Divorce Solicitors

The Divorce Process

Getting divorced is a difficult decision. But it is fairly common, with the latest ONS data revealing there were 108,421 divorces in 2019. The breakdown of a relationship is already likely to cause stress, so dealing with the legal fallout on top of that can feel like an insurmountable task. 

Understanding the divorce process can help to make sense of your situation. Divorce solicitors are here to help you during times in which the security of your family or relationship is shaken.

Current Grounds for Divorce

Divorce proceedings are started by filling a divorce petition at court. It’s the initial court document for applying for a divorce. You can’t file for a divorce until you’ve been married for at least one year.

Before filing, you also need to consider the grounds for divorce. These will need to be specified as part of the divorce process. Under the one legal ground for divorce, which is that a marriage has irretrievably broken down and cannot be saved, there are five reasons (often referred to as the five facts) which are used to establish the breakdown of the marriage.

These are:

  • Adultery
  • Unreasonable behaviour, including:
    • Physical violence
    • Verbal abuse, such as insults or threats
    • Drunkenness or drug-taking
    • Refusing to pay towards shared living expenses
  • Desertion (if your spouse left you for at least 2 years before you apply for divorce)
  • You’ve been separated for more than two years (with agreement)
  • You’ve been separated for more than five years (without agreement)

Source: GOV.uk

Unreasonable behaviour was the most common reason for couples divorcing in 2019. It’s often used as a bit of a catch-all for couples who want to get divorced. A solicitor will be able to explain what’s needed to establish proof for each of the five reasons.

Why Choose Manak for Your Family Needs?

Empathy

We appreciate the psychological and physical stress the breakdown of any relationship can cause. Therefore, we have developed a specialist family department which provides understanding, effective advice and representation.

Experts

We strive to adopt the best way of resolving problems which could be through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and as a last resort, litigation. We have extensive experience across all of these solutions.

Reviews

We encourage you to check our fantastic, transparent Google & Facebook reviews. We do not curate selected testimonials like some companies do.

Approachable

We guarantee every single file we work on is overseen by a qualified Solicitor. This is not something all of our competitors will offer you.

We. Are. Experts.

Which means we have created expert content, for you.

The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Bill explained

For years, the law didn’t have an option for couples who grow apart and want a divorce before they’ve been living apart for two years. For many, waiting this long can be a real struggle. Divorce law has also been focused on the idea of one party being at fault in order to get a separation.

There’s been much talk of a reform to include no-fault divorces, which would allow couples to divorce mutually without blaming each other. The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Bill, advocating no-fault divorce amongst other reforms, received Royal assent and became an Act of Parliament on 25 June 2020.

Although it’s not expected to come into effect until autumn 2021, it’s the biggest shake up of divorce laws in 50 years. Key changes include:

  • The move towards a no fault divorce, allowing one spouse or the couple to jointly make a statement of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
  • Stopping one spouse from contesting a divorce if the other party wants one, as the statement of irretrievable breakdown would be conclusive evidence for the court to make a divorce order.
  • The introduction of a minimum reflection period of 26 weeks to confirm the marriage has broken down, eliminating the need to prove adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or go through a period of separation before divorcing.
  • Simpler language to help individuals better understand the divorce process:
    • Decree nisi will be replaced with Conditional Divorce Order
    • Decree absolute replaced with Final Divorce Order

These are welcomed changes which should provide opportunities for couples to amicably end their marriage and reduce the impact that assigning fault can have on couples and their children. The reform will bring divorce laws more in line with the realities of modern relationships.

Combine any Family service with a Will for an exclusive Multi Product Discount.

How Divorce Proceedings Work

Every divorce has its own challenges and a solicitor will work towards the best outcome for you, but it can help to understand the rough timeline of a divorce case: 

Filing for divorce

You must complete a divorce petition form, along with details such as names and addresses of spouses and any children from the marriage. Under current laws, you’ll also need to provide the grounds of divorce. You’ll need copies of this form and will pay a court fee of £550 to begin divorce proceedings when you submit your petition to your nearest family law court.

Responding to a divorce petition 

If your partner has filed for divorce from you, you’ll receive a copy of the divorce petition form.

You can:

  • Agree with the divorce petition and return an acknowledgement of service form to the court within eight days.
  • Disagree with the divorce petition and return an acknowledgement of service form to the court, filling in the part which confirms you are defending the divorce. You have 21 days after submitting this form to explain why you’re defending the divorce. This is known as giving an answer, and you may have to pay a court fee.
  • Disagree with the divorce petition and also start your own divorce proceedings.

Court hearing

If a divorce petition has been defended, or both partners issue their own divorce proceedings, the court will typically hold a hearing. The purpose is for both parties to attend and reach an agreement.

Applying for decree nisi (to be Conditional Divorce Order under new rules)

If you received an acknowledgement of service form from your spouse agreeing to your divorce petition, you can apply for a decree nisi.

A decree nisi is the first stage of the two-part divorce order which will dissolve your marriage. It’s a document which confirms the court is happy you’ve met the legal and procedural requirements for divorce.

If your spouse defends the divorce, you can still apply for a decree nisi. You’ll need to fill in section B of the form, which requests a case management hearing before a judge. They will decide whether to grant a decree nisi or not. 

