Relationship disputeS
Relationship Disputes
Our Approach
A relationship breakdown is very difficult, but our dynamic team will be able to guide and support you sensitively through your options during this emotional time.
We are experienced in helping you reach the best possible outcome with your former partner to help ensure that you can look to the future more positively.
We aim to achieve a fair outcome for you and our family and encourage client’s to try and resolve matters with as little conflict as possible, avoiding escalating tensions and minimising costs. However, we also recognise that sometimes disputes cannot be avoided. Our family lawyers can represent you in Court and handle complex litigation.
If you would like some initial advice from one of our solicitors with regards to any of the below issues, please contact our office on 01902 313311 and speak to a member of our team where we can arrange you an appointment with one of our solicitors in order that you can find out the best way to move forward with your case, or alternatively please email Lisa Ridge at lisaridge@thornessolicitors.co.uk
Relationship Disputes
Our EXPERTISE
Divorce
Going through a divorce can be an overwhelming experience, particularly when emotions are running high. The law in respect of divorce has recently changed in April 2022 after much call for change from practitioners. There is currently one ground for divorce available to both opposite sex marriages and same sex marriages in England and Wales and that is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The new law allows for ‘no fault’ divorce meaning that neither party is ‘legally’ blamed for the end of the marriage, they must only state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The new law allows for ‘sole’ or ‘joint’ applications, giving parties the option to do the process together or for one person to apply. The new law has also taken away the ability to make a claim for costs, although either party may still seek to agree a costs contribution from their spouse and this is something we can assist with.
It is still necessary for parties to have been married for at least one year before you can apply for a divorce and it will be necessary to have your original marriage certificate or a certified copy of the same.
Here at Thornes we understand the pressures and often stressful nature of beginning divorce proceedings. We offer professional advice and can guide you through the process, making applications on your behalf and dealing with the Court so you do not have to. We believe in offering affordable rates and provide fixed fee packages in relation to divorce applications. For more information regarding divorce and our fees, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the matrimonial team.
It is important to note that when going through divorce, certain financial claims will become open to the parties and these will remain open until they are formally resolved by way of a Court order. It is therefore always advisable to speak with a member of our team in respect of financial matters, even where you feel that there are no outstanding financial matters to be resolved. Please see below for more information regarding financial matters.
We offer the following packages with regards to divorce: –
- Applicant divorce service
This is appropriate when you are the party instigating the divorce proceedings. We will prepare and issue the divorce application and progress your divorce all the way to the pronouncement of your Final Order.
This is charged at a fixed fee of £800 + VAT the total cost being £960
Please note that there is a Court fee payable of £593 to issue the application
- Respondent divorce service
This is appropriate when the other party has already made the divorce application and you are required to respond.
This is charged at a fixed fee of £450 + VAT the total cost being £540
Civil Partnership
When a relationship comes to an end it can be a very painful experience. When you are in a civil partnership, if you have reached the decision that the relationship has come to an end, you will need to apply to dissolve the civil partnership. The procedure for this is similar to that involved with divorce proceedings. You will not be able to dissolve your civil partnership within the first 12 months of entering into it.
There are no longer any grounds to be relied upon to dissolve a civil partnership, you simply must state that the partnership has irretrievably broken down. Dissolution of a civil partnership will usually take a minimum of 7 months, as with divorce, it involves multiple steps including applying for a Conditional Order and a Final Order dissolving the civil partnership.
It is important when considering dissolving a civil partnership that you also give thought to any outstanding financial matters or child arrangements following the end of the relationship. In respect of financial matters, there are financial claims which will become open to the parties and therefore it is important that you consider formally resolving the financial position by way of a Court order, to avoid any financial claims being made against you in the future. You may also need to put in place formal arrangements for any children of the relationship to determine where they live/spend time.
If you would like to speak with a member of the team regarding civil partnership, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Financial Matters
When considering separation, divorce or to dissolve a civil partnership, you will need to consider how to divide your finances, possessions, pensions and any other assets in a fair and reasonable way. To ensure that your financial agreement is legal and binding it is advisable to apply to the Courts for a Consent Order.
For some couples this can be quite a straightforward decision. Unfortunately, for others the issues arising in financial discussions, especially where contributions are unequal or where there are limited assets to divide and there may not be enough money to go round it could give rise to a dispute.
