Divorce can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to be. At TBI Law, our experienced divorce solicitors and lawyers help individuals and families across the North East navigate separation with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether you’re seeking a straightforward, no-fault divorce, protecting your finances, or prioritising your children’s wellbeing, we provide practical advice and competitive estimates to guide you every step of the way.
Our approachable team makes the process easier to understand and less stressful, so you can focus on what matters most. Securing a fair outcome and moving forward with peace of mind.
At TBI Law, we provide comprehensive divorce and separation services designed to protect your interests and make the process as smooth as possible. Our team offers clear advice, transparent pricing, and unwavering support. No matter what your situation is, we can help you move forward with confidence.
No-Fault Divorce and Legal Separation – We guide you through every stage of the no-fault divorce process, reducing conflict and stress while ensuring the paperwork and procedures are handled correctly from start to finish.
Financial Settlements and Asset Protection – Our solicitors and lawyers work to secure fair financial outcomes, protecting your home, savings, pension, and business assets. We provide strategic advice to safeguard your long-term financial future
Child Arrangements and Parental Responsibility – We help parents agree on living arrangements, school choices, and contact schedules that prioritise children’s happiness and stability, while avoiding unnecessary court proceedings wherever possible.
Clean Break Orders and Consent Orders – Our team ensures your financial agreements are legally binding and future-proof, giving you peace of mind that neither party can make further claims later on.
High Net Worth and Business Owner Divorce – We specialise in complex cases involving multiple properties, investments, or businesses, offering discreet and commercially-minded representation to protect your wealth and reputation.
Spousal Maintenance and Pension Sharing – Our experts help negotiate fair maintenance arrangements and pension division, ensuring financial security for both parties and compliance with court expectations.
Contested Divorce and Urgent Injunctions – If your separation involves conflict, domestic abuse, or safeguarding issues, our team can act swiftly to secure protection orders and provide urgent, sensitive legal support.
Civil Partnership and Same-Sex Couple Dissolution – We offer inclusive legal advice for same-sex couples and civil partners, supporting you through financial settlements, and child arrangements.
Mediation and Collaborative Law – Wherever possible, we promote constructive resolution through mediation and collaboratively working together, helping you reach amicable agreements and avoid lengthy, expensive court proceedings.
Whatever your circumstances, you’ll receive personalised, compassionate, and expert advice from a dedicated solicitor or lawyer who understands your situation. We focus on minimising stress, resolving disputes efficiently, and achieving outcomes that allow you to move forward with certainty and peace of mind.
At TBI Law, we’ve built a strong reputation as one of the most trusted divorce solicitors in the North East, supporting clients from Hartlepool, Stockton, Wynyard, Barnard Castle, and Sunderland. With decades of experience in family law, our team combines professional expertise with genuine care to help you make informed decisions during life’s most challenging moments.
We handle every aspect of divorce, legal separation, and civil partnership dissolution, including financial settlements, property division, and arrangements for children. Our multidisciplinary team works seamlessly across departments, ensuring you receive complete support. From protecting business assets to resolving family home disputes or parental responsibilities.
As proud members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), and Resolution, we’re committed to achieving fair, respectful outcomes without unnecessary conflict. You can rely on us for clear communication, honest advice, and unwavering discretion at every stage.
Speak to our divorce team for a free, confidential initial consultation.
The introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales has transformed how couples separate. It allows you to end a marriage or civil partnership without blaming either party, making the process more respectful and less emotionally charged.
Under the new law, you no longer have to prove “fault” such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Instead, one or both partners can simply confirm to the court that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This change makes it easier for families to focus on resolution rather than blame, helping to preserve positive relationships. Especially where children are involved.
Who can apply?
Any married couple or civil partners who have been legally married for at least one year can apply for a no-fault divorce. The application can be made individually or jointly, depending on your circumstances.
The process in brief
Application: Submit a divorce application confirming the marriage has broken down.
Acknowledgment: The other party (if not a joint application) confirms receipt.