Applying for decree absolute (to be Final Divorce Order under new rules)

Six weeks after you have received your decree nisi, you can apply for the decree absolute. This will legally end your marriage. The six weeks gives you time to make arrangements for finances and children, although it can be delayed up to around 12 months.

Once the court has your application and finds no errors, you and your former partner will receive a decree absolute.

Why Choose Manak Solicitors for your Divorce?

When you’re navigating the end of a relationship, you want to work with a solicitor who makes you feel comfortable. We understand that law firms can typically be a bit intimidating. We’re here to change that. You can visit our offices in Kent and London, or we hold meetings over the phone or via Zoom. We offer support in all areas of practice in English, French, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.

We have multiple accidentations, including Advanced Family accreditation from the Law Society, and hold ourselves to high standards. Our team is here to provide you support and advice that’s easy to understand. We want to deliver the best outcome for you. But don’t just take our word for it: 

Ammi
Ammi
22:36 13 Mar 24
Avoid! Got in contact with Samir from Manak Solicitors regarding a fare evasion matter. Over the phone, he essentially told me my case was 'hopeless', but still insisted on having an online meeting to discuss it. During the meeting he barely took notes and concluded with, ''there's not much I can do.'' Bitterly disappointing considering I spoke to a host of other solicitors later on, who were far more helpful. I believe his aim was to swindle me of £125.00 for the online meeting (which lasted less than 20 minutes), knowing full well he was not going to take my case.Samir came across as arrogant, insincere and hostile. A terrible representative of his firm.If you need help with a fare evasion case, try Fellowes Solicitors. Much better service, prices and a genuine attitude.
Gintarė Svirskaitė
Gintarė Svirskaitė
08:01 13 Mar 24
Incredible service! Helped with my sister’s tfl case and we received amazing results! Thank you so much for everything. Highly recommend!
TINA CHIVERS
TINA CHIVERS
16:07 08 Mar 24
We have used Manak solicitors previously and were very happy with their work ethics. We entered into new conveyancing contract recently but unfortunately had a few problems, Tanya Robinson at manak has been absolutely marvellous in assisting us, she has replied to emails promptly and has proved to go above and beyond. Many thanks Tanya you have been great !
Phil Rowlands
Phil Rowlands
18:44 21 Feb 24
Efficient and thorough service. Had our matter dealt with in less than 48 hours. Thank you Samir
Matilda Prendi
Matilda Prendi
17:17 08 Feb 24
Archana Gondi
Archana Gondi
04:04 04 Feb 24
The Orpington office at Manak Solicitors dealt with the purchase of a property for me - their service and advice was great. Special mention to Natalie for her prompt responses to our queries! Would recommend!
Tony Rogers
Tony Rogers
14:11 27 Jan 24
I recently instructed Samir at Manik Solicitors to deal with a rather worrying situation. From start to finish, he was nothing but professional, informative and precise. All of my worries were taken care of, and, over the Christmas period, whilst being out of the country! Complete peace of mind, reassurance and a great all round service provided. I cannot thank you enough! All the best!
Nathan Johnson
Nathan Johnson
16:23 12 Jan 24
Excellent Legal Support and Outstanding ResultsWould definitely use again and recommend to everyone
TRUDI ORPIN
TRUDI ORPIN
13:02 10 Jan 24
We used Samir at Manak Solicitors for an issue we had with a tenant. We found him to be very quick in responding to emails, which we find important. His knowledge of our problem was first class and he gave us great advise.We had a couple of zoom calls with him and he was friendly, patient and worked in a professional manner.We would highly recommend Samir at Manak Solicitors.
Alan Griffiths
Alan Griffiths
20:22 09 Jan 24
Samir dealt with our case professionally and efficiently, obtaining a very positive outcome would definitely recommend
Giulia Lanfredi
Giulia Lanfredi
19:37 14 Dec 23
Very professional and helpful, the firm provides excellent legal services.
laura browning
laura browning
07:46 21 Nov 23
Samir was fantastic with dealing with my case with TFL. Cannot recommend him enough
Dionne Cole
Dionne Cole
11:23 17 Nov 23
Such an amazing solicitor firm, I'd highly recommend them for any legal services you need. They went above and beyond to provide legal services for me.
Alex
Alex
19:00 15 Nov 23
The Manak Conveyancing team in Orpington were fantastic, a breath of fresh air, due to their proactive approach and always communicating either in person on the phone or by email- we always felt someone was there and available to help. We set them a challenge to exchange in a short period of time and they delivered as they said they would. I would certainly recommend them.
James J
James J
15:20 15 Nov 23
Amazing Service from Samir Moftar and Manak Solicitors.My son recently received a fare evasion letter from our friendly local rail company. We were exceptionally concerned given that my son could receive a criminal record.We contacted Manak Solicitors who have excellent experience negotiating with the major rail companies. Samir Moftar quickly engaged on our behalf and resolved the issue within a week.We were amazed how quickly Samir was able to turn this around. We could not be happier with the service we received and will recommend Samir Moftah and Manak Solicitors to friends and family.
Tina Asker
Tina Asker
11:36 12 Nov 23
