Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the complexity of your case and your comfort level with legal processes. DIY divorces can be risky and mistakes can be costly to rectify later, so it is a good idea to take legal advice as early as possible in the divorce process to determine the complexity of the case and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed. If the case is simple, and you and your partner agree on key issues, a lawyer’s role can be limited to formalizing your agreements.

On the other hand, if there are complicating factors such as a lack of financial disclosure, disputes around the valuation of assets, safeguarding concerns about a child, or even just a breakdown of communication between you and your partner, it is highly advisable to have legal representation. This will help protect your interests throughout the process.

• As a sole practitioner, I personally handle all my clients’ cases.
• I operate without the pressures of high-volume work and billing targets often found in traditional law firms, allowing me to focus on what matters most to my clients—practical outcomes, clear advice, and cost-effective solutions.
• As a dual-qualified lawyer in both the UK and India, I understand the various legal and cultural issues impacting divorces in South Asian families.

In England & Wales, a straightforward divorce takes a minimum of roughly 6-7 months due to mandatory waiting periods. However, financial settlements and child arrangements are dealt with separately and can delay the finalization of your divorce in some cases. These can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the complexity of the case and whether an agreement can be reached amicably.

In India, contested divorces can take several years to conclude, while uncontested divorces can be finalized in a few months.

Every divorce is different, and divorce costs can vary widely. In order to give you a realistic cost estimate, I need to know about your specific circumstances. The cost of a divorce can include some or all of the following: solicitors’ fees, court fees, barristers’ fees, mediators’ fees, cost of producing expert reports, cost of serving court documents, and VAT where applicable.

While I can help you assess your eligibility for legal aid funding, I cannot apply for such funding on your behalf, and I do not provide legal aid services. You can find a legal aid lawyer near you at this link.

Yes, absolutely. I offer flexible legal support, also known as unbundled services.

While I do occasionally represent my clients myself in court, in most cases I recommend instructing a barrister or local counsel for cost-effective representation.

Yes. I have a right of practice in India, England, and Wales, and can go on record as your solicitor/lawyer in each of these countries.

I am regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a freelance solicitor in the UK (SRA number 8014472). You can verify my details on the solicitors register here.

I am also a qualified advocate in India and regulated by the Bar Council of India (MS 2496/2018). I work as a consultant with Sreejaya Kallingals and Associates, a boutique legal practice in India.

I understand the nuances of divorce and decision-making in South Asian families (especially if you have had an arranged marriage). With your express consent and where appropriate, I am happy to speak to you and your parents together. I can speak Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi to ease linguistic barriers.

I work flexibly during the week, but this does not affect my responsiveness to urgent matters or the timely progress of your case. I may be able to assist you outside standard business hours and on weekends upon request. Clear communication arrangements are always agreed at the outset.

I work remotely, and offer online consultations through video conferencing. However, in-person meetings can be arranged in the UK in select circumstances.

Please visit my contact page to send me an enquiry. I will get back to you within 48 hours to advise you on the next steps.