Fixed Fee Divorce in Manchester

Fixed Fee Pricing Agreed Upfront
Support with Finances, Pensions and Children
Clear Guidance from Application to Final Order

Clear Legal Support When Your Marriage Has Broken Down

If you have decided to end your marriage, our Fixed Fee Divorce services gives you a clear way to deal with the formal divorce process, with the scope of our work and legal fee explained from the outset.

Divorce in England and Wales follows a no-fault process, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing or give a reason for the breakdown of the marriage. We can guide you from the initial application through to the Final Order, explaining each stage clearly and dealing with the necessary legal work on your behalf.

The divorce itself only brings the marriage to a legal end. Financial arrangements, property, pensions and decisions involving children are separate matters and may need to be dealt with alongside or after the divorce. We will make clear what forms part of the divorce process and where separate Family Law advice may be needed.

You will have a dedicated solicitor responsible for your matter, with clear communication throughout and any potential issues raised early. If additional work falls outside the agreed scope, this will be explained before further costs are incurred.

To speak to us about Fixed Fee Divorce in Manchester, call us using the number at the top of the page or complete the form below.

Our Fixed Fee Divorce Service

Our fixed fee for acting for the person making the divorce application is £450 plus VAT. If you are responding to a divorce application, our fixed fee is £350 plus VAT.

For a straightforward fixed fee divorce, the only disbursement is the court fee of £628, which is payable separately to the court.

For an applicant, the fixed fee covers advising you on the divorce process, preparing and submitting the divorce application through the court portal, corresponding with your spouse about the divorce where relevant, preparing the application for the Conditional Order, keeping you informed as the matter progresses and applying for the Final Order at the appropriate time.

For a respondent, the fixed fee covers the legal work required to deal with the divorce application and advise you on the formal process.

The fixed fees are based on the divorce proceeding without additional procedural work being required. If the respondent does not co-operate and further steps are needed to prove service, this falls outside the fixed fee. Additional costs may then arise, for example for instructing a process server or making an application for deemed service, which carries an additional court fee. The fixed fee also does not include attendance at a court hearing where one becomes necessary or dealing with a defended divorce.

If additional work is needed, we will explain this and the likely additional cost before that work is carried out.

What It’s Like Working With Pinnington Law

Once you decide to proceed with a divorce, we make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible. You will have one solicitor overseeing your application, keeping you informed and guiding you through each stage from the initial paperwork through to the Final Order.

Throughout the process, you can expect:

We advise whether a sole or joint divorce application is more appropriate.
○ A joint application can suit couples who are able to co-operate over the formal process. A sole application allows one spouse to progress the divorce independently.
We manage the no-fault divorce application for you.
○ Since April 2022, you do not need to rely on adultery, behaviour or a period of separation. The application is based on a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
We deal with the formal court stages from application to Final Order.
○ This includes the divorce application, the Conditional Order and, when the statutory period has passed, the application for the Final Order.
We explain the timing of each stage before you proceed.
○ There is a minimum 20-week period before you can apply for a Conditional Order, followed by a further minimum period of six weeks and one day before the Final Order can be requested.
We make clear when it may be sensible to delay the Final Order.
○ In some cases, it may be important to consider the financial position before legally ending the marriage, particularly where pensions, property or other financial claims remain unresolved.
We explain what the divorce itself does not deal with.
○ A Final Order ends the marriage, but it does not resolve financial claims or decide arrangements for children. Those issues may need separate agreements or court orders.
We deal with issues if the other spouse does not engage with the process.
○ Where there are difficulties with acknowledgement or service of the application, we can advise on the procedural steps available to keep the divorce moving.

If you are looking for a Fixed Fee Divorce in Manchester, we can take care of the formal divorce application while making sure you understand the points that may need separate advice, particularly finances and arrangements for children.

What Our Clients Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 38 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Susan Killeen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t recommend Stephen highly enough. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, friendly and approachable. It was clear that he genuinely cared about helping me and took the time to make sure everything was explained clearly.

The service I received was excellent, and his pricing was very reasonable. I’m extremely grateful for all his help and support throughout the process.

Thank you, Stephen, for providing such an amazing service. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a solicitor.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shareen Denman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't recommend Stephen and the team highly enough. Stephen guided me through one of the most difficult financial matters I've ever faced, and I'm so grateful I had him in my corner. From our very first discussion, his knowledge and expertise put me at ease, but what truly stood out was how much he cared. This wasn't just another case to him — he was patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in getting the right outcome for me.

