getting divorced?

Getting Divorced?

If you are thinking about getting divorced here are a few things to think about.

1. Free Interview/Fixed fee interview

Most firms will offer you a first free interview or a low fixed fee option. You should take advantage of this and book an appointment with at least 3 solicitors so that you can choose the person that you feel comfortable with. Don't choose the first person you meet as you will have no comparison. These days firms might offer price transparency information so you can shop around for an affordable quote.

2. Fixed Fee Divorce

Many firms offer a fixed fee service, in those cases it is a good idea to find out who will be doing the paperwork as it might be a junior solicitor or even a paralegal. Sometimes, it is cheaper to pay an hourly rate, other times it is cheaper to pay a fixed fee. You should always know who is doing the work, is it the solicitor or their paralegal/secretary?

You should be aware that the Government have developed a portal so that you can start proceedings yourself, without the need to get a solicitor involved. Solicitors may not be that keen to let you know that the portal is easy to use, https://www.gov.uk/divorce

It will probably take in the region of 20 minutes for you to complete the first step of the divorce process online, you will need to pay the filing fee which is currently £550. You may need to speak to a solicitor about financial division, children and any domestic abuse issues.

It could be disadvantageous for you to finish your divorce without sortng out your finances first, make sure you speak to a solicitor about these matters before applying for the decree absolute.

3. Bespoke Divorce Service

Some people will need to pay for a bespoke service, this is paid for on an hourly rate. If the proceedings are defended then you should expect to pay for this service. Although most people expect their divorce to be defended the costs are prohibitive and the vast majority (estimated at 95%) are not defended.Happily the divorce law is due to change in 2021 and it will no longer be possible to defend a divorce. This should make the whole process cheaper and less stressful.

In House Course Testimonial

‘Mena Ruparel is a knowledgeable, authoritative and engaging Lecturer who encouraged the delegates to interact with her; ‘Hot Topics in Family Finance’ contained a wealth [excuse the pun] of useful information for Family Lawyers’

Paralegal Testimonial

I first met Mena whilst studying for my undergraduate law degree during my placement year at Goodhand and Forsyth, where she was engaged as a consultant solicitor in the firm’s family department. I was initially interviewed for my position at Goodhand and Forsyth by Mena and she later became my training supervisor.

Teaching testimonial

"I first met Mena a few years ago, just a couple of years after I started practicing family law. Mena was lecturing near Regent Street and I remember it being all about matrimonial finance for family lawyers. I was immediately struck by her warmth and she engaged straightaway with me and was interested in what I had to say.

Consultant Testimonial

"Mena Ruparel is one of those disarming persons who mixes her knowledge, skill and experience with a generous personality and good natured practicality.

Her vast competence is reflected in her position as a senior matrimonial practitioner, lecturer, trainer and arbitrator.

Best testimonial

"I would though like to take the opportunity of saying that having attended family law and other subject courses over 36 years I have never found any lecturer better than Mena Ruparel".

Pension specialist testimonial

"I've worked with Mena on many divorce cases and found her to be technically excellent. She always has a firm understanding of her clients position and what is right for them."

Client testimonial

"I am writing to let you know how happy I have been with the help Mena has been to me through what has been the most difficult time in my life."

Delegate testimonial

“The best seminar I have ever been to and possibly the most knowledgeable speaker – lots of extra content about the cases which makes it interesting.”

Arbitration testimonial

"Mena and I very successfully worked together on an Arbitration to deal with the financial aspects of a divorce, which had a number of complicating features.

Blog writing testimonial

"Mena has been ghost writing informative family law pieces for our website and a variety of local press for some months now. Her suggested articles are topical and are written in an intelligent but easy to comprehend way for the lay person.

Mediator testimonial

Having known Mena Ruparel as a family lawyer advising and representing a considerable number of our mediation clients, I have no hesitation in strongly recommending her. I consider her to be ethical, highly competent and exceptionally focussed on helping clients in separation and divorce reach a dignified and fair conclusion.