AR Legal Solicitors' Christina Franklin answers some common questions on divorce proceedings

Local Chiswick solicitors AR Legal in Turnham Green Terrace have been advising Chiswick residents on a variety of legal issues including matrimonial, property, probate, employment and litigation matters since 2002.

In 2009 they were awarded Lexcel quality mark accreditation in recognition of their commitment to excellence – the only firm in Chiswick and one of only a few in West London to hold this quality mark.

What are the grounds for divorce?
There is only one ground for divorce – that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. That the marriage has broken down is evidenced by one of 5 facts (adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, 2 years separation and consent or 5 years separation). Parties also must have been married for at least one year before issuing divorce proceedings.

What does the divorce process involve?
The process from the initial issue of a divorce petition to the final divorce, the Decree Absolute, is relatively straightforward and is usually carried out without either party needing to attend Court. It is the sorting out of finances and/or issues regarding any children of the family which tend to be more complicated and time consuming.

How will I be left financially after a divorce?
Sorting out the finances on divorce is known as ancillary relief and is inevitably often the most important concern to those contemplating divorce. There are unfortunately no hard and fast rules regarding how finances are divided after divorce and the facts of each case are different. The Court will look at all the circumstances of the case including factors such as the length of the marriage, children and earning capacity. We are however assisted by various guidelines and caselaw so a good family solicitor will be able to give you an idea of how finances may be dealt with given your individual circumstances.

As a general overview the Court can make orders in relation to the following 3 aspects:

1. Lump sums of money and/or transfer of property
2. Maintenance payments
3. Pensions

What is the best way of resolving matters?
The first step is to take initial legal advice on your position. It is important to find a solicitor you feel comfortable with and who you feel is knowledgeable and understands your circumstances. Divorce proceedings are stressful and can last many months – a good solicitor will ensure that you fully understand and appreciate the decisions you are being asked to make and the long term impact of those decisions.

Will I have to go to Court?
Court proceedings should always be a last resort and legal costs can quickly spiral out of control if not kept in check. There are a number of ways in which disputes over finances or child contact matters on divorce may be resolved out of Court. For example parties can engage in mediation or round table negotiations with their solicitors.

Your solicitor should support and assist you in coming to an agreed settlement with your former spouse as an agreed settlement is often the most cost effective and amicable way of dealing with the matter.

AR Legal recognises that contemplating or going through a divorce can be a frightening and emotionally stressful experience. Our role is to provide you clear and focused legal advice and to guide you through the legal process. We are here to protect your interests.

Christina advises on all aspects of family law including divorce, child contact issues, pre-nuptial agreements, co-habitation issues and issues surrounding domestic violence. She also deals with employment law matters. Christina is a member of Resolution whose members are committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes and seek to promote a non-confrontational approach.

AR Legal offer initial fixed fee consultations for matrimonial related issues. We are pleased to offer readers of ChiswickW4 a 10% discount on their initial consultation. Simply mention this article when making an appointment.

New scheme can help first-time home buyers as confidence increases

AR Legal Solicitors says that the Law Society’s new Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) can help first-time buyers, and anyone buying a home, through the daunting process.

The news comes as recent research shows first-time buyer confidence is at its highest for 12 months and predictions that a further increase in house prices could prompt those about to step foot on the property ladder to buy sooner rather than later.*

AR Legal Solicitors in Chiswick, London underwent a rigorous application and assessment process to secure its CQS status from the national Law Society. The scheme has been introduced to recognise high standards in conveyancing - the legal aspects of the home buying process - and is only available to Law Society members.

Aseel Rashid (Principal of AR Legal) says: “First-time buyers are less pessimistic about buying a home, but it can be a daunting process, especially for those who are encountering this major life experience for the first time.

“Before the CQS initiative was launched anyone buying a home would not be able to differentiate between one conveyancer and the next . Now there is a clear indicator that a firm, such as AR Legal, provides an excellent service that meets standards in home buying set by the national Law Society.

“AR Legal has been thoroughly tested on the quality levels it provides to anyone buying a home who use our services.”

*The latest Rightmove report, which captured the opinions of 26,240 consumers in early April, shows a jump in the levels of those intending to buy for the first-time to 26.2 per cent. in Q1 the figures were only 22.8 per cent. The report also 33.3 per cent expected house prices to be higher in 12 months.

Local firm awarded Lexcel Excellence Quality mark by the law society

Local solicitors, AR Legal in Turnham Green Terrace, have been awarded Lexcel Quality Mark accreditation in recognition of their commitment to excellence. AR Legal is the only Chiswick firm (and one of very few in West London) to hold the Lexcel quality mark.

“By successfully gaining Lexcel accreditation AR Legal is proving their commitment to delivering a high quality service”, commented Law Society President, Paul March.  “The Law Society’s Lexcel standard is a prestigious achievement for any practice.  Clients can feel reassured that they will receive a service which is first class, committed, focused and businesslike.”

The Lexcel practice management standard is only awarded to solicitors who meet the high management and customer care standards. Firms are examined thoroughly before they get the Lexcel quality mark. Then they are checked each year to make sure they are still working to the same high standards. A Lexcel firm offers excellent client care, cost efficiency and minimum risks.

AR Legal, founded in 2002, has quickly built up a reputation for being one of, if not the best local solicitors firms.  Their recent achievement of gaining the prestigious Lexcel quality mark further cements their reputation as a client focused, trustworthy and dynamic firm who will always go the extra mile for their clients.

AR Legal deal with both individuals and commercial clients on a wide range of matters.
Sawsan Selwyn, solicitor, heads the property department handling residential sales, purchases, re-mortgages and other property related transactions.  In these challenging times it is essential to have an experienced and qualified solicitor dealing with your property transaction and Sawsan is regularly praised by clients for her tenacity and expertise. 

Christina Franklin, solicitor, handles both family and employment matters and clients appreciate her support and expertise in guiding them through what can be an extremely stressful and emotionally distressing time.

Aseel Rashid, the firm’s principal has many years experience in a broad range of legal disciplines including family and civil litigation matters.  Aseel is unwavering in his demand for delivering a consistently high standard in all matters on which the firm acts.

AR Legal are open 9.00am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and offer an initial 20 minute free consultation on new matters. Meetings out of office hours can also be arranged.