It may or may not have been your decision to separate, divorce or end a relationship, but the decisions you make on the process you choose for your divorce can impact you for the rest of your life.
In moments like these, having the right guidance on how to proceed can make all the difference. That's why families across Bath turn to Sharp Family Law for calm, considered advice before determining the right process for their circumstances.
Sharp Family Law is one of Bath's leading family law firms, rated 4.8/5 on Google and recognised by ThreeBestRated, Chambers UK and Legal 500.
How Sharp Family Law helps you through separation and divorce
Sharp Family Law has guided Bath families through separation and divorce since 2008, helping each client choose the legal process that best fits their circumstances.
As the only Bath firm to offer a confidential online questionnaire, Sharp Family Law helps you make the most of your first meeting, allowing advice to be tailored to your situation from the very beginning.
In that first conversation, we’ll outline the divorce process options open to you, how the law might apply to your situation, and the next practical step to take.
Sharp Family Law helps people through every stage of separation and divorce across Bath and the surrounding South West of England, with the aim of reaching a resolution that protects what matters most to you and your family.
Choosing the right process for your situation
No two families arrive at separation in the same place, so no single legal process is right for everyone. We begin by understanding your priorities and listening carefully to your circumstances.
From there, Sharp Family Law explains every available route: from constructive negotiation and collaborative law to Resolution Together using one solicitor, and – where necessary – contested court proceedings, helping you understand each route before deciding what feels right for you. Once your priorities and options are clear, we then guide you through the process you choose:
- Constructive negotiation: Each of you has your own solicitor, who works with the other solicitor to negotiate a fair settlement without going to court. The focus is on constructive, solution-based discussions through correspondence, telephone calls and, where appropriate, round-table meetings. The aim is to reach an outcome that both of you can live with, saving time, reducing costs and avoiding the stress of court wherever possible.
- Collaborative law: You and your partner each have your own specially trained collaborative solicitor. Together, you work through the issues in a series of face-to-face meetings (in person or by video), with everyone committed to finding a solution without going to court. This gives you greater control over the outcome, encourages open and respectful communication, and often leads to quicker, more practical and longer-lasting agreements. Sharp Family Law was one of the first firms in the UK to offer collaborative law over 20 years ago.
- Resolution Together ("one couple, one solicitor") : One solicitor works jointly with both of you to reach agreement on your financial and/or parenting arrangements. This constructive approach gives you clear legal guidance while keeping you in control, helping you find practical solutions without the stress and cost of unnecessary conflict. Sharp Family Law was the first family law firm in Bath to offer this approach to couples.
- Court: If you are unable to reach agreement through negotiation or another dispute resolution process, a family court judge will make the decisions for you. Where court is necessary, having the right legal team is crucial. Sharp Family Law has extensive experience in family litigation and provides strategic, robust representation to ensure your case is presented clearly and effectively, giving you the best possible opportunity of achieving a successful outcome.
How does a no-fault divorce work?
Since 2022, all divorces in England and Wales follow the no-fault divorce process. This means couples end their marriage without assigning blame for it, by confirming that the relationship has broken down irretrievably.
The process follows a set legal sequence. You apply online, either individually or jointly with your spouse. A minimum 20-week period must pass before you can apply for the conditional divorce order. A further 6 weeks and a day must then pass from the pronouncement of the conditional divorce order before the final divorce order, which legally ends the marriage, can be requested.
You can begin by completing the confidential form below, allowing your first conversation with Sharp Family Law to start with a full understanding of your circumstances. From there, the team will guide you through each stage of the no-fault divorce process, alongside the important decisions about separating finances and parenting arrangements for children.
Where you stand: Divorce, finances and children
When your family life is changing, it can be hard to know where to begin. Sharp Family Law advises on no-fault divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, and complex-asset divorce across Bath to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Financial settlements and dividing assets
In England and Wales, finances are decided according to the needs of both parties and any children, not an automatic 50/50 split. A financial order then formalises how assets, income, and pensions are divided. Learn more about how divorce finances and financial settlements work.
Child arrangements and co-parenting
Support in reaching arrangements that put your child's wellbeing first, can be formalised in a child arrangements order. Rather than either parent "winning" time with a child, the focus is on agreeing what best serves the child’s needs. Find out how child arrangements orders work and what they could mean for your family.
