can help:
Divorce and dissolution of marriages and civil partnership
Financial settlements, including pension sharing, valuation of assets, and hidden assets
High net worth and complex assets
Collaborative law and mediation
Children issues
Enforcement of divorce settlements
Cohabitants rights
Children and divorce matters that occur overseas
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
If you need advice from a specialist lawyer to support you, get in touch to book an initial consultation.
Sophia has specialised in family law since 2007. She heads our family law Department, having previously headed a childcare Department and throughout her practice has always focused on providing excellent client care.
Sophia has an understanding and personable demeanour and is able to understand the needs of clients during this difficult period of their lives. She is also able to take a robust view and is realistic about what can be achieved in terms of reaching a settlement.
Sophia understands the financial challenges that need to be overcome to reach a financial settlement that is fair and reasonable, meets the needs of the parties and in accordance with the law puts the children first. She is able to advise clients in connection with the options that are available to them and assist them in making important decisions regarding the settlement of finance and property cases. Sophia also has the tenacity to take matters through the court process where cases do not settle.
Sophia has experience of dealing with finance and property matters and understands the dynamics of business whether in the guise of a private limited company, partnerships or professional entities.
Sophia is a member of Resolution, a member of the Association of lawyers for Children and an accredited member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.
Sophia is able to provide clients with expert legal advice in respect of any family matters including:
Divorce
Financial matters
Children act issues including guardianship issues and acting for grandparents.
Civil partnerships
Pre-nuptial agreements
Separation agreements
Cohabitation agreements
Injunctive proceedings including freezing orders.
Away from the office, Sophia is the Legal Advisor and Chair of a local Fostering Agency dealing with applications of prospective foster carers. Sophia is also a school Governor of a primary school and provides language tuition in her spare time.
Outside of work, Sophia loves to spoil her two little boys and keeps them busy and entertained. She loves to read, listen to music, run (when time allows) and long country walks. She also enjoys a full social life including music shows, cinema, dancing, dining and wining especially when her best friend, Champagne, is available.
** PLEASE NOTE THAT LOUISE IS CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE**
Louise has specialised in family law since 2014 having trained at a tier one national firm in Birmingham.
Louise assists clients through the often very difficult experience of relationship breakdown. Her work includes advising clients in relation to divorce, both complex and straightforward financial arrangements as well as cohabitation issues. Louise also advises in respect of wealth protection and preparing pre and post-marital agreements. Louise has also been instructed in respect of enforcement proceedings and applications to set aside financial agreements on the basis of non-disclosure.
Louise regularly advises professionals and business owners and appreciates the need to tailor settlements according to the assets involved and providing a commercial and common-sense approach to resolving matters.
Louise has a particular interest in advising clients in respect of children issues. Louise has experience of advising on international relocation cases as well as internal relocation cases within the UK jurisdiction. Louise regularly advises on arrangements for children in terms of the time they spend with each parent and has considerable experience advising clients in respect of children matters which involve issues of domestic and/or substance abuse as well as complex parental alienation cases.
Louise fully understands that relationship breakdown can be one of the most challenging experiences that a client has to face. Louise listens to clients in order to help them achieve their aims. This may involve different methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation, collaborative law, Arbitration or ultimately court proceedings.
Litigation is sometimes unavoidable. When it becomes necessary it is important that any proceedings are dealt with professionally and efficiently. Louise assists not only with the legal issues that arise but also the practical issues, to ensure the process is as easy and straightforward as possible.
Louise has been referenced in the Legal 500 2021 as:
“…Louise is an excellent solicitor. She is robust but also fair – a real star‘.