Excellent Legal Support and Outstanding ResultsI had an exceptional experience with Manak Solicitors. They provided me with outstanding legal support and achieved an incredible outcome for my case. I recently faced a legal issue with TfL, and thanks to the expertise and diligent efforts of Samir, the case has been completely resolved.I am truly grateful for the prompt and professional assistance I received throughout the entire process. Samir at Manak Solicitors went above and beyond to ensure that my rights were protected and they successfully negotiated with TfL to withdraw the case and provide a warning instead.The team at Manak Solicitors demonstrated a high level of knowledge, expertise, and dedication. They were always available to answer my questions and provide clear guidance, which made the legal process much less stressful for me. Their commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients is truly commendable.I highly recommend Samir at Manak Solicitors to anyone in need of reliable and trustworthy legal representation. Their professionalism, expertise, and exceptional results speak for themselves. I am extremely satisfied with their services, and I wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future if needed.Thank you Samir and Holly, for your outstanding support and for helping me navigate through this challenging situation. Your dedication to your clients is truly commendable.
Sara Spatola
Sara Spatola
20:25 27 Oct 23
Great solicitors. Made the whole purchasing process stress free.
Chris
Chris
19:44 25 Oct 23
A big thank you to Samir Moftah who dealt with my recent case with TfL, which was successfully settled. Samir was very helpful and explained the legal process in an easy to understand way. He was very efficient and kept the process straightforward, keeping me posted at each stage.
Maya Ziyu Ou
Maya Ziyu Ou
10:02 19 Oct 23
Manak solicitors helped me with a fare evasion case which I was really worried about. I am very appreciative of Samir, he is a very supportive, non-judgemental and reassuring person. I felt more at ease, after I contacted and appointed him.Samir settled my case very quickly, and I was very relieved with the outcome. You can’t find anyone better than Samir. Highly recommend his services!
Balzo
Balzo
07:55 18 Oct 23
Bad not good
Shahnawaz Jee
Shahnawaz Jee
16:30 09 Oct 23
Samir is an astute, diligent and straight forward solicitor. Assesses the context very quickly, and get's actions lined up for a prompt resolution. Highly recommended.
Jiten Masrani
Jiten Masrani
09:56 29 Sep 23
I contacted Samir @ Manak Solicitors with just under 2 weeks until my court date for fare evasion.. I saw his reviews online, they all spoke very highly of his expertise in this area. I had no idea the complexity of this but Samir took my case on board straight away and helped me to resolve a stressful situation within 1 week. Made the process very easy and straightforward, great service! Highly recommended!
Yam Thapa
Yam Thapa
22:03 22 Sep 23
Manak solicitors helped me for fare evasion case. I was very worried and it seemed quite complicated but because of Samir's professionalism and support, I relieved with the outcome. Samir is really experienced, kind and helpful person. I Highly recommend Manak Solicitor for their professional services. Special thanks to Samir, Holly and all the team.
C O
C O
16:49 20 Sep 23
Sarah A
Sarah A
10:54 15 Sep 23
Manak solicitors helped me with a fare evasion case which seemed very complicated at first. I am very satisfied with Samir's professionalism and support. I was very relieved with the outcome. He is very experienced and helpful. Highly recommend his services!
hetal patel
hetal patel
10:07 13 Sep 23
Samir from manak helped me in fare evasion issue for TFL , amazing service I had from him. He charges fixed fee and his advice was prompt, I got amazing results he got me out of this in 2 weeks with only warning. He is star and can't thank you him enough ..Best solicitor
Lee M
Lee M
16:31 05 Sep 23
The Orpington office at Manak Solicitors dealt with the sale and purchase of property for me and were genuinely excellent. Nothing was too much of a problem, they worked quickly when we had tight deadlines and were flexible when things changed. Being able to speak to them on the phone to quickly sort issues versus other conveyancing firms where they insist on email was also a blessing. I would thoroughly recommend them if you require a solicitor for your property sale/purchase.
Alex Griffiths
Alex Griffiths
10:08 05 Sep 23
Samir successfully settled a fare evasion prosecution out of court
JA
JA
22:10 03 Sep 23
Highly RecommendSamir was fantastic in resolving my case. His professionalism and speed at which it was resolved are a testament to his work.Definitely recommended and thanks again.
Vikram Kakaria
Vikram Kakaria
16:00 01 Sep 23
Haroon Khan and Nistaran Thind provided an excellent conveyancing service for my house purchase. I was able to speak to them whenever required and they always provided excellent advice and guidance. I would not hesitate in using them in the future
Brans 2468
Brans 2468
09:41 29 Aug 23
Samir is very professional. Sorted my fare evasion prosecution in a heartbeat. Would definitely recommend.
Nike
Nike
07:04 25 Aug 23
I was distraught when my son was charged with Fare Evasion by Gogia and given notice for a Court appearance.In his early twenties, pleading guilty or being found guilty would leave him with a criminal record, which would have destroyed any progression in his chosen profession.Searching for Solicitors, we came across Samir and were impressed by his reviews. We decided to call him, and within 36 hours, Samir had successfully settled the case out of court, and the prosecution was closed.With his knowledge and experience, Samir is the go-to Solicitor for Fare Evasion charges.Thank you, Samir!From a happy Mother.
Simon Chapman
Simon Chapman
14:44 21 Aug 23
Very quick, very responsive, and caught things I had missed in my own reviews. Couldn’t have asked for more from their services. 10/10 recommend
Mandeep Kaur
Mandeep Kaur
12:05 21 Aug 23
I had a fare evasion case that I was convinced was hopeless and Samir was absolutely brilliant. I had called around to a few solicitors to explain my case but didn't feel at ease and also couldn't afford their fees. Samir listened to me and offered to help, and was very calm and professional throughout. I deeply regretted my actions but he remained non judgemental and was confident a settlement could be achieved. I provided all details and my case was settled the next day. A prosecution would have deeply affected my life and career and I'll be forever grateful for Samir's help in this case. He went above and beyond as he could see I was struggling and sent me a recommendation for CBT counselling, which was greatly appreciated. If you are in a similar position, I would highly recommend contacting Samir and explaining your situation, I fully believe in his integrity as I don't think he would've taken my case if he didn't feel it could be settled. I've very much learnt my lesson and thank Samir for helping me to get my life back on track.
