Divorce Solicitors in Manchester
- Trusted Manchester divorce solicitors with decades of experience in UK family law
- Specialising in no-fault divorce, financial settlements and child arrangements
- Clear, compassionate legal advice tailored to your individual situation
- Strategic support with family law issues to reduce conflict and reach fair, timely resolutions
- Full-service divorce representation with fixed fees and flexible payment plans
- Book your free 30-minute consultation with our Manchester family law team today
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
We do not offer Legal Aid.
We will always get the best possible result for our clients!
Our solicitors represent you with a proactive & forward-thinking mindset.
Specialist Divorce and Family Law Advice
Specialist Divorce and Family Law Advice
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging transitions – emotionally, financially and legally. Whether you’re navigating a straightforward separation or facing complex issues involving children, property or finances, expert legal advice can make all the difference. UK divorce law continues to evolve and having the right solicitor by your side ensures your rights are protected, deadlines are met and costly mistakes are avoided.
At Osbourne Pinner Solicitors in Manchester, we understand that there’s no such thing as an easy divorce. Our experienced family law solicitors are here to support you through this difficult time with clear, compassionate assistance at every step of your separation.
We offer bespoke legal strategies designed to reduce conflict, protect your interests and secure the best possible outcome for you and your family. From amicable no-fault divorces and financial settlements to complex disputes involving high-net-worth individuals or contested child arrangements, we have the expertise to guide you forward with confidence.
To speak to our specialist Manchester family law team, email [email protected] or call 0203 983 5080. You can also arrange a face-to-face meeting at our Manchester city centre office, conveniently located at Peter House on Oxford Street, just off St Peter’s Square. Book your free 30-minute consultation and start your journey towards a positive resolution.
Free Initial Consultation
Payment Plan Options
Swift Resolution
Clear Family Law Advice
Understanding Divorce Law in England & Wales
Divorce law in England and Wales is based on the principle of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in 2022, separating couples no longer need to assign blame or separate for long periods to legally end their marriage. This change was designed to reduce unnecessary conflict, making it easier to move on with dignity and mutual respect once a relationship is permanently broken.
However, while the process may seem more straightforward, divorce still carries important legal, financial and emotional implications. Matters such as property, pensions, debt and children must be carefully considered to avoid complications later. In such cases, the guidance of an experienced divorce solicitor ensures that your application is handled correctly and that any legal agreements you reach are fair and enforceable.
At Osbourne Pinner in Manchester, we provide clear, professional family law advice to help you make confident, informed decisions from the outset – minimising stress and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Divorce Proceedings: Step by Step
Divorce in the UK follows a structured legal process, whether you’re applying jointly with your spouse or filing alone. Our Manchester-based family law solicitors are here to guide you through each stage:
Divorce Proceedings: Step by Step
Divorce in the UK follows a structured legal process, whether you’re applying jointly with your spouse or filing alone. Our Manchester-based family law solicitors are here to guide you through each stage:
1. Applying for a Divorce
The process begins when one or both parties submit an application, stating that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This can be a joint or sole application, depending on your circumstances.
2. Acknowledgement of Service
If a sole application is made, the other party must complete an Acknowledgement of Service form. This confirms they have received the application and are aware that the divorce process has begun.
3. Reflection Period
Once the court accepts the application, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period. This time allows both parties to consider their decision carefully and make arrangements regarding finances or children.
4. Conditional Offer
After the 20-week reflection period, you can apply for a conditional order. This is a formal court statement confirming that you are entitled to a divorce but that the marriage is not yet legally ended.
5. Final Order
Six weeks after the conditional order is granted, you can apply for the final order. This is the legal document that officially ends your marriage in the eyes of the law. Once the final order is issued, both parties are free to remarry if they wish. It also has important legal implications for financial matters, which is why it’s vital to ensure any financial settlement is finalised or submitted to the court before or at the time of applying. Our solicitors will guide you through this critical stage to ensure your financial interests are protected as well as your marital status.
Financial Settlements & Asset Division
Financial Settlements & Asset Division
A divorce may legally end a marriage, but it does not automatically divide your finances. Without a divorce settlement, your former spouse could still make financial claims against you in the future – even years after the divorce is final.
Our Manchester family law solicitors are here to help you reach a fair and practical agreement, protecting your financial interests and providing peace of mind. We can advise on the division of all major assets, including:
- The family home and other properties
- Savings, pensions and investments
- Business interests and inherited wealth
- Debts and shared liabilities
For most clients, we aim to negotiate a clean break – where both parties become financially independent from one another. If an ongoing financial commitment is necessary, such as spousal maintenance, we’ll ensure it’s proportionate and properly structured.
To formalise your financial agreement, we’ll help you apply for a consent order – a legally binding document that confirms the terms of your settlement and protects you from future disputes. Whether your finances are simple or complex, our experienced team ensures your agreement is legally sound, fair and futureproof.
Child Care & Parental Responsibility
When children are involved in a divorce, their wellbeing must always come first. While the legal process of divorce ends a marriage, it does not determine how time with children will be shared or where they will live. That’s why it’s important to address these matters separately with the right legal support.
At Osbourne Pinner, we help parents reach agreements that are clear and amicable, including:
- Where the child will live
- How often they’ll see each parent
- How decisions about schooling, healthcare and other key areas will be made
If both parties can agree, we can assist in preparing a parenting plan. If not, we can apply for a Child Arrangements Order to formalise the arrangements through the family court.
