That is where we come in. Our family law team works with people across every stage of these situations, from a first conversation about the options through to a resolved outcome. We know these are rarely straightforward problems. They come with real pressure attached and what people need first is a clear explanation of where they stand, what it is likely to cost and what we can do to protect their position.
We take the time to understand your particular situation before advising you on the way forward. Whether you are married, cohabiting or in a civil partnership and whatever stage you have reached, we can help you get a clearer picture of your options and what to do next.
If your marriage has reached the point where it is no longer working, it can help to talk to someone who will listen without judging. Our first conversation is about understanding your situation and helping you see what your options actually look like, including the practical and financial parts. We are members of Resolution and we look for ways to reach an agreement that avoids unnecessary conflict, particularly where children are involved. Every conversation stays confidential and nothing happens without your say so.
Working out who gets what after a separation is often the hardest part and it can cover property, savings, pensions and other assets. We act quickly to protect your position from the outset, including seeking injunctions where assets are at risk. Where children are involved, their needs are part of the financial picture too. Pensions can be some of the most complex assets to divide fairly and we work with independent financial advisers and pensions on divorce experts where that expertise is needed.
When a relationship ends, children feel it too and arrangements for where they live and how they see each parent needs careful handling. We start by trying to help you and your former partner reach an agreement through discussion or mediation. Where that is not possible, we can issue court proceedings and guide you through what that involves. If a parent wants to move away with the children, or safety is a concern, we can advise on what steps need to be taken and when.
Living together does not give you the same legal rights as being married, which surprises a lot of couples. We can help you put a cohabitation agreement in place, setting out how things like property and finances would be handled if the relationship ended. If a cohabiting relationship does break down, the legal position can be more complicated than people expect, particularly where children are involved, so getting early advice makes a real difference.
A pre or post nuptial agreement can give you clarity on what happens financially if a marriage were to end. Courts are not required to uphold these agreements but they are increasingly likely to do so where the agreement is fair and both people have been open about their finances, taken independent legal advice and, in the case of a pre-nuptial agreement, signed it at least 28 days before the wedding. Having a pre or post nuptial agreement in place does not have to mean a lack of trust. They are particularly useful if you want to protect pre-marital assets, preserve generational wealth or safeguard assets for children from a previous relationship.
There are legal differences between a civil partnership and a marriage worth understanding, whether you are thinking about entering one or bringing one to an end. If a civil partnership ends, the process is called dissolution rather than divorce, though it works in a similar way. We can explain these differences clearly and help you protect your financial position and agree arrangements for any children.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or feel threatened by a partner or former partner, you do not have to face it alone. We can explain the legal protection available to you, including Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, and act quickly to regulate usage of the family home or remove someone from it where your safety requires it. Whatever your circumstances, getting advice early matters.
Do I need a solicitor to get a divorce?
Since April 2022 you can apply for a divorce online without a solicitor, but having one means the financial and practical issues that need resolving are handled at the same time, rather than being left to deal with separately later. The divorce itself is only part of what needs sorting out.
What happens to the family home when we separate?
There is no automatic rule. It depends on your circumstances, including whether you are married, whether children are involved and what other assets are available. We look at the full picture before advising on what outcome is realistic.
How much does family law advice cost?
We offer a fixed fee initial meeting at £180 plus VAT for up to an hour. For ongoing work, we give you a clear estimate of costs before we start and keep you updated if anything changes.
What is Resolution?
Resolution is a national organisation of family law professionals committed to resolving disputes without unnecessary conflict. Our family law team are members, which means we follow a code of practice that puts the long-term interests of families, and especially children, at the centre of how we work.