FortniteWins178
FortniteWins178
14:10 18 Aug 23
First Class Service From Samir and can’t thank him enough with his help and out of court settlement with Govia Thameslink . Didn’t know who to turn to regarding my son, then I read these reviews and took a chance on Samir and so glad I did. All settled within 2 days and such a weight off my shoulders. Won’t find anyone more knowledgeable than him, so don’t think twice to contact. Thank You Samir forever grateful
Ronnie Selby
Ronnie Selby
21:17 12 Aug 23
Thomas Jeffcock
Thomas Jeffcock
14:31 11 Aug 23
Samir was excellent, he delivered a high-quality service in a timely manner, and was always courteous and responsive.
Anonymous
Anonymous
13:36 09 Aug 23
Manak helped me come to an agreement regarding a dispute with TFL. Really the best case outcome. Samir was friendly, personable, and experienced. I highly recommend his services
J P
J P
19:04 26 Jul 23
Samir dealt with my fare evasioncase quickly and effectively. He contacted me immediately and was very reassuring from the outset. The matter was closed within a week of first contacting him. I couldn't recommend him more highly.
Piyush Poddar
Piyush Poddar
15:00 25 Jul 23
Nazeer Vawda
Nazeer Vawda
23:09 16 Jul 23
Samir helped me with an a fare dispute issue with Northern Rail. His services were immaculate, his communication prompt. He was well worth the fixed fee he charged for the service (in fact slightly lesser than some competition). My advice would be to reach out to him as soon you receive the first communication from the rail company. He settled my matter within 2 days of contacting him.
Steve Collins
Steve Collins
15:11 14 Jul 23
Samir and the team were extremely professional in providing me with sound advice regarding an issue I had with Thameslink to start with which was very reassuring. They then went on to resolve my matter in as little as a couple of days. You pay for great and efficient service from experienced people. Would definitely recommend.
Marta Vrabie
Marta Vrabie
11:59 13 Jul 23
I am very happy I chose Manak Solicitors to help with my problem. Their response was quick and professional, just what I needed when I was at a vulnerable moment. Many thanks to Samir and the team! 100%recommend!
Grace Amara
Grace Amara
10:20 07 Jul 23
I came across Manak Solicitors online while i was looking for help, i contacted them, they assured me they will help me on my fair eversion case, at first i was in doubt because i have contacted so many people and they said i will face charges but Samir promised me he can handle the case, then i contacted him, and he came in and with his help my case was resolved without been charged. i wan to say a very big thank you to Samir for your swift response.
Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott
15:21 20 Jun 23
Arjan Singh Thind and his team were excellent with the purchase of my property. Always very helpful with answering my questions & always responding in a timely fashion. I was very impressed & will definitely be recommending them & using them again. Thank you.
Steve
Steve
14:34 15 Jun 23
Samir is excellent. His experience and confidence put me at ease as soon as I first spoke with him and I had complete trust that he would negotiate the best outcome for me, which he did. Not only that but he took less than 5 working days to have my issue settled, saving so many months of potential stress.If you require any of the services Samir specialises in, I don't think you'd find anyone better.
Usman Ahmed
Usman Ahmed
11:07 12 Jun 23
Manak Solicitors handled my case very effectively and professionally. They deal with cases to highest quality.
Ian Chappell
Ian Chappell
16:09 23 May 23
Excellent service and outcome from Samir at Manak Solicitors. Highly recommended.
George K
George K
13:50 22 May 23
Highly professional and honest throughout the case - clear and transparent communication.
Quang Trung
Quang Trung
08:28 18 May 23
Brilliant solicitor. Got Samir to represent my daughter's case verses TfL (Transport for London) with the excellent outcome. Samir was professional and very helpful with the case, Samir's knowledge about the issue is second to none. Truly well recommended if you in need of a solicitor.
Girish Nair
Girish Nair
18:34 17 May 23
Hamidah S
Hamidah S
13:53 17 May 23
Excellent service - Fare evasion case - Samir was able to resolve my case despite the very low chances of it being settled out of court. But within a week of evidence being submitted to TFL they agreed to settle out of court and drop the charges. Samir is an excellent solicitor -professional and most importantly did not try to sell me an unrealistic expectation. I will forever be grateful for his services. Highly recommend anyone who find themselves in a similar situation. This was the first time in my life that I have had to consult legal advice. They were very supportive and always quick at responding to any queries or concerns.
Craig Ward
Craig Ward
14:56 12 May 23
Truly grateful!I was having an issue with TfL, Samir at Manak Solicitors was understanding, responsive and transparent with his advice.At risk of being taken to court and not only did Samir fight for an out of court settlement but also arranged for some sorely needed therapy to help get me through the situation.I can't thank Samir and the team enough
Marion Larcombe
Marion Larcombe
10:13 06 May 23
Have used Manak Solicitors on numerous occasions and have always found them to be excellent. There is always someone available with knowledge of your case if the person dealing with the account is unavailable. They respond quickly and efficiently and keep you informed every step of the way which I have found not to be the case with other Solicitors. I will continue to use them as and when required and I have recommended them on numerous occasions and will continue to do so. If you are looking for excellent service and reasonable prices then look no further.
Klaudia Babilas
Klaudia Babilas
12:43 05 May 23