Our Manchester-based family solicitors offer practical and compassionate guidance to help you protect your relationship with your child, while ensuring that their needs remain the top priority.
Additional Family Law Services We Provide
Additional Family Law Services We Provide
At Osbourne Pinner, we offer a full range of family law services designed to support you through every aspect of separation, financial security, and child welfare.
Our experienced Manchester solicitors can assist with judicial separation, offering legal and financial clarity for couples who wish to separate without formally ending their marriage. We also provide sensitive yet robust support for those experiencing domestic abuse, helping you secure protection through Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders when your safety or the safety of your family is at risk.
For those involved in high-net-worth divorces, we offer strategic advice on the division of complex assets, such as business interests, property portfolios and international finances, safeguarding your long-term financial wellbeing. If you are considering a marriage or have already entered one, we can also help you plan for the future with prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements, offering reassurance that your assets are protected should the unexpected happen.
In addition to divorce and financial matters, we support clients with child arrangements orders, ensuring that children’s needs remain at the heart of any separation.
We also assist grandparents seeking legal access to their grandchildren after family breakdowns, helping to preserve these important relationships wherever possible.
Our services also include advice and representation in relation to wills and divorce, ensuring that your wishes are properly updated following the end of a marriage. Whether you require help with a no-fault divorce, need assistance securing a financial settlement or need urgent legal advice regarding domestic violence, our family law team provides discreet, practical and effective solutions tailored to your specific circumstances.
Whatever your situation, we are here to guide you through every step with professionalism, compassion and a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Joint vs Sole Divorce Applications
Under current UK law, divorcing couples can choose to submit their application either jointly or as a sole applicant.
A joint application is ideal for couples who agree that the marriage has ended and want to move forward cooperatively. It can help reduce tension and simplify the process.
A sole application may be more appropriate when communication has broken down or one party doesn’t want to engage. In this case, the other party still receives all necessary updates and has the chance to respond.
Whatever your situation, our divorce solicitors in Manchester will help you choose the right approach and navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
What Our Family Law Solicitors Can Do for You
Specialist Legal Advice
We provide clear, compassionate legal advice from the very start of your divorce. Whether you’re dealing with financial matters, child custody or a contested application, our Manchester solicitors will guide you through every step.
Support with Financial Settlements
Our team helps you secure a fair division of assets, including property, pensions, savings and debts. We aim for practical agreements that protect your future without unnecessary conflict.
Child Arrangements Expertise
When children are involved, we prioritise their wellbeing while ensuring your parental rights are respected. We’ll help you agree on living arrangements, contact schedules and long-term plans.
Fixed Fees & Flexible Options
All our legal services are offered on a transparent fixed-fee basis so you’ll always know the cost up front. We also offer flexible payment plans to suit your situation.
Error-Free Applications
We handle every aspect of your divorce application to avoid delays or mistakes. Our solicitors ensure all documents are accurate, complete and filed on time.
Prompt, Local Legal Service
We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours. You can speak to us via video call or meet in person at our Manchester office – whichever works best for you.
Schedule Your Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation
Our Manchester-based divorce solicitors offer expert legal advice and personalised support to help you move forward with confidence.
Book your free 30-minute consultation, available in person at our Manchester office or via video call, to find out how we can assist with your divorce, from legal documents to court proceedings.
To schedule your consultation, email [email protected], call 0203 983 5080 or use our online form.
- Trusted legal advice for divorce and family law matters
- Supportive and strategic approach tailored to your needs
- Clear, fixed-fee structure with flexible payment plans
- Book your free 30-minute consultation today
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
We do not offer Legal Aid.
Manchester Divorce Lawyers – FAQs
It’s best to consult a solicitor as early as possible – ideally before submitting your application. Early legal advice helps you understand your rights, avoid procedural mistakes and prepare for financial or child-related matters. Our solicitors can help you plan ahead and avoid costly errors from the outset.
At Osbourne Pinner, we offer a clear fixed-fee structure for divorce services, with flexible payment options available. The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case – for example, whether children, assets or contested issues are involved. All fees are confirmed upfront so there are no unexpected charges.
While it’s legally possible to handle a no-fault divorce without a solicitor, it’s not always advisable. A solicitor ensures your paperwork is completed correctly, deadlines are met and financial or parenting agreements are legally protected. We offer expert support for both straightforward and complex divorces.
Finances are dealt with separately from the divorce itself. We help clients reach fair financial agreements covering property, pensions, savings and debts. These agreements can be made legally binding through a consent order, which we can draft and submit on your behalf.
The minimum time to complete a divorce in England and Wales is 26 weeks, including the 20-week reflection period and a 6-week waiting period after the conditional order. The vast majority of divorces can be completed in this timeframe. However, delays can occur if forms are completed incorrectly or if there are disputes, causing some divorces to take over a year. Rest assured that our friendly team will manage the process to keep your case on track.
Yes. Under a no-fault divorce, one person can file a sole application even if the other party disagrees. Our family law team will help you complete the application and manage any complications that arise.
Based on Oxford Street in the centre of Manchester, our highly skilled team is well-positioned to advise and assist individuals and families throughout the local area. This includes all parts of Greater Manchester, such as Wigan, Bolton, Stockport, Salford, Oldham, Trafford, Tameside, Rochdale and Bury.
