Home Family Law Solicitors Oxford Specialist Divorce Solicitors in Oxford

Specialist Divorce Solicitors in Oxford

Specialist legal expertise, for when it matters most

How We Can Help:

At Hedges Law, our specialist divorce solicitors in Oxford and throughout Oxfordshire provide clear, pragmatic advice to help you navigate separation with confidence. Whether you’re facing a complex financial settlement, child arrangements, or simply need guidance on your options, we’re here to help.

We know that taking the first step may feel daunting, so we offer an initial one-off consultation where you can meet your lawyer to discuss your legal needs and take advice on your possible next steps. Absolute discretion is guaranteed.

To book an advice meeting or for any questions regarding our family law services, please ring 01865 594265 or email us at hello@hedgeslaw.co.uk

Your legal guide to separation & divorce

Going through a separation or divorce may be an incredibly stressful experience. When you instruct Hedges, you can expect an empathetic ear and pragmatic, expert legal advice on separation. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances thoroughly and needs before guiding you through the various options and what works for you.

You can elect to use us for every aspect of the process, or we can sit behind the scenes offering advice and guidance as needed. Whatever your legal requirements are, we can tailor our work for you accordingly. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome while avoiding unnecessary antagonism or acrimony.

1. Children & Divorce

Our experts will keep at the forefront of our advice the best interests of any children involved, seeking always to ensure that any impact on them is kept to a minimum.

Often, this involves attempting to reach an agreement without going through the courts by using negotiation, round-table meetings, or family mediation. The additional benefit of such processes is that they are often more cost-effective, amicable, and result in speedier resolutions.

2. Resolving Issues on Divorce

For couples who are separating, there are many options available to help you reach an agreement. There is no one best option, and it really depends on your situation. Our team is highly experienced in Non-Court options and can talk you through all the different approaches available. Read more about the options available here.

3. Valuation of Assets

Accurately identifying and valuing assets is a vital part of reaching a fair financial settlement. Working with trusted experts such as surveyors, business valuers and forensic accountants ensures that properties, businesses, pensions, investments and other assets are properly assessed.

The process includes coordinating independent valuations where required and presenting this information clearly. Particular care is taken in cases involving complex or high-value holdings such as international property, family businesses or inherited wealth to ensure nothing is overlooked and all applicable tax implications are considered and included.

With precise valuations in place, it becomes easier to negotiate from a position of strength and work towards an outcome that secures long-term financial stability.

4. Financial Implications & Arrangements

Dividing financial assets following a divorce or separation can be complex and contentious, particularly at a time when emotions may be raw and communication lines are frayed.

When dividing matrimonial or family finances during divorce or separation, your first objective should be to identify your legal entitlements and obligations. These may differ greatly depending on whether you are married and what documentation is already in place.

5. Finding an Amicable Solution

Where possible, our expert family lawyers will strive to help you reach an amicable financial settlement. This starts with assessing the most efficient, cost-effective course of action, whether mediation, collaborative law or negotiation via solicitors.

Our lawyers subscribe to the Resolution Code of Practice, demonstrating our commitment to helping you resolve and move on from your relationship in the best possible shape.

6. Going to Court

There are situations in which an amicable solution isn’t possible or suitable, and the input of the court is required, sometimes very urgently.

Our team has an exceptional track record of successful court outcomes, we work alongside a trusted team of experts including specialist barristers, forensic accountants, tax advisors and business valuers.

Specialists in High Net Worth & Complex Divorce Cases

High value assets and complex financial arrangements require a specialist approach.

Our team is experienced in advising on divorces involving business ownership, property portfolios, pensions, inherited wealth, and international interests.

We work closely with forensic accountants, tax specialists, and valuers to ensure assets are accurately identified and fairly divided.

These cases often require careful handling to protect privacy, minimise conflict, and achieve a settlement that secures your long-term interests.

Whether your assets are held in the UK or overseas, we have the expertise and professional network to guide you through every stage.

Examples of complex divorce matters we handle:

Valuation and division of businesses, shares, and partnerships
Pension sharing and division of investment portfolios
Tracing and assessing international assets including those held through shell companies
Protecting inherited wealth or pre-marital assets

Pensions

Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage and should not be overlooked during divorce or separation. At Hedges Law, our experienced divorce solicitors will help you understand the options for dividing pensions, whether through a pension sharing order, pension attachment order, or offsetting against other assets.

