Family Solicitors

The divorce process has recently moved entirely online and the law surrounding divorce is set to change from April 2022. We are experts in the new procedure and evolving divorce law and will advise and support you in respect of this process from the outset, in order to ensure that your divorce is completed as quickly and amicably as possible in the most cost-effective manner.

We are family law financial specialists and will guide you through this often difficult and complex process from start to finish. Our aim is always to reach a resolution that is fair, allowing you to move on in the knowledge that your financial affairs are taken care of.

Our team is made up of highly trained specialists in the area of arranging childcare following the breakdown of a relationship. We will support and guide you throughout the process, explaining all of the different options available at each stage in order that the matter can be resolved with the best arrangements in place for your family.

As a common law relationship doesn’t entitle you to the same rights as a married couple, we can create an agreement that properly sets out both of your rights.

We can draft up this sensible safety net on your behalf