The benefits of having expert legal advice
You don’t have to instruct a solicitor to get a civil partnership dissolution or divorce in the UK – but having an experienced divorce solicitor by your side can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your financial future, and achieve a fair outcome. Legal support is especially important when dealing with children, high-value assets, complex disputes or high-profile matters where discretion and expertise are vital.
Can You Get Divorced Without a Solicitor?
Yes. In England and Wales, you can apply for a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership without legal representation. The online divorce application process allows either one spouse (a sole application) or both (a joint application) to start proceedings directly via the government website. There is an applicable court fee, and if your situation is straightforward, it may seem appealing to proceed alone, without a solicitor for the divorce itself.
But divorce is rarely just about ending a marriage. Behind the scenes, there may be difficult decisions involving child arrangements, property, pensions on divorce, financial claims, and ongoing disputes. And this is where a solicitor for divorce becomes invaluable to help guide and advise you through this process.
Client: Thomas – “I went to Lloyd Platt & Co divorce solicitors at a time when I was feeling very low; I was using a solicitor who’d made proceedings hostile resulting in both shredded nerves and a potential awful settlement. The team at Lloyd Platt & Co immediately made me feel safe, secure and well defended and from the moment on things went smoothly, amicably and ultimately to a far better and fairer settlement. I wish I had gone to Lloyd Platt & Co straight away; while divorce is horrible to have to deal with, they will guide you through it with the maximum of efficiency and professionalism.”
Why Instruct a Solicitor for Divorce?
Instructing a specialist divorce solicitor ensures you are not navigating this complex legal process alone. While the court deals with the divorce application, it does not resolve the financial settlement, child custody matters, or any issues around family finances. A solicitor will help you make informed decisions and protect your interests in areas that the online system doesn’t cover.
Here are just some of the ways experienced divorce solicitors support clients:
- Offering tailored legal advice and answering your questions about divorce
- Drafting and reviewing a fair financial consent order
- Negotiating the terms of your financial settlement
- Negotiating a consent order that reflects your agreement with your partner
- Representing you in financial proceedings if an agreement can be reached outside of the court arena
- Supporting you with mediation, especially when children or international divorce elements are involved
- Applying to the family court for child arrangements orders when parents cannot agree
- Advising on your rights regarding assets, including property, savings, pensions, and business interests
Protecting Your Children and Finances
For couples with children, deciding where they will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how important decisions will be made are some of the most emotionally charged issues in a relationship breakdown. A family law solicitor will help ensure that arrangements for children are appropriate, realistic, and in their best interests.
If needed, they can apply for formal child custody orders through the court.
Likewise, making a clean break on the financial front is crucial. Without a formal financial settlement, either party may be able to make further claims in future. A solicitor for divorce can guide you through every stage of reaching and formalising an agreement, reducing the risk of unexpected divorce costs or litigation later on.
What If You’ve Already Started the Divorce Process?
If you’ve already submitted your divorce application and now realise things are more complicated than expected, it’s not too late to seek help. Many clients come to us partway through divorce proceedings – perhaps due to concerns about costs, uncertainty about their financial issues, or because they’ve hit a wall in communication with their former partner.
Keeping Costs Proportionate
While it’s true that instructing divorce lawyers involves legal fees, it’s also true that a solicitor can help reduce costs in the long term by preventing unnecessary delays and disputes. At Lloyd Platt & Co, we offer clear guidance on divorce cost and fee structures, whether you’re handling a joint application or dealing with a more complex dissolution.
When It’s Especially Worth Using a Solicitor
Hiring a solicitor for divorce is particularly worthwhile if:
- There are disagreements over finances, children, or property
- You or your spouse owns a business or has overseas assets (international divorce)
- You suspect the other party is hiding income or assets
- There’s a history of domestic abuse or coercive control
- You’re unsure about your rights and need legal advice
The Role of a Solicitor in High-Net-Worth or High-Profile Divorces
When a divorce involves substantial assets, business interests, trusts, or international property, the stakes are significantly higher. Similarly, high-profile cases – particularly those involving public figures or media interest – require careful handling to protect privacy and reputation. In such scenarios, instructing a solicitor for divorce is not just advisable – it’s essential.
A solicitor can coordinate financial disclosure, work with forensic accountants, advise on pensions on divorce, and negotiate complex financial settlements while managing the legal strategy with discretion.
Our specialist divorce solicitors at Lloyd Platt & Co have extensive experience in advising clients in high-net-worth and high-profile divorce proceedings, ensuring that every detail is handled with expertise and sensitivity.
Conclusion: Is a Solicitor for Divorce Essential?
Legally, no – you are not required to have a solicitor. But practically, especially when your future, finances, and family are on the line, the right legal support makes all the difference.
From simplifying the legal process to achieving fair, lasting agreements, our family law services are designed to give you clarity and control during a difficult time.
Need advice on where to begin?
At Lloyd Platt & Co, we understand that no two divorces are the same. Whether you’re facing a straightforward separation or navigating complex financial or child-related issues, our team is here to support you.
Lloyd Platt & Co. has been a leading family law firm since its establishment in 1992, and we are proud to have helped thousands of clients resolve their divorce matters with clarity, confidence, and care.
If you’re unsure whether you need a solicitor for divorce, we invite you to speak with us – because expert guidance at the right time can make all the difference.
Contact our team of specialist divorce solicitors today for confidential guidance on your next steps. Please fill in our form, call us on 0208 343 2998 or click to contact our divorce and family lawyers in London.
Reviewed by Simon Wolman
Simon Wolman is a family law solicitor specialising in divorce, financial remedies, and children matters. He has experience in high net worth cases, forensic financial investigations, and complex children disputes. Simon holds a Law degree from De Montfort University, was called to the Bar in 2001, and qualified as a solicitor in 2007. He also holds a Master’s in Child Law and Policy.