Going through a challenging time like this can feel overwhelming, but Stephen's steady, compassionate approach made all the difference. He took the time to explain things clearly, never rushed me, and stayed determined every step of the way. Thanks to his dedication, I came out the other side with a resolution I'm  happy with.

If you're looking for a solicitor who combines real expertise with genuine care for their clients, Stephen is who you want on your side.
  
 
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   Tammy Pope 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Spoke with Stephen regarding a pretty complex situation regarding various different things. He listened, he cared snd most importantly, he was honest. Thank you for your help, it’s very much appreciated.
  
 
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   Liam Hopwood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with this solicitor from start to finish. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. Any questions I had were answered promptly, and they made what was a stressful situation much easier to deal with. I felt supported every step of the way, and their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best outcome really stood out. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy legal advice or representstion. Even after the case stephen checked in with me to check i was ok as he could see how much stress i had been put under and how it all affected me. Hes the best and cares about his clients.
  
 
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   Jonathan Pass 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen Pinnington took my case on and helped through a very tough time in my life. He was very supportive and always professional. I would recommend his services as a family lawyer. Thank-you Stephen
  
 
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   Marie Kilmartin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clare contacted me very quickly following an email enquiry, She was very sympathetic regarding my circumstances and took her time when explaining the divorce process. I was extremely grateful for Clare's time and the advice given.  I would definitely recommend Clare.
  
 
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   Behnam Sarani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen Pinnington provided excellent guidance throughout my case. On his advice, we used mediation to keep costs down and reach a fair resolution efficiently, a genuinely pragmatic approach that saved both time and stress. He was always easy to contact, clear in his explanations, and consistently protected my interests without ever escalating things unnecessarily. Professional, straightforward, and reassuring to have in my corner. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ekaterina Chakarova 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank Claire Pinnington for her outstanding professionalism, support, and dedication throughout my case. From the very beginning, she was attentive, knowledgeable, and extremely clear in explaining every step of the process, which gave me confidence and peace of mind during a very stressful time.

Claire was always responsive, patient, and genuinely caring, making me feel fully supported and well-represented throughout. Her expertise and commitment truly made a significant difference in the outcome of my case.

I highly recommend Claire Pinnington to anyone in need of a reliable, professional, and compassionate solicitor. I am deeply grateful for all her help and support.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Simon O'Sullivan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for your help and professionalism while I was going through my divorce. Your communication was fantastic. Your ability to put me at ease while going through some very stressful times and difficult decisions was exceptional. I would highly recommend your services.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   fixingbones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen Pinnington helped me get through the toughest time in my life so far.
He was clear in his vision and took the correct steps, with explanation, to get to the final order and deal with the consent order.
His team underpin his ideals. He has a strong moral ethic and it is clear in the way helped me deal with things.
I would recommend his work to anyone who needs guidance getting through family matters in their divorce.
  
 
  
  
 
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The First Decisions to Make When Separating

Before starting a divorce, it is worth understanding which issues are part of the divorce itself and which need to be dealt with separately. The divorce legally ends the marriage, but it does not resolve financial claims or determine arrangements for children.

If there is property, savings, investments, pensions or business interests to consider, these may need to form part of a separate financial settlement. Where children are involved, decisions about where they live, how they spend time with each parent and whether any formal arrangements are needed are dealt with separately from the divorce application.

Timing can be important. In some cases, it may be sensible to resolve the financial arrangements before applying for the Final Order. Remaining legally married while a financial settlement is being concluded can preserve certain benefits that are available to spouses, such as some death-in-service or pension benefits. This can be particularly relevant where a defined benefit pension is involved.

We can help you understand which matters need to be addressed alongside the divorce, which can be dealt with separately and whether taking further Family Law advice at an early stage could help protect your position.

No-Fault Divorce and What It Means for You

Divorce law in England and Wales is based on a no-fault system. You do not need to prove adultery, unreasonable behaviour or a period of separation. Instead, one or both spouses make a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

You can apply jointly with your spouse or make a sole application. A joint application may suit couples who are able to co-operate over the formal divorce process, while a sole application allows one spouse to progress the divorce independently.

No-fault divorce does not mean the process is immediate. There is a minimum 20 week period before you can apply for a Conditional Order, followed by a further minimum wait of 6 weeks and 1 day before the Final Order can be requested.

