Family Law
We know that family life isn’t always plain sailing. Sadly, not all relationships can be successful, and separating is often emotionally and financially stressful. Our family law solicitors provide advice and support needed to help get our clients back on track. We believe in adopting a constructive approach despite the difficulties.
No two families are alike. No situation is the same.
So our advice is always personal, practical and tailored for you. Whether it’s divorce, a dispute with your cohabitant, or securing contact with your children, 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. Because we’re more than just litigators or mediators.
We’re trusted advisers – at your side for the journey ahead.
Need help with a family matter?
Divorce and Separation
Whether your marriage lasted five years or fifty, splitting up is never easy and the emotional impact of divorce is challenging enough without considering legal proceedings. However, when the time comes to decide how assets will be divided, what will happen to the property you own and most importantly, who will be primarily responsible for raising your children, it is easy for disputes to escalate.
Civil Partnerships
A ‘Civil Partnership’ provides same sex 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.
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.
Prenuptial agreements
Until a few years ago lawyers advised their clients that there was no point in drawing up pre-nuptial agreements as the Courts would not be bound by them. That situation has been changing over recent years, and more and more couples are now seeking a formal agreement prior to marriage. Is a prenuptial agreement on your wedding checklist?
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.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law is a process which offers separating couples an alternative to litigation. Instead of relying on the Court to determine what is fair, collaborative law offers the couple themselves the opportunity to agree what is right for their children and financially for themselves in collaboration with each other and their own solicitors in a series of four-way meetings.
Arrangements for Children
On the breakdown of a relationship, arrangements for any children will need to be agreed. If parents are unable to agree these arrangements between themselves, an application will need to be made to court for a Child Arrangements Order.
Property and Financial Matters
The law in relation to married and unmarried couples is quite different. For married couples matrimonial settlements are governed by the law as set out in the Matrimonial Causes Act. For unmarried couples there is no comprehensive law governing their financial settlement. Please see the relevant pages below.
Pensions and divorce
During a marriage, one partner's pension can outgrow the other. During the marriage this isn't a problem, but if the marriage ends, you are no longer entitled to a lump sum or income on your partners death or retirement, and this can lead to inequality in the standard of living you can expect in your old age.
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.
Unmarried Partner Property Disputes
If you own a property with a partner and are not married, resolving the property ownership can become very complex if your relationship breaks down and you do not have a formal agreement (cohabitation agreement), in place.
Our Approach
When things take a turn for the worst, having someone to rely on can make all the difference. 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 – divorce, a dispute with your cohabitant, financial issues arising from your cohabitation or separation, securing contact with your children or grandchildren. Recognised for our commitment to client care, we will always work proactively to move your case forward, bringing things to a satisfying conclusion in a timely manner.
Our aim is to enable you to move from a painful present to a stable future with minimal fuss, and if possible, we will attempt to achieve this through Alternative Dispute Resolution to save you the costs of court.
We can negotiate a settlement for you, refer you to mediation or sit round the table with you, your partner and their lawyer in the Collaborative law process.
In other cases agreement at an early stage is not possible and a detailed knowledge of the law, legal procedure and local practice is essential, which is why our lawyers can help you and your family.
Mary was not only very good at dealing with a difficult divorce but she was a very understanding and sensitive person. Important qualities when dealing with these matters!
Members of our team