I simply cannot recommend Samir and his team enough. Both Samir and Holly responded within minutes to my email, and have been extremely responsive and easily contactable throughout the whole process. Samir explained things very clearly and understood my concerns. Samir was professional and reassuring, and within few short weeks was able to settle the matter successfully for me. If you are in a similar situation, look no further as I doubt you will find a better person (and company) to assist you with fare evasion matters. Absolutely impeccable!
Hannah B
Hannah B
22:22 29 Apr 23
Excellent service! Would recommend to all who are looking for legal advice. They helped me very much, in particular Samir and Holly who provided great communication and advised me on what to expect with the problem that I was facing and the best steps moving forward. If you are looking for a solicitor, do not hesitate, Manak Solicitors are the best!
Amadu
Amadu
21:02 18 Apr 23
I highly recommend working with Manak Solicitors. Samir worked very fast and efficient to get my case resolved within a number of days. I’m very grateful for their services
Robert Mercer
Robert Mercer
14:23 14 Apr 23
Excellent service. Thanks to Manak the flat sale was navigated through in record time to meet a deadline; they even said they would stay late to ensure the payment was processed in time. We found them always very helpful and efficient and would definitely consider using them again.
Emily Rogers
Emily Rogers
12:08 12 Apr 23
I used Manak for a recent house purchase. They were efficient from my first interaction with them to obtain a conveyancing quote and that continued. Special mention to Natalie who assisted Rosemary with my purchase. I only had 3 months before a mortgage product was expiring so was keen to complete in that timeframe. Natalie was aware of the deadline and on a number of occasions she simply picked up the phone and called me with an update, rather than keep me waiting for a reply.
Claudiu Tanase
Claudiu Tanase
15:36 06 Apr 23
Great service by the Orpington office team in property buying process for my parents. We would recommend!
Raphael Etugbo
Raphael Etugbo
11:23 24 Mar 23
The service I received from both Samir and both Holly was excellent, very quick to responding to queries and able to advice wonderfully well and also understand the details of cases and able to put you at ease, I'll 100% recommend
N Z
N Z
14:44 17 Mar 23
Haroon and Rebecca were very helpful in resolving my complicated leasehold sale. Ghey was informative annd helpful and kept me at ease the entire way through the process, which at some points was a difficult task!
Hannah Palumbo
Hannah Palumbo
09:31 17 Mar 23
My recent experience using Manaks was exceptional. Samir who helped me with my case was professional, quick to respond, and spent the time to understand my personal circumstances. I felt as though I received tailored advice and support which really made me feel at ease, which isn’t as common from other solicitors. My case was dealt with quickly thanks to Samir with a successful outcome, much quicker than anticipated. I will definitely be using Manaks in the future and would recommend to anyone. Thanks again.
Hisham Hamam
Hisham Hamam
09:59 14 Mar 23
Fantastic services. Great People. Cant say enough about this place in reassuring and providing top-tier support. Samir in particular handled our case and helped give the best outcome possible. Cant recommend enough.
Faizaan Rana
Faizaan Rana
00:09 09 Mar 23
Manak Solicitors are 10/10! I had a case regarding fare evasion, & potentially losing my job if convicted, i contacted Mank Solicitors, Spoke to holly who assured me this can be solved & even advised Samir who has a 100% record to settle all fare evasion cases! I had a initial meeting with Samir, who assured me this case can be settled without me being prosecuted! i cannot thank Samir enough, always kept me updated with everything! & saved my career! if you ever need legal advice Mank Solicitors are your go to place!! 100% recommended!
Ben Ayling
Ben Ayling
19:06 06 Mar 23
Very professional service. Swiftly resolved my issue and breathed a big sigh of relief
Daniel Gabb
Daniel Gabb
16:15 27 Feb 23
I cannot recommend Samir at Manak enough. Sensitive, professional and speedy resolution. Many thanks for your help!
Ian Rand
Ian Rand
18:40 26 Feb 23
Excellent professional service & good negotiators. Provided me with sound advice throughout my cases & they have a strong list of quality affordable legal counsel to support them.I personally cannot thank the entire Manak Solicitors Team enough for all the hard work undertaken.
Vee
Vee
15:16 20 Feb 23
Highly recommend Manak Solicitors and Samir. Samir provided excellent service and expertise. Both him and Holly were very responsive to emails, answering all my questions clearly and you can trust them to handle the case.
Shannon Speller
Shannon Speller
17:13 13 Feb 23
We've used Manak Solicitors for two home purchases now and were recommended originally by my parents who had nothing but good things to say & I can honestly say that being with Manak the second time around was even more amazing! We mostly dealt with Natalie, but also spoke with Rosemary and Agota and all three were brilliant. Natalie specifically has gone above & beyond for us and made something that is usually very stressful (on top of being heavily pregnant) such an easy process and even managed to get our sellers solicitors to move everything along as they were horrendous! I have nothing bad to say about Manak Solicitors at all & I have already send my recommendations over to our friends who have just put their home on the market too!
callum way
callum way
11:36 13 Feb 23
As first time buyers, buying a house can be a daunting process but Rebecca and Haroon done everything in their power to make it a smooth sailing process for us. Both Rebecca and Haroon were trustworthy and alway provided prompt responses to emails/calls. We wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again in future.
Sudhakar Balaraman
Sudhakar Balaraman
15:12 24 Jan 23
Mr Surinder and his team have done tremendous job in completing my recent Conveyancing/property purchase. Team of true professionals. Mr Haroon Khan has done great followup and stayed on top of the transaction throughout. Very much appreciate the service and highly recommended.Thanks to Mr Surinder Manak, Mr Haroon Khan and rest of the team.