Complex and high-net-worth divorce
Advice on divorces involving business assets, pensions or significant wealth. Learn more on how high-net-worth divorce cases are approached when substantial assets are involved.
Civil partnership dissolution
Guidance through ending a civil partnership under the equivalent legal process. See what the civil partnership dissolution process involves and what to expect.
Separation agreements
Support drawing up a formal separation agreement, which can later be finalised as a court consent order. If you're living apart but aren't ready to make permanent decisions, see how a separation agreement can help provide clarity and stability.
Cohabitation
Advice for unmarried couples planning on living together or separating, where different legal rules apply. If you're separating after living together, understand what legal protections may be available.
What to expect when you work with us
Taking the first step can feel daunting. From your first conversation, Sharp Family Law explains your options and the likely next steps clearly, so you always know where you stand.
- Start online in your own time, or call to speak with a solicitor.
- Meet with Sharp Family Law to discuss your situation.
- Receive advice on the right process and a clear plan.
Every stage is explained calmly and plainly, without legal jargon, so you're never left wondering what comes next. For a full breakdown of costs, see our Divorce Costs page.
Why families in Bath choose Sharp Family Law
Sharp Family Law is the only firm in Bath to offer a confidential and carefully designed online questionnaire, giving you the opportunity to explain your situation privately, in your own time, before meeting a solicitor. It’s a distinctive, practical advantage that many people find a helpful and reassuring first step.
- Start online in your own time, so there is no waiting to get things moving.
- By the time you speak to a solicitor, they already have the details, so the first meeting goes straight to your next steps rather than gathering background information.
- A faster, more productive start, with less time and cost spent covering the basics.
- Completely confidential, on any device, whenever suits you.
Founder Richard Sharp brings over 35 years of family law experience, alongside genuine local knowledge of the Bath courts, the community, and – just as importantly – the questions clients often don't know to ask.
Sharp Family Law is recognised by Chambers UK and Legal 500, and ranked the top family law firm in Bath by ThreeBestRated. The firm has been at the forefront of constructive approaches to separation in Bath, with longstanding experience in collaborative law and the one-couple-one-solicitor approach – helping bring a more constructive, out-of-court approach to divorce to the city.
The firm's solicitors are also experienced litigators who will go to court when a client's interests require it, with particular expertise in complex financial settlements involving business assets, pensions, and high-net-worth cases.
"After being referred by a trusted contact, I contracted the services of Sharp Family Law to advise and administer my divorce. An incredibly stressful time in my life finally came to an end with the professional support of Richard and Hannah. They are experts in their field, are calm and comforting, and also both available and responsive. Furthermore, I am confident that they provide value for money. I am happy to recommend their services."
– Neil, client
Meet your Bath family law team
You'll be supported by a team with the depth of experience to guide you through every stage of the process. Each brings their own areas of family law expertise to the practice.
Richard Sharp: Founder and Senior Partner, specialises in: High Net Worth Divorce, Grey Complex Divorce, International Divorce, Collaborative Divorce, and Joint Representation (One Couple One Solicitor).
Sarah Young: Associate Solicitor, specialises in: Cohabitation Disputes and Cohabitation Agreements, Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Financial Remedy (contested and non-contested), Divorce and Separation, Collaborative Law and Joint Representation.
Hannah Abbott: Associate Solicitor, specialises in: High Net Worth Divorce, Complex Financial Settlements and Business Assets, Child Arrangements, Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements, and Constructive Negotiation.
Visit our full team page to learn more about the people who'll be supporting you.
Speak to our divorce solicitors in Bath
Whatever stage you're at, our aim is for you to come through this process with more than a settlement: the confidence to move forward with life. Start the process when you're ready, and we'll help you find the right path from there.
Frequently asked questions on divorce
Sharp Family Law answers the questions Bath clients ask most about starting a divorce, dividing finances and arranging care for children.
How do I start a divorce? You start a divorce in England and Wales by applying online, either on your own or jointly with your spouse, once you've been married for at least a year and the marriage has broken down irretrievably. You'll need your marriage certificate and your spouse's details. With Sharp Family Law, you can begin by completing the confidential online form, allowing your first conversation to start with the full picture.