Reflection period: A 20-week waiting period allows time for reflection and agreement on finances or children.
Conditional order: The court confirms you’re entitled to a divorce.
Final order: The marriage or civil partnership is legally ended.
At TBI Law, our experienced divorce solicitors handle every stage of the process for you. From completing your application to finalising your financial agreements. We make sure everything is accurate, efficient, and stress-free, helping you reach a fair outcome without unnecessary confrontation or delays.
Divorce can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward and manageable process. Our divorce solicitors will support you from start to finish, handling the legal details and paperwork so you can focus on moving forward.
We begin with a confidential consultation to understand your situation and priorities. During this meeting, we’ll explain your options, likely timescales, and costs.
Common concern: “Do I need to decide everything before starting?”
Not at all. We’ll help you understand what can be agreed now and what can follow later, such as finances or child arrangements.
A member of our team will prepare your no-fault divorce application and file it with the court, either as a sole applicant or jointly with your spouse. We ensure every document is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Common concern: “What documents do I need?”
You’ll need your marriage certificate and basic details about both parties. We’ll guide you through gathering everything required.
If it’s a sole application, the court sends the papers to your spouse, who must confirm receipt (the “Acknowledgment of Service”).
Common concern: “What if they don’t respond?”
We’ll liaise with the court and take steps to keep your case moving, ensuring you’re not held back by delays.
There’s a mandatory 20-week waiting period between the application and the next stage, designed to give both sides time to reflect and agree practical matters like finances or parenting.
Common concern: “Can I move on with my life during this time?”
Yes. This period allows you to plan and negotiate. Our team can help finalise financial settlements or child arrangements so you’re ready for the next step.
Once the reflection period ends, you can apply for a Conditional Order confirming the court agrees you’re entitled to divorce.
Common concern: “Do I have to go to court?”
In most cases, no. Divorce is now largely an online and paper-based process, meaning court attendance is rarely required.
After a further six weeks, you can apply for the Final Order, which officially ends your marriage or civil partnership.
Common concern: “When is my divorce legally complete?”
Your divorce is final once the Final Order is granted. At this point, you’re legally single and free to remarry if you wish. However, you should ensure you have addressed finances. There are some circumstances whereby if you remarry and you were not the applicant in the divorce proceedings, some of your financial claims could be limited.
Throughout every stage, we’ll take care of the forms, communication, and negotiations on your behalf. We ensure your interests are protected, deadlines are met, and the process remains as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
When a marriage or civil partnership ends, sorting out your finances is often one of the most sensitive and complex parts of the process. Our team has extensive experience in resolving financial matters involving property, savings, pensions, business interests, and debts. Whether your situation is straightforward or involves substantial assets, we’ll ensure everything is valued correctly and divided fairly.
Common concerns we can help with include:
“Will I have to sell my home?”
“What happens to our joint savings or investments?”
“How are pensions or business assets shared?”
“Can I protect my inheritance or pre-marital property?”
We work with you to identify and protect what matters most, using legal tools such as:
Consent Orders – To make financial agreements legally binding and enforceable.
Clean Break Orders – To ensure no future financial claims can be made once the divorce is finalised.
Spousal Maintenance – To provide financial stability where one partner earns significantly less.
Pension Sharing Orders – To divide pension assets fairly between both parties.
For high-net-worth clients, business owners, and professionals, we provide discreet, commercially aware representation. Our solicitors and lawyers work closely with accountants, valuers, and financial advisers to ensure every aspect of your wealth is accurately assessed and protected.
Every financial settlement is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to your goals. Whether that’s securing your home, maintaining business continuity, or achieving financial independence.
Speak to our Private Family Law department for specialist advice on protecting your financial future.
When parents separate, making clear and fair arrangements for your children is vital. Our family law solicitors and lawyers help you agree on where your children will live, how much time they’ll spend with each parent, and how key decisions (like schooling and holidays) will be managed.
We focus on keeping conflict low and your children’s wellbeing at the heart of every decision. Whether you’re facing challenges about holidays, relocation, or day-to-day contact, we help you reach workable, lasting agreements through mediation or child arrangements orders where needed.
