Family Law
We know that family life isn’t always plain sailing. Whatever the issue – divorce, a dispute with your cohabitant, financial issues arising from your cohabitation or separation, securing contact with your children or grandchildren or setting up a prenuptial agreement we are here to support you.
No two families are alike. No situation is the same.
Our advice is always personal, practical and tailored for you. Whether it’s a dispute with your cohabitant, setting up a cohabitation agreement or putting a prenuptial agreement in place, our team will work with you to map out a plan for the future. We listen to your priorities and concerns. We clarify your issues and explore your options. And we find the approach that fits.
For guidance and advice on divorce and separation please visit our dedicated area - Divorce and Separation
Our Approach
From the moment you instruct one of our family law solicitors, we will provide you with a clear, jargon-free understanding of your unique legal position and an estimate of the time and costs involved. That way, you’re in a better place to decide what’s right for you.
We recognise that each family is different and has its own special circumstances, which is why we will always take the time to listen to your situation in full. This helps us to be able to provide tailored advice on how best to protect your interests. Whatever the issue – a dispute with your cohabitant, securing contact with your grandchildren, setting up a cohabitation agreement or protecting your assets in advance of getting married we can help secure a positive outcome.
You can rely on our experts
Our lawyers have several specialist Family Law accreditations; we are on the Law Society's Panel of Family Law Specialist Lawyers and hold a The Law Society Specialist Accreditation in Children Law, we are members of Resolution (Resolution is a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues constructively) and have trained collaborative lawyers. Our Family Law team has also been listed in the Legal 500 (the largest and most in depth independent survey of UK law firms). Please click on the relevant images at the foot of the page to find out more.
Need advice on a Family Law matter?
Meet the Family Team
From left to right: Heidi Fleming - Senior Associate, Tina Shah - Senior Associate, Beth Woodward - Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law, Emily Pope - Associate Solicitor, Jayne Humphreys - Legal Assistant, Clare Davies - Legal Assistant (not pictured)
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Fixed Fee meetings with our Family Lawyers
If you have a family matter that you wish to discuss, such as setting up a prenuptial agreement, drawing up a cohabitation agreement or need advice on adoption we offer a fixed-fee meeting with one of our Family Lawyers.
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What to expect from your first meeting with a Family Solicitor
This guidance has been put together to give prospective clients an idea about what to expect during the initial consultation appointment and the type of information we will ask for. It has been modelled on an appointment for a client who is considering or going through a divorce, but the general principles apply to all appointments.
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Civil Partnerships
A ‘Civil Partnership’ provides couples with similar rights to married couples. Changing the status of your relationship can have important legal consequences, allowing your partner to have a claim over your income, property capital, pension or your estate on death.
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Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence and abuse is not a subject that many are eager to discuss. Unfortunately, this includes the majority of victims, who are reluctant to speak out due to fear of making the situation worse. As a result, many violent incidents go unreported, allowing the abuse to continue and possibly increase in severity.
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Prenuptial agreements
More and more couples are now seeking a formal agreement prior to marriage. Is a prenuptial agreement on your wedding checklist?
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Cohabitation Agreements
A cohabitation agreement is a legal agreement for a couple who have chosen to live together but are not married or in a civil partnership and protects their assets should the relationship break down at a later stage.
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Joint Tenancies
If you are the joint owner of a property with one or more other person it is probable (unless you have specified otherwise) that you will own as a “joint tenant”. In this context the word “tenant” actually relates to ownership and is nothing to do with leases.
