How long does divorce take?

Uncontested divorces take about 6 months from start to finish – this includes the 20-week “reflection period” and 6-week waiting period built into the process. Complex cases involving children or financial disputes can take 12-18 months or longer, depending on how cooperative your ex is. We can often speed things up by running financial negotiations alongside the divorce process. We’ll give you realistic timescales from day one and update you regularly on progress.

What am I entitled to in the divorce?

There’s no automatic 50/50 split despite what many people think. The court considers your contributions (both financial and as a homemaker), the length of your marriage, your ages and health, your future earning capacity, and your children’s needs. If you’ve been married for less than 5 years with no children, you might keep what you brought into the marriage. Longer marriages typically result in more equal sharing. We’ll assess your specific situation and fight for what you legally deserve – which is often more than people initially think.

Can I stop my spouse from getting half of everything?

Depending on your circumstances, absolutely. Pre-marital assets, inheritances, gifts from family, and business assets you owned before marriage can often be protected. If your spouse has behaved badly (affairs, domestic violence, wasting money), this can affect their entitlement. If you’ve been the main earner and your spouse contributed little, or if it’s a short marriage, you may keep more. We use expert financial analysis to present the strongest case for protecting your assets.

What if my spouse won't agree to the divorce?

Since April 2022, the good news is you don’t need your spouse’s agreement to get divorced. We can proceed with a “no fault” divorce that they can’t contest – no more having to prove adultery or unreasonable behaviour. They’ll receive papers and have the opportunity to respond, but they can’t stop the divorce itself. However, they can still disagree about how to divide money and arrange children’s living situations. This is where having experienced solicitors becomes crucial to protect your interests.

What if I'm worried about domestic violence?

Your safety and your children’s safety come first, always. We can apply for emergency Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders within 24-48 hours to legally protect you. These can stop your ex from contacting you, coming to your home, or coming near your workplace or children’s school. We work closely with local refuges and support services, and can arrange for papers to be served through the court to avoid direct contact. All our domestic violence work is handled with absolute sensitivity and confidentiality.

Can I get divorced if we were married abroad?

Usually yes, provided you or your spouse is habitually resident in England and Wales. We regularly handle divorces from marriages that took place in other countries – whether religious ceremonies abroad, destination weddings, or marriages from when you lived overseas. The complexity comes with international assets, foreign property, or if your ex lives abroad. We have specialist expertise in cross-border family law and work with international lawyers when needed to ensure your overseas assets are properly protected.

What happens to our house?

The family home is usually the biggest asset and most contentious issue. Options include: one person keeping it (by offsetting other assets or taking on the mortgage), selling it and splitting the proceeds, or delaying the sale until children are older. If there are children, the parent with main custody often has a stronger claim to stay in the home. We’ll get an up-to-date valuation and explore every option to achieve the best outcome for your family’s circumstances.

What if my spouse is self-employed or owns a business?

Business-owning spouses often try to minimise their income or claim the business is worthless. We instruct forensic accountants to properly value businesses and examine lifestyle vs. declared income. We can obtain court orders forcing disclosure of business records, bank statements, and tax returns. Our goal is to ensure you get your fair share of the business value without destroying the income source your family depends on. We’ve handled everything from corner shops to multi-million pound enterprises.

Divorce Solicitors

When your relationship ends, you need trusted legal support

When your marriage ends, the decisions you make today affect the rest of your life. At Nelsons, we’ve helped thousands of people across Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham navigate divorce with dignity and secure their future – for over 40 years.

We won’t let you be bullied, taken advantage of, or left with nothing. Our job is to protect you, your children, and your financial future during this difficult time.

Our divorce services

We handle everything so you don’t have to:

Divorce and separation – From filing papers to final decree – we guide you through every legal step
Financial settlements – Fighting for your fair share of property, pensions, savings, and businesses
Child arrangements – Securing time with your children and proper support arrangements
Domestic violence protection – Urgent legal protection when you or your children are at risk
International divorces – Complex cases involving overseas assets or foreign marriages
Prenuptial agreements – Protecting your assets before marriage or civil partnership

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Why Choose Nelsons?

Proven Track Record

We’re ranked in The Legal 500 for excellence in family law and rated ‘Excellent’ by clients on ReviewSolicitor. With one of the largest family law teams in the East Midlands and over 40 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families through difficult transitions.
Resolution First

We prioritise Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through mediation and negotiation to help you reach fair agreements without court stress. When court action is necessary, our experienced team will represent you with determination and skill.
Flexible Payment Options

We understand divorce shouldn’t add financial stress to an already difficult time. That’s why we offer fixed-fee services for straightforward cases, flexible payment plans to spread costs, and legal aid where eligible. Our transparent pricing means no hidden fees or surprises. We’ll discuss the best payment option during your initial consultation.

Get In Touch

Divorce isn't just about ending a marriage - it's about securing your future independence, protecting your children, and making sure you get what you deserve after years of marriage.

We've protected thousands of people during divorce. Let us protect you.

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Hannah Bridgwood
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