Recommendation Divorce Solicitor Kent

[Topsyturvyme]

Hi, my first post here. After 20 years of a very difficult marriage I have finally decided that I should consider divorce. I would not go ahead and apply online myself because there is equity, property and savings involved and I know my husband will fight over every penny. Any recommendation for a good divorce solicitor in Kent, ideally from experience would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I'm not in your area, but just to let you know that applying for the divorce and then the financial arrangements are separate and don't go hand in hand so you can apply for the divorce and deal with everything else separately. There are big delays right now, it's been nearly a year and we haven't even heard anything back from the courts yet.

Thank you boymum9! I have to be honest - the idea has been circling in my head for a long while but after real escalation of psychological abuse towards me and my 16 year old son, unsuccessful attempt at counselling last year and really bad last couple of months (being in lockdown with a tormentor), it has become apparent that I need to get realistic about what my future with him holds. 16 year old son is begging me to take the step now. I am much cleverer than husband but like I said - am sure he will go out of his way to 'get me' (his own words. So really don't want to start the process by taking the wrong step. happy to spend money on initial consultation, etc. just don't want to waste money that am sure will need in the long run. Thank you once again and best of luck!

Do not complete the divorce (decree nisi) before the financials are sorted, because it leaves you very exposed financially if anything happens to either of you. The financial order is by far the harder thing to sort. Focus on living separately first of all if the situation is abusive. An non mol/occupation order might be achievable. Get a very clear picture of your financial situation, income, expenses, assets (including pensions), debts. Work out what you want from the situation and where you are prepared to compromise, what is realistic. Go to your solicitors meeting with all this information ready. If he's really determined to take it all the way to court, a good barrister is more important than anything else.

However, do file for divorce first - that way you control the timings and process. If you let him do it, it could drag on if he wants to be difficult.

Thank you Well, your message makes complete sense! Still waiting for someone to recommend a good divorce solicitor in Kent though, would be a great starting point! ;) X

Btw - abuse is psychological, silent treatment (for weeks in a row towards both me and son), if we approach him he uses it as an opportunity to argue, shout, throw insults, ghostlighting, denial of facts, blame appointing, followed by more blanking for days and complete avoidance. We are coping somehow, not even sure if a court would consider a non mol / occupation order for emotional abuse of this type?

Kevin Jackson. Beckett Chambers. Best you can get

Emma Palmer, Whitehead Monckton
Recommend to me by a family court judge

Whereabouts in Kent?

Jayne Garvie at Maine Nickolls in Tonbridge is excellent.