Best Divorce Solicitors in Barnet

An uncontested divorce usually takes between 6 to 9 months at a minimum, however it is always advisable to avoid obtaining the final divorce order until financial matters have been agreed and approved by the court which will likely lengthy the time to finalise the divorce.

An occupation order is an order conferring, declaring, restricting or regulating rights of occupation in the family home between parties who are in, or who have been in, certain categories of relationship.

Everybody over 18 should consider preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney, not just the elderly. It is a common misconception that Lasting Powers of Attorney are only relevant to those over a certain age. However, regardless of health, consideration should be given to making a Lasting Power of Attorney because life circumstances can change at any time and it is better to be prepared and have measures in place for such eventualities.

A witness must be independent and needs to be over 18 years old. You need witnesses for a Will to be valid. Alongside the solicitor who prepares the Will, neighbours, friends and work colleagues are the most common people asked to witness a Will. Another option is a Doctor/GP and this is particularly advisable if the person making the Will could be considered as vulnerable. It is extremely important that a witness is not a beneficiary or potential beneficiary named in the Will, nor should they be a spouse or civil partner of such person, as the beneficiary would then lose their rights to inherit under the Will. A witness cannot be related to the person preparing the Will, the executors named in the Will or any beneficiaries by blood, marriage or civil partnership.

A cohabitation agreement is a written, signed document between partners who are living together or are planning on doing so, often signed as a deed in front of witnesses. The agreement should ensure clarity and certainty about who owns (and owes) what at the time of the agreement, and in what proportions and also, what the financial arrangements are both during the course of the relationship and in the event that the relationship breaks down.