Our Family Law Department specialises in divorce, separation, cohabitation, civil partnerships, private law children matters, domestic violence and all related issues, including financial settlements and we aim to offer sympathetic and practical advice to help you resolve issues as quickly and as painless as possible.

We always aim to achieve a fair and practical solution rather than adopt a confrontational approach. However, if litigation is required, we have the expertise to ensure that you are properly advised and represented throughout the Court process.

Divorce and separation are difficult enough emotionally without the additional pressure that legal action can bring. We give clear and straightforward legal advice to enable you to find the best possible arrangements for you and any children involved.

DIVORCE / RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN

It is an unfortunate fact that many marriages in the UK now end in divorce. If it is happening to you, you are not alone. You may be uncertain about the future, or worried about finances, and concerned for your home and your children.

It doesn't have to be about arguments and court cases. Divorce is the only ultimate solution where a marriage has broken down completely but in some cases a less permanent solution may be best. We can draft a separation agreement for you or advise about a judicial separation through the court. We will guide you through whatever process is best for you whilst keeping acrimony to a minimum. Where possible, we adopt a conciliatory approach in order to minimise the bitterness that can accompany the breakdown of a relationship.

In times of stress, making decisions is never going to be easy, particularly when the decisions will affect the rest of your life. You need comprehensive, professional and sensitive advice, and this is what we can provide.

CHILDREN DISPUTES

Family breakdown often leads to parents experiencing problems relating to the care of and contact with their children. Every parent will want to know that their child will be properly cared for and supported in the future. If there should be problems or disagreements, we will try to ensure an amicable agreement is reached through discussions with your partner’s solicitor. If it is not possible to reach an agreement, we can explain how the problems can be resolved through mediation or with the assistance of the courts.

We can advise on disputes relating to the residence of children, child abduction (the removal of a child without consent) and resolving disputes between parents regarding schooling, religion, medical treatment, and moving with one parent out of the jurisdiction.

If you have a problem seeing your children or you have concerns about contact between your children and your ex-partner, then we will be able to help.

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into being on the 5th December 2005. It enables a same-sex couple to register as civil partners of each other. Couples in a same-sex relationship who enter into a civil partnership can now enjoy the same rights as heterosexual married couples. As such they are equally affected in the event of the breakdown of the relationship that can arise and therefore, such couples need to think about protecting their long term future.

Taking expert advice about property rights and financial planning are just two topics amongst many others on which we are happy to advise.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual or mental abuse. Domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence can have a devastating effect on the person experiencing it, as well as on any children in the family. Rarely a one-off event, it tends to escalate in frequency and severity over time. Harassment or pestering by your ex-partner does not have to be tolerated, even after a relationship breakdown.

We provide a specialised service giving immediate advice and legal representation in all domestic violence issues, working closely with agencies who can offer additional support.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

If you have property or assets you will be anxious to ensure that any agreement that is reached is fair and reasonable.

We can offer expert help to achieve such an outcome, especially as there may be pensions, shares or a house to be valued, endowment policies to be considered or property to be transferred. You will be looking for future financial security for yourself and any children and, to achieve this you must have the best advice possible. We can advise you what the Courts would consider to be reasonable, as well as helping to negotiate a fair settlement to avoid unnecessary costs.