Cheryl Boyer
Cheryl Boyer
20:15 18 Jan 23
We used Manaks - Orpington office and can not fault them in any way. We used them to sell and purchase a property and although other solicitors within the chain were not so great - Rosemary and her team were fantastic. They were efficient and constantly in contact with us.I would highly recommend Manaks and if we do need to use a solicitors in the future will happily use again.
Inderjit chaunkria
Inderjit chaunkria
06:21 11 Jan 23
My recent and first time experience with Manak Solicitors at Gravesend was exceptionally impressive. I highly recommend Manak Solicitors. Pavandeep Dhillon is the best Solicitor she dealt with my wife’s suppose visa ,Very professional and answered any questions I had without delay. There are not enough words to describe about Pavandeep . I highly recommend this solicitors. They are always willing to help put your mind at ease.. Thank you for all the help.
Stephen Poon
Stephen Poon
21:34 23 Dec 22
Thanks for the great service fromHaroon as a conveyancing solicitor.Very responsive and professional advices given.
Daniel Bridgewater
Daniel Bridgewater
16:50 13 Dec 22
I recently received a fine, which I needed legal advice on. I spoke to Manak Solicitors in regards to this and they were extremely confident that they could resolve this matter for me (I was told that they have a 100% success rate on these types of cases).If I'm honest, I was sceptical - do they really have 100% success or was it just a way to convince me to go with them?Thankfully, they proved me absolutely wrong! They resolved the issue in a matter of days, which I was genuinely blown away by. These situations can cause a level of stress and anxiety, but they filled me with a lot of confidence and dealt with it quickly and efficiently.I would highly recommend Manak to all.
Domenico De Riva
Domenico De Riva
16:40 24 Nov 22
I have received a great service from Samir and Holly at Manak Solicitors in Orpington. They were both very helpful in resolving my case, I was kept at ease through the entire case. Both Samir and Holly are very quick to respond to emails. I am so grateful to them both, I would highly recommend Manak solicitors.
Asitha Angammana
Asitha Angammana
13:51 10 Nov 22
I have selected Manak Solicitors through a recommendation, and I am glad with that decision. I am pleased with their service. Haron and Rebecca response efficiently. You might need to follow up when they both are on leave. 😊 It happened to me, but they have followed up quickly once they are back from holidays. I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Rafael Poole
Rafael Poole
21:29 08 Nov 22
Samir was very diligent in resolving my case. He kept me informed all the entire way through the case, responded very quickly to emails and was always reachable on the phone. Very happy I found Samir as my case was resolved successfully thanks to him. I highly recommend him as a solicitor.
Naresh Kumar Siriveri
Naresh Kumar Siriveri
12:54 07 Nov 22
Fantabulous service from Haroon at Manank Solicitors in Orpington.We met him in person on the first day of visit in orpington's office regarding the purchase of my house.He understood the requirement very fast , worked with estage agents and the Halifax and processed my case on the estimated time.During the journey, he is available all the time over emails and phone explaining different stages involved.I would highly recommend Manak solicitors . thanks to Haroon again.Naresh
Lisa Best
Lisa Best
12:36 31 Oct 22
I have received a great service from Samir at Manak Solicitors in Orpington. Very responsive to emails and calls from both him and Holly. My tenant issue was sorted out with efficiency and importantly letting me know each step and explaining when I didn’t understand next steps (which was often!). Thank you. I would highly recommend Manak solicitors. Lisa
Michael Martins
Michael Martins
23:55 19 Oct 22
Ive used Manak solicitors for the past two years and the service gets better and better. I couldn't recommend Amandeep and George highly enough.
Lauren
Lauren
16:04 09 Oct 22
Samir was very helpful in resolving my case in a timely manner. He was personable and kept me at ease the entire way through the process.
Charlie
Charlie
11:15 20 Sep 22
Samir and Holly were very helpful and easy to communicate with when getting my case settled, they are very professional and I couldn’t recommend them enough.
Gops Rana
Gops Rana
15:55 09 Sep 22
Used Haroon and Rebecca for the sale of a buy to let. Service was excellent even with a very difficult buyer. Contacted me in timely manner and helped to explain the difficulties we were having with the buyer whenever I asked any questions. Couldn’t recommend the firm more.
Loretta Avanzi
Loretta Avanzi
15:08 09 Sep 22
Manak Solicitors were very efficient and professional. I was represented by Samir and he made sure everything was clear throughout the process and was very quick to respond to any questions.
Fungai Mpepoimba
Fungai Mpepoimba
15:59 06 Sep 22
Samir was very helpful and friendly, handled my case with speed and expertise. I highly recommend!
Chris Blakey
Chris Blakey
10:04 31 Aug 22
Samir and Holly are fantastic. I recently got landed with a TFL fare evasion letter/notice that they may intend to prosecute.I did a lot of research and it seemed based on info available online that the odds were not in my favour and that TFL generally prosecute.I couldn’t afford for this to happen so I knew I should invest in legal representation.I called every solicitor in London that advertises tfl fare evasion services, the quotes I received ranged a lot with Samirs quote being by far the most reasonable which factored into my decision to have Manak solicitors but the main reason for my decision was Samir’s approach.Samir was straight to the point and honest, he was empathetic about the situation but also was sure to set realistic expectations around the outcome of this case. He didn’t seem to just say what I wanted to hear (like the other solicitors I had spoken to), he explained the mistakes I had likely made in my communications with TFL up to this point and agreed to help. A few weeks later and he has managed to have the case dismissed.Samir’s services were fantastic and id thoroughly recommend him and his firm to anyone dealing with a similar case.