In the intricate landscape of separation and divorce, the disclosure of assets stands as a cornerstone in achieving a fair and just financial settlement. This process involves both parties revealing their financial portfolios, including income, properties, pensions, investments and debts.
An accurate representation of assets is vital in establishing the matrimonial assets that both lawyers and the Court will consider when determining the financial settlement between two parties. Having a clear picture of finances is not only relevant for the Court but also for both parties, as you can only make an informed decision in any settlement negotiations if all assets have been disclosed.
Throughout the marriage there will be assets which have been accumulated that you wish to protect from your partner. This can often still be achievable however, not providing disclosure will only cause issues further on.
Having full and frank financial disclosure promotes a more amicable divorce as the willingness to share financial information promotes trust which is crucial when navigating the complexities of divorce.
An amicable divorce may not always be achievable, and you may be worried that another party may try to conceal their wealth or manipulate financial information. When instructed, we try to obtain transparency and cooperation from the other party by writing to them to voluntarily disclosure their financial information. However, if they are reluctant, there are various options we can employ to obtain their financial disclosure and achieve a fair financial settlement.
It is important to know your rights and be fully informed when discussing the division of your financial assets and by speaking to a specialist family lawyer is often a worthwhile investment. We can provide you with tailored advice and assurance in reaching a successful outcome.
Cohabitation
Separation of people who cohabit does not always involve divorce. There are many different reasons why people cohabit. The cost of living being what it is, and the cost of marriage being significant means many couples cohabit initially.
Cohabiting coupes do not have the same rights as married couples or those in a civil partnership. It is therefore important for cohabiting couples to take advice and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect their positions.
In some situations property is owned by one and not the other. If the parties then separate, the non-owning party has to show that they have acquired a beneficial interest in the property. This can potentially be evidenced by financial contributions, discussions and agreements between them but generally a shared intention has to be shown.
Other situations involving co-owned property usually as joint tenants in common. As joint tenants, the basic legal principle is that the parties own the property equally. This is important as any division of the proceeds of sale will be split 50:50 even where one part has contributed more money to the purchase. There are exceptions where the presumption of a 50:50 split will not apply where a third party has contributed however this would require a Declaration of Trust to protect their interest.
Where parties cannot reach an agreement an application can be made to the Court under The Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) to resolve issues. This area of law is complex but applicable on a considerable number of people. If you, or someone you know finds themselves facing such issues advice can clarify the position and potentially avoid Court action.
Domestic Violence
Most people would agree that living in a safe home without fear is a basic human right we should all be entitled to. Sadly, domestic violence affects the lives of many people living across the UK.
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse, it covers many forms such as; emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, as well as stalking, harassment and coercive control. Sadly, anyone can be the victim of domestic violence and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 now recognises children to be victims of domestic abuse where they have witnessed domestic abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to take the appropriate steps to safeguard yourself (and any children). We understand that these situations are often delicate and we understand how important it is to trust in a Solicitor to discuss what are often very difficult and painful experiences. Here at Thornes, we promise to listen without judgement and offer you professional advice as to how to protect yourself. This may be initially by warning the perpetrator that you will no longer tolerate any further abuse. In more serious cases, or where a letter would not be appropriate, we will advise you with regard to injunctive orders to prohibit the perpetrator from contacting you.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or feel at risk of the same, your first port of call should be to the police. We would also advise you, if safe to do so, to keep a log of any incidents you have experienced as you may need to refer to this later when reporting to the police or applying to the Court for an injunction.
If you are experiencing the above, please do contact a member of the team on 01902 313311.
Change of Name Deeds and Statutory Declarations
Our firm can assist you with the preparation of a Change of Name Deed for both adults and minors as well as Statutory Declarations. For more information with regards to the process and fees involved, please contact our office and speak to a member of our team.
Relationship Disputes
Our Team

Lisa Ridge
Director & Legal Executive, Matrimonial Team

Paige Bowyer
Solicitor, Family Team

Julie Buckingham-Moseley
Solicitor, Family Team
Message Us
Please get in touch below; we will be able to assist you in any questions, help or advice.
Call Us
01902 313311
Office Location
Lich Gates, Wolverhampton, WV1 1UA
reception@thornessolicitors.co.uk