Is everything split 50/50 in a divorce? In England and Wales, financial settlements are based on the needs of both people and any children, not an automatic 50/50 division of assets. The court's starting point is fairness, with factors including income, earning capacity, the length of the marriage, and the needs of any children all influencing the outcome. In many cases, that doesn't result in an equal split.
Do we have to go to court? Most divorces are resolved without a final court hearing through negotiation, collaborative law, or Resolution Together. Court is usually a last resort, reserved for cases where agreement can't be reached or there are urgent or safeguarding concerns. Even then, many cases settle before a judge makes a decision.
How long does a divorce take? A straightforward no-fault divorce takes a minimum of 26 weeks from application to final order, largely because of the statutory waiting periods. Financial matters and arrangements for children run alongside the divorce and often take longer, depending on their complexity and how quickly agreements are reached.
How much does a divorce cost? The cost depends on how much can be agreed and the route you take. An amicable process is usually far less expensive than a contested one. See our Divorce Costs page for a full breakdown.
Is a solicitor necessary for divorce? You can apply for a divorce yourself, but decisions about finances and children sit outside the divorce itself and are where most disputes arise. Sharp Family Law advises on the divorce, financial settlement, and arrangements for children together, helping ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Can a spouse contest the divorce? Under current no-fault divorce law, a spouse can no longer prevent the legal end of a marriage. As long as the application confirms the marriage has broken down irretrievably, the process will continue to the final order, whether it's made as a sole or joint application.
More information
“I have very much appreciated your help with what could have been a far more stressful phase in my and my ex’s lives. I have emerged in as good a state of mind as I could have hoped for; My ex is comfortable and is well provided-for and I have sufficient to ensure the final years of my working life and my retirement will be financially secure, both boys are happily going their very individual ways and are secure in the fact that their parents’ divorce has been handled considerately and to the best ends for both parties, and neither I nor my ex have incurred any more legal costs than necessary to complete the process.”
“Reassurance and realisation that what I am going through is a process and I am not being judged for my actions.”
“You gave me a very clear explanation about the steps in the divorce process with a possible time-line.”
“It is a relief that the process is now over. Thank you very much for helping me get through it. I feel very happy that I chose you to deal with it for me.”
“I am deeply grateful to you for your professionalism and expertise, and the considerate way that you conducted my divorce process.”
“I found the meeting yesterday very useful. You made me feel very relaxed and I know I am now in the best of hands with the process I am about to go through.”
“I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for representing me during my recent divorce; it is not an experience that I would like to repeat, but thanks to your help and professionalism, I am now in a position to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Divorce procedure guide
Whilst the particulars of the divorce process will vary from case to case, the flow chart in the pdf provides a good guide to the current divorce procedure in England and Wales,
Download a pdf – Divorce Procedure Guide
Download a pdf –Client Preliminary Information Form
- Divorce Aid: An independent group of professionals who provide divorce advice, support and information on any family matter that might concern you. The website contains in-depth legal, financial, practical and emotional information and links to sources of support.
- Advice Guide: Online Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) service that gives you information on your Rights in the UK.
- Benefit Enquiry Line: Website provides general information and advice on welfare benefits and how to claim them
- Relate: Offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through their website
- Women’s Aid: the national domestic violence charity offering support for women who suffer domestic violence. Helpline number, campaigns, news, events and job vacancies
- Civil Legal Aid: You might be able to get free and confidential advice from Civil Legal Advice
- “Dinosaurs Divorce”: by Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown
- “Jack”: by Helen Victoria Bishop
- “Which: Divorce and Splitting Up – A complete Legal & Financial Guide”: by Imogen Clout
- “The Good Divorce – Keeping Your Family Together When Your Marriage Comes Apart”: by Constance Ahrons, Ph.D
- “The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method That Results in Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids — Without Going to Court”: by Stuart G. Webb & Ron Ousky
- “Collaborative Divorce: The Revolutionary New Way to Restructure Your Family, Resolve Legal Issues, and Move on with your Life”: By Pauline Tesler & Peggy Thompson
- “Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life, Revised Edition (Paperback)”: By Abigail Trafford
- “The Smart Divorce”:: by Deborah Moskovitch
- “Divorce – A Problem to be Solved, Not a Battle to be Fought”: By Karen Fagerstrom, Ph.D