Family Law

Our expert team is able to assist you whether you are the Applicant (the party starting the proceedings) or the Respondent (where your spouse or civil partner has issued the proceedings). The breakdown of a relationship can be a difficult time, and we are here to provide support from issuing the petition to court proceedings (if necessary).

We can deal with all elements of distribution of assets following a divorce or dissolution, from direct negotiations with your spouse or civil partner to seeking a Financial Order through court proceedings. We can help you through the processes of mediation, collaborative law, and court hearings, providing proactive advice at every stage to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Determining where your children will live and who they will spend their time with after a separation is essential for their wellbeing. We can assist you in providing structure for children as quickly and sensitively as possible. We are proficient in reaching agreements both in and out of court.  We also have experience dealing with situations where there are safeguarding issues, allegations of domestic abuse and alienating behaviours

When a relationship breaks down, seeking advice on child laws and finance should be the priority. Whether you hope to come to a Private Agreement, require a Consent Order, or need an assessment from the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), we will give you the best advice and help you to build a structure for your child’s future. Our team can also assist with making claims for financial support for your children via the Family Courts under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Our supportive team can assist you (and your children, if necessary) with court applications for non-molestation orders, occupation orders and other injunctions to help to protect you from and form of domestic violence. In some situations Orders can be obtained initially without notice and to the other party if there are grounds. They can also be made on an urgent basis. We can advise on remedies for harassment, violence and threats of violence – including physical, emotional and financial – and help to protect your occupation of a home. 

Many couples choose to live together rather than marry, and when separation occurs a different approach to divorce is required. Separation agreements can assist you to resolve financial issues in these cases. Separation agreements are also useful when you do not want to begin formal divorce proceedings yet.

If you wish to enter into an agreement with your partner before living together, getting married, or entering into a civil partnership, we can help. These agreements are extremely useful for protecting your assets and providing an agreed basis for what will happen in the event of a relationship breakdown, helping to avoid disputes from arising.

It is always advisable to draw up an agreement before you marry, however it is possible to enter into an agreement afterwards, known as a Post-Nuptial Agreement

Our team can assist couples who are living together but have not married, and deal with any assets which may be in dispute. The law is different in relation to cohabiting couples as opposed to married couples so it is important to obtain advice in the early stages of separation. Our team have experience of dealing with disputes regarding property, whether jointly owned or owned in one party’s name and can assist with claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. 

If you are looking to move in with your new partner, then it is often advisable that you enter into a cohabitation agreement which addresses what happens in the event that you separate, particularly if there are property and children involved.