The Final Order legally ends the marriage, but it does not resolve financial claims or arrangements for children. Those issues may need to be dealt with separately.

Key Issues to Resolve Alongside Divorce

The divorce itself legally ends the marriage, but it does not automatically resolve the practical and financial issues that can come with separation. Depending on your circumstances, there may be several separate matters to address alongside the divorce process.

Property and Financial Arrangements

You may need to decide what happens to the family home, savings, investments, pensions, debts and other assets. Where one or both spouses own a business or have more complex financial interests, these may also need to be considered as part of the overall settlement.

An agreement between you is not necessarily the same as a legally binding financial settlement. In many cases, the terms need to be recorded in a court-approved financial order.

Arrangements for Children

Divorce does not decide where children will live or how much time they will spend with each parent.

Many parents are able to agree arrangements themselves. Where agreement is difficult, legal advice can help clarify the available options and whether a formal Child Arrangements Order may be necessary.

Child Maintenance

Child maintenance is separate from the divorce itself and is generally concerned with the financial support provided for a child after separation.

How maintenance is dealt with will depend on the circumstances, and in many cases the Child Maintenance Service has responsibility for calculating and administering payments.

Spousal Maintenance

In some divorces, one spouse may seek ongoing financial support from the other.

Whether spousal maintenance is appropriate, how much may be paid and how long it may continue will depend on the financial circumstances of both parties and the terms of any eventual settlement or court order.

Different Ways a Divorce Can Proceed

Although the legal divorce process itself follows the same no-fault framework, the way a separation is handled can vary considerably depending on whether you agree on the wider issues, how you choose to resolve disagreements and how complex your finances are.

Agreed and Disputed Divorces

Under no-fault divorce, one spouse cannot usually stop the divorce simply because they do not agree that the marriage should end. The divorce itself may still proceed through a sole or joint application.

What often becomes disputed are the issues that sit alongside the divorce, such as financial arrangements, property, pensions or arrangements for children. Where you are able to agree, those matters may be resolved through negotiation and, where appropriate, recorded in a court order. If agreement cannot be reached, further negotiation, dispute resolution or court proceedings may be needed.

Mediation and Collaborative Law

Not every disagreement needs to be decided by a court.

Family mediation allows you and your former spouse to discuss issues with the help of an independent mediator. The mediator does not make decisions for you, but can help you work towards an agreement about matters such as finances or arrangements for children.

Collaborative law is another approach in which both parties instruct their own collaboratively trained lawyers and work together through a series of meetings to try to reach an agreement without contested court proceedings.

These processes do not replace the formal divorce application itself. They are ways of dealing with the decisions that arise alongside it.

High Net-Worth and Complex Divorces

Some divorces require more detailed financial work because of the nature or value of the assets involved.

This may include businesses, multiple properties, investments, trusts, substantial pensions, overseas assets or more complicated ownership structures. The central divorce process remains the same, but identifying, valuing and dividing the financial resources can require significantly more analysis and, in some cases, input from other specialists.

Early financial disclosure and careful consideration of how the assets fit together can be particularly important in these cases.

We can help you understand which approach is appropriate to your circumstances and whether the issues surrounding the divorce are likely to require negotiation, formal dispute resolution or court involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions in Divorce Law

What is the first step if I want to get divorced?

Can we make a joint divorce application if we agree to separate?

Does an amicable divorce still need to go through the court process?

Do I have to attend court to get divorced?

What happens if we cannot agree?

Can I get divorced if I do not know where my spouse lives?

Contact us for Fixed Fee Divorce in Manchester

A Fixed Fee Divorce can give you greater certainty about the formal process of ending your marriage and the legal costs involved from the outset.

At Pinnington Law, we provide clear, practical advice throughout the divorce process, from preparing the application through to the Final Order. We take the time to explain what the divorce itself covers, which matters may need to be dealt with separately and what your options are if anything changes along the way.

Based in Swinton, we support clients across Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Rochdale and Oldham, as well as clients elsewhere in Greater Manchester and across England and Wales. Where wider Family Law advice is needed, we can help you understand how issues such as finances or arrangements for children fit alongside the divorce.

To speak to one of our divorce solicitors, call 0161 938 7006 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

Call our team of divorce solicitors in our Salford office for expert advice on: 0161 938 7006 or email us at: pinningtonlaw@farnworthrose.co.uk