Divorce Solicitors in Eastbourne and Sussex
Divorce is a difficult and often emotional process, and every situation is unique. Our approachable divorce law firm is dedicated to offering clear, specific advice that reflects your individual circumstances.
Our divorce solicitors in Eastbourne support clients across Sussex who are facing separation or divorce. With extensive knowledge of divorce and separation rights, we prioritise your needs, listen carefully, and guide you through this challenging time with clarity and care.
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How our divorce solicitors can help
Our experienced and approachable divorce solicitors provide practical legal support at every stage of the divorce process, including:
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Advice on divorce and separation
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Guidance on no-fault divorce applications
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Support with child arrangements
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Advice on financial settlements and property
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Mediation and negotiated outcomes where appropriate
We believe divorce and separation advice should always be clear, specific, and tailored to your individual situation.
Why choose our divorce solicitors
As a leading family law firm, we provide compassionate and professional legal advice throughout the divorce process.
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Accredited family law solicitors
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Decades of experience, including complex financial cases
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Transparent fees and clear communication
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Recognised by The Legal 500 for family law excellence
Divorce law & separation legal advice
Our divorce solicitors offer expert legal help for divorce, as well as mediation and separation advice. The family law team at Mayo Wynne Baxter has extensive, in-depth knowledge of divorce and separation rights. Your individual circumstances are important to us. We take the time to understand your situation fully and ensure you receive advice that is practical, supportive, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
For divorce and separation legal help, please contact our team today.
Divorce advice across Eastbourne & Sussex
Our divorce solicitors in Eastbourne support clients across Brighton, Lewes, Tunbridge Wells and the wider Sussex area, as well as London where appropriate. Your matter will be handled by our specialist family law team, with seamless support across our offices if needed.
Legal help for divorce – where to start
If you are thinking about getting a divorce, it’s important to know what is required by law to start this process and make an informed decision as to whether divorce is right for you.
No-Fault Divorce
A recent change to the law has aimed to make divorce a less acrimonious process by allowing people to apply for a divorce without apportioning any blame to either party. This is called a No-Fault Divorce.
The change was introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act in April 2022 and now means that either one party or both parties on a joint basis, can start divorce proceedings without the need to apportion blame or even give a reason for the divorce. People applying for a divorce can now simply state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and this does not need to be proven.
The new law stipulates that there must be a “reflection period” of 20 weeks once you apply for a divorce, before an application for a conditional order can be made..
What you need to consider before applying for a divorce
With the new law in place, there are some other key considerations you should make before applying for a divorce.
1. The type of application – joint or sole application
You will need to choose whether to make a joint application with your spouse or whether you want to apply on your own. You can make a joint application if these two things both apply:
- You both agree that you should get a divorce
- You are not at risk of domestic abuse
If you decide to make a joint application, you will also need to decide if you want to apply online or by post, as both parties have to use the same application method.
With a joint divorce application, you will both have to separately confirm, at each stage of the process, that you want to continue. If your spouse stops responding at any time, you will be able to continue with your divorce application as a sole applicant.
2. Decisions about arrangements for children, money and property
These will most likely be difficult choices to make, but before applying for a divorce, you and your spouse may want to discuss:
- Child arrangements, including any child maintenance payments – see our advice on Children’s Law
- How to divide your money and property – see our advice on Finances
How much does a divorce solicitor cost?
Legal costs are an important consideration when going through a divorce. Fees can vary depending on the complexity of your circumstances and the issues involved.
Our divorce solicitors will explain likely costs clearly at an early stage and ensure you understand your options before proceeding, with a transparent and practical approach throughout.
Speak to our divorce solicitors
If you would like personalised divorce advice or have questions about your situation, please contact our family law team today. We offer clear guidance, practical support and a professional, understanding approach.
Talk to our friendly solicitors today
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Our other divorce law services
Why choose Mayo Wynne Baxter
We are a family law solicitor that prioritises client care and providing expert, bespoke legal advice on all family law issues.
- Personalised and compassionate approach
- Specialist team of family law solicitors
- Strong focus on client satisfaction and accessibility
- We provide personalised advice and support throughout the whole legal process
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Divorce Law FAQs
A divorce is a legal process that formally ends a marriage. The overall aim of the divorce process is to resolve issues fairly and amicably, allowing both parties to move on with their lives.
A no-fault divorce allows couples to divorce without placing blame on either party. Introduced in England and Wales in April 2022, it means you no longer need to give a reason for the breakdown of the marriage. Instead, you simply state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
A divorce in England and Wales takes a minimum of around six months from start to finish. This includes a compulsory 20-week reflection period before applying for a conditional order, followed by a further waiting period before the final order can be granted.
The overall timeframe may be longer depending on finances, children, or whether there are disputes.
The cost of a divorce solicitor varies depending on the complexity of your circumstances, including whether finances or child arrangements are disputed. Fees are usually discussed at an early stage, so you understand your options and likely costs before proceeding.
Many people find it helpful to seek legal advice even in straightforward divorces to ensure their position is protected.
Yes. Under the no-fault divorce system, one party can apply for a divorce without the other’s consent. Your spouse cannot prevent the divorce from proceeding, although they may still be involved in discussions around finances or child arrangements.
Divorce itself does not determine arrangements for children. Decisions about where children live, how much time they spend with each parent, and child maintenance are dealt with separately. Many parents reach agreements through discussion or mediation, with legal advice available if needed.
The child’s welfare is always the court’s primary consideration if matters cannot be agreed.
Financial matters are handled separately from the divorce itself and can include property, savings, pensions and income. It is important to formalise any financial agreement to ensure it is legally binding and protects your future position.
A solicitor can advise on reaching a fair settlement and, where appropriate, applying for a financial order.
The first step is usually to seek legal advice to understand your options and the process involved. A divorce application can then be made online, either jointly or by one party alone. A solicitor can guide you through each stage and explain what to consider before applying.
Our Latest News
Our law firm is here to help you and guide you through the legal process. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service from outstanding people.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 4 business hours.
Need to speak to someone sooner?
Call us: 0800 84 94 101
What to Expect When You Contact Our Family Law Team
Once you have completed the enquiry form and indicated when you would like to be contacted, our family law solicitors will call you at the prearranged time to discuss your situation. This call will take place within four business hours of you contacting us. For example, if you contact us at 4.30pm on a weekday we will call you before 11.30am the next business day. Please note our offices hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
We offer expert, compassionate advice to help you navigate family legal matters with clarity and confidence.
Our aim is to make the process as easy and uncomplicated as possible for you.