We work with trusted financial advisers and actuaries to ensure all pension assets are properly valued, including workplace schemes, private pensions, and overseas plans, so that you receive a fair and balanced settlement. Our goal is to protect your long-term financial security and help you make informed decisions about your future.

International & Cross-Border Divorce

Divorces involving overseas assets, property, or international residency require expert legal advice. Our team regularly advises clients where one or both spouses live abroad, hold assets in multiple countries, or have dual nationality/citizenship.

We work with trusted international legal partners to ensure your divorce is handled favourably, and that all property, pensions, and investments, wherever located, are properly considered in any settlement.

International divorces can present unique challenges, from currency fluctuations and foreign tax laws to ensuring the effective enforcement of court orders overseas.

We have the experience and professional network to protect your interests and achieve a fair outcome, wherever your life and assets are based.

Spousal Maintenance Help

At Hedges Law, our experienced divorce solicitors advise and represent clients in all matters relating to spousal maintenance (also called spousal support or periodical payments).

Whether you may be entitled to receive maintenance or are being asked to pay it, we can help you understand your position, protect your interests, and work towards a fair outcome.

We will explain how the courts assess spousal maintenance, taking into account factors such as:

The length of your marriage
Earning capacity, and financial resources
The needs and responsibilities of everyone, including care of children
The lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage
Any health issues that may affect earning ability

Our team can negotiate directly on your behalf, assist you in mediation, or, where necessary, act for you in court to secure an order that meets your needs and future plans.

We have a proven track record in achieving settlements that are fair, sustainable, and tailored to our clients’ circumstances.

If your situation changes, for example, a loss of income, career progression, or a change in family responsibilities, we can advise you on varying or ending an existing spousal maintenance order.

With Hedges Law on your side, you will have clear, pragmatic advice at every stage, ensuring you are fully informed and supported throughout the process.

Child Maintenance & Support Costs

Child maintenance is a legal obligation to contribute towards the everyday costs of raising your children after separation.

At Hedges Law, we can advise you on your rights and responsibilities, help you calculate a fair amount, and assist with negotiating or formalising arrangements.

Whether payments are agreed privately, arranged through the Child Maintenance Service, or ordered by the court, we will ensure that your children’s needs remain the priority while protecting your financial position.

Extensive Family Law Expertise:

At Hedges, our team has extensive experience dealing with various financial cases. Our clients range from home and business owners across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties to London and international clients with highly complex assets. Our team can take on cases in local courts, London courts, or internationally, and has a proven track record in each.

Complementary Services

As you go through divorce or separation, there may be other important changes you need to make, including making or updating your will, selling property, transferring your business interests, or protecting your loved ones. We can support you with any further legal services.

Our Divorce & Separation Specialists:

See The Whole Team

Nicola Poole

Managing Director & Head of Family

Alexandra Baggallay

Senior Associate

Ian Davies

Solicitor

Katy Duff

Associate Solicitor

Divorce & Separation Advice Pricing:

We understand the importance of having clear information and transparency about the cost of getting legal advice for divorce.

Details of our pricing will always be provided from the outset. Once our team understands your legal needs, you will receive a detailed summary of the expected cost, as well as any payment options available. Please contact us to find out more.

FAQs

Costs vary depending on complexity. We can often help to resolve a divorce and the associated finances and arrangements for children for less than £3,000 plus VAT and disbursementsMore complex financial or child arrangements cases will be higher, but out expert lawyers will be able to help you to understand your likely costs from the outset.

An uncontested divorce takes at least six months from application to final order. Disputes over finances or children can extend this timeframe, so it is not unusual for matters to take between 6-12 months.

Since April 2022, there’s only one legal ground; irretrievable breakdown – under the UK’s no-fault divorce law.

You’ll need your marriage certificate (and a translation of it, if it’s not in English) and to pay the court fee. The application is usually submitted online.

It’s not legally required, but a solicitor is strongly advised if you have children, financial assets, or an international element to your case to help you make sure everything is dealt with effectively and to give you certainty moving forward.

The children’s welfare is the priority, with many families agreeing arrangements through mediation or negotiation without going to court.