Kate Humphrys
Kate Humphrys
10:57 29 Aug 22
I instructed Manak Solicitors for the sale and purchase of our property. Rosemary Dean was extremely efficient. The communication was excellent from Rosemary, Liz and Kirstie who were assigned our matter and I was always confident I would receive a reply to my queries in timely manner.
Courtnie Wooster
Courtnie Wooster
08:51 12 Aug 22
Rebecca and Haroon helped me understand the process in simpler terms when it comes to removing ex-partners, in my case, from the title deeds and I could not be more grateful to them for helping me through such an emotional time. Thank you so much!!
Tom O' Neill
Tom O' Neill
15:44 10 Aug 22
Rosemary and her team have acted on our behalf on two separate occasions - one house sale, and a house purchase some months later. There is unlikely to be enough character allowance in this form to write all of the good things that I would like to say about them.Manak’s opposite number on our house sale was the most aggressive, unprofessional, and, dare I say, slanderous conveyancer I have ever had the displeasure to encounter. She appeared so intent on scuppering the transaction that her own client (who we got to know quite well) voiced many concerns to us and even considered changing solicitors to get the deal over the line. However, Rosemary, Liz and the team remained thoroughly professional throughout and transformed what we’re very choppy water into plain sailing.Our purchase was outside of London, where things move at a much slower pace. My wife and I were at the edge of our seats with anxiety and fear of the deal falling through until we voiced our concerns to the team at Manak. They made a call, or sent an email to the sellers solicitor, and things started to move at the pace one would usually expect. We believe that we would have lost our dream home had it not been for their combined efforts.All there is left for me to do is to recommend Manak Solicitors to you. We would not hesitate to use them again.Thank You Rosemary and team.
James Scorgie
James Scorgie
17:14 03 Aug 22
I contacted Manak Solicitors for advice. Samir Moftah dealt with this in the most exemplary manner and I have no hesitation in recommending Samir and the firm.
Gerard M
Gerard M
12:21 31 Jul 22
I contacted Samir in July 2022 regarding a prosecution notice from Thameslink. Samir contacted me within the hour that night (after working hours) to put my mind at ease and discuss the process going forward. Samir settled the case extremely quickly with an out-of-court settlement. Samir scheduled a consultation meeting the following day and was friendly and reassuring. The whole process was wrapped up in a matter of days. Would highly recommend!
Silvia
Silvia
09:26 29 Jul 22
I would like to thank Ms Hurlock and Mr Khan at their Orpington office for successful sale of my property, same goes to their reception personal, welcoming you in.I must give special thanks though to Ms Rebecca Hurlock, who has done an amazing work through all the 10 months it took. The professionalism, understanding and kindness especially on those occasions when I got a little bit stressed from the whole situation. Rebecca was every time assuring and confident, friendly and understanding which made the whole process easier to handle. Truly, couldn't ask for a better person to handle my case. I would highly recommend Manak Solicitors and have done so already.Many many thanks again for everything, you were brilliant!
Martha V Joynt
Martha V Joynt
13:18 14 Jul 22
I have used Manak Solicitors since 2017 for all my immigration matters. Most recently, Pavandeep Dhillon handled my residency extension. She and her team are exemplary--professional, knowledgeable, responsive, friendly and easy to speak with. They made a potentially stressful process virtuality stress free! For my future residency needs I will definitely be using Manak Solicitors and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Ike Okeke
Ike Okeke
07:57 10 Jul 22
Samir was very helpful in resolving my case and kept me at ease the entire way through the case. He was very quick to respond to emails and was easily reachable on the phone. Very happy I found them as my case was resolved within a week with the outcome suitable for all.
Natalie Pugsley
Natalie Pugsley
09:04 06 Jul 22
I don’t normal do reviews but I have to mention the above 5 star work that they do at Manek. Everyone there is very friendly and wants to help in every way, especially Haroon and Rebecca. They out did their selves to help me and went out their way to make sure I was comfortable. I would recommend them to all my friends and family. Thank you Haroon and Rebecca again.
MJ P
MJ P
08:25 05 Jul 22
Through Samir’s excellent attention to detail, knowledge and patience I was able to settle a TFL case out of court. I would highly recommend Samir + Holly to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. Life savers !Thank you !!
reb irv
reb irv
11:55 30 Jun 22
Brilliant solicitors. Rebecca was so professional amd courteous throughout my conveyance. She was patient and diligent despite a twice broken chain. She answered emails within the hour and always called to keep me updated. So pleased I used them and wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Thank you Rebecca and Manaks
NN
NN
16:59 19 May 22
After having read many positive reviews about Samir at Manak Solicitors, I contacted him for help in my fare evasion case. I was promptly booked in for a consultation the next working day with Samir, where I was able to discuss my case with him; he was very patient and thorough in understanding my circumstances, reassured me about the situation, and he carefully explained every step that would be taken from the consultation on-wards, which gave me high hopes for my case. Within a couple of days he provided with a draft letter of representation and after my approval of the draft and sending it off, I received a very positive response within 3 days, where he managed to sort my case out of court! Honestly, this would not have been possible without Samir and Holly's help and I am very grateful for their quick and efficient way of handling this case. I highly recommend them to everyone.
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Aneeta Kaur Kang, Family Director

