Divorce and Family Finance

Divorce Solicitors in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate

Hart Reade are solicitors based in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate, East Sussex and specialise in all areas of law, including divorce, civil partnerships and financial settlements.

The majority of Divorces (including Civil Partnerships) are pursued without the need for any attendance at Court. We aim to agree the Divorce Petition with your spouse or civil partner at the outset and more often than not cases are resolved amicably and by agreement. This can be achieved even in the most difficult of cases.

We offer specialist advice on both large and small cases, with different lawyers available to suit your case. Our family law solicitors will advise as to the consequences of divorce and finance, separation of cohabitants and upon all consequent financial issues including property, investments, pensions, maintenance including child maintenance (and the Child Maintenance Service). Also spousal maintenance payments or maintenance (including clean breaks) and tax issues etc. We are able to advise in respect of transfers of property, lump sum payments and pension sharing Orders.

The financial aspects of a divorce , known as Financial Remedy, (formally known as ‘Absolute Relief’ or ‘Financial Provision’) range from simple to complex. Every case is different as with each client’s individual objectives.

We will assist you in negotiating a settlement or represent you in formal proceedings (known as an Application for a Financial Order or Application for Financial Remedy) if required. We also advise upon agreeing and securing Consent Orders or Separation Agreements.

Rights for Married Couples

Many people do not realise that even though they are divorced their financial claims against each other could remain open. We therefore recommend securing a binding settlement, documented within a Consent Order, to secure certainty and peace of mind for the future. These documents are often requested for those seeking a clean break i.e. a dismissal of all claims against each other. Such arrangements can be difficult to achieve and implement without the assistance of a specialist solicitor.

We will give full advice in respect of mediation services and ADR and avoid Court proceedings wherever possible, to keep costs to a minimum. In uncontested cases neither party needs to attend the Court for Divorce or Financial settlements.

Our experienced lawyers will give you clear and practical advice with the focus on keeping costs to a minimum and ensure matters are dealt with amicably and swiftly. There are many unforeseen pitfalls and family law can be a complex and confusing area. We have the expertise to assist you and avoid the many hazards by giving clear advice to give you the best possible outcome in line with your objectives.

Free Legal Appointment

Our Family Department offers a free 30 minute appointment to all clients.

At that appointment we will discuss and review your circumstances and give you preliminary legal advice.

We will also review with you, in general terms, your options in respect of the divorce, finances or children matters and also provide a cost estimate.

The 30 minute appointment will be free of charge and there will be no obligation for you to use our services.