Our family law experts provide inclusive, confidential advice for civil partnership dissolutions and same-sex divorces. We understand the unique legal and emotional challenges these cases can bring.
We’ll guide you through the process step by step, ensuring finances, assets, and children’s arrangements are handled fairly and respectfully.
If your divorce involves conflict, coercive control, or safety concerns, you need a solicitor who can act quickly and protect you. Our team at TBI Law provides immediate legal intervention in contested or high-conflict divorces, including non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other urgent injunctions.
We handle sensitive cases with complete discretion, ensuring you feel safe, supported, and heard at every stage. Our focus is always on securing your protection and achieving the best possible outcome without unnecessary confrontation.
Choosing the right solicitor or lawyer can make all the difference to your experience and your outcome. At TBI Law, we combine expert legal advice with genuine care, guiding clients across the North East through divorce and separation with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.
Here’s why so many families trust us with their most personal matters:
Decades of Experience – Our family law team has helped thousands of clients achieve fair, practical outcomes across Hartlepool, Stockton, Wynyard, Barnard Castle, and Sunderland.
SRA, CILEX, and Resolution Accredited – We follow the highest professional and ethical standards, focusing on solutions that reduce conflict and promote fairness.
Full-Service Expertise – From property and business division to child arrangements and financial settlements, we provide complete, joined-up support in one place.
Transparent Fees – No surprises, no hidden costs — just clear, upfront pricing so you can plan with confidence.
Outstanding Client Feedback – Our clients consistently rate us highly for professionalism, communication, and compassion.
Free, Confidential Consultation – Speak to one of our experienced solicitors or lawyers today to discuss your situation in complete confidence.
The average no-fault divorce in England and Wales takes around eight months from start to finish. This includes the mandatory 20-week reflection period and a further six weeks before applying for the Final Order.
Complex finances or disagreements about children can extend this timeline. Our solicitors and lawyers help you stay organised, avoid common delays, and move through each stage efficiently.
A no-fault divorce lets couples end their marriage or civil partnership without blaming one another. You simply state that the relationship has broken down beyond repair - no evidence or allegations are required.
This change in the law has made divorces and civil partnerships simpler, faster, and far less confrontational, helping families maintain better communication during separation.
Most people never need to go to court. Divorce applications are now handled online, and your solicitor or lawyer can manage every step for you. You may only need to attend if:
There’s a dispute about financial arrangements
You cannot agree on child contact or living arrangements
Even then, we’ll represent you, prepare all paperwork, and guide you through what to expect - keeping stress to a minimum.
Every case is unique, but the court aims for fairness. It considers:
Property and savings
Pensions and investments
Debts and business interests
Earning capacity and childcare responsibilities
Our solicitors help you negotiate an agreement that protects your long-term security. We can apply for:
Consent Orders – to make your agreement legally binding.
Clean Break Orders – to prevent future financial claims.
Maintenance Orders
Property Adjustment Orders
Pension Sharing Orders – to ensure retirement funds are divided fairly.
Divorce can bring uncertainty, but children cope better when parents communicate and stay consistent. We focus on practical solutions that reduce stress for everyone. Typical issues we can help with include:
Deciding where children live and how contact is shared.
Agreeing on schooling, holidays, and special occasions.
Using mediation to find common ground and avoid court.
Our priority is always your child’s happiness, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
Costs vary depending on complexity and whether disputes arise over money or children. The court’s standard divorce application fee is currently £612, plus legal fees which could range between £200 to £500 depending upon how co-operative the other party is.
At TBI Law, we offer fixed-fee options for straightforward divorces and provide a clear estimate for more complex cases. You’ll always know what to expect. No hidden costs or surprises.
Legal Aid is available in limited situations, such as where there’s evidence of domestic abuse or a risk to children. To qualify, you must also meet strict financial criteria.
Got a question that wasn’t answered above? Contact our divorce solicitors today for bespoke, tailored solutions, to your situation.
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