Aneeta joined Manak Solicitors in 2009 as a trainee Solicitor and trained predominantly in the area of Family Law. Aneeta qualified in 2012, she was promoted to Partner in 2014 and is currently the Head of the Family & Matrimonial Department.

Adella Thomas, Family, Matrimonial & Children Specialist

Adella joined Manak Solicitors in June 2016 and is part of our team of Family Lawyer Specialists. She is a member of Resolution and committed to a constructive resolution of family disputes. 

Sarah Johnston, Family Solicitor 

Sarah joined Manak Solicitors in March 2019 as an Associate Solicitor in our Family Department. Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2009, Sarah has specialised in Family Law and takes an emphatic and conciliatory approach.

FAQs

When you’re navigating the end of a relationship, you want to work with a solicitor who makes you feel comfortable. We understand that law firms can typically be a bit intimidating. We’re here to change that. You can visit our offices in Kent and London, or we hold meetings over the phone or via Zoom. We offer support in all areas of practice in English, French, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.

We have multiple accidentations, including Advanced Family accreditation from the Law Society, and hold ourselves to high standards. Our team is here to provide you support and advice that’s easy to understand. We want to deliver the best outcome for you. But don’t just take our word for it: 

How much does a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce will vary depending on your circumstances. For an uncontested divorce, the person who applies for the divorce (known as the petitioner) could expect to pay £550 for the compulsory court fees and somewhere in the region of £900 for solicitor’s fees.  Defended divorces, when one party objects to the divorce petition, are likely to be more expensive – especially if the parties can’t come to an agreement before going to court.

Find out more about the potential costs of a divorce.

Do I need a solicitor for a divorce?

There is no legal requirement to appoint a solicitor for your divorce. If a couple can reach agreement on how to distribute any financial assets and childcare responsibilities, there may be no need for solicitors.

But a solicitor can guide you through the process and get you the best outcome, especially if your divorce isn’t straightforward. They will make sure all the divorce papers are completed correctly to avoid any unnecessary delay.

Solicitors are highly recommended if you have a contested divorce and can’t reach an agreement with your former partner. It can help to reduce some of the stress. 

How long does a divorce take?

A straightforward divorce can take as little as four to six months. But if there are financial matters to resolve, it could take around a year. Every case varies. 

Find an Office

Orpington

Modern ground floor, wheelchair accessible office in Orpington High Street with two large, private air conditioned meeting rooms. Virtual tour coming soon.

Sevenoaks

Our newest offering is a stunning ground floor, wheelchair accessible office in the heart of Sevenoaks with two large, private air conditioned meeting rooms. Virtual tour coming soon.

Gravesend

Ground floor, wheelchair accessible office in Gravesend with a large, private air conditioned meeting room. Virtual tour coming soon.

London

We offer appointments by request at the best connected locations in the capital at both The Shard (London Bridge) and Gridiron (Kings Cross St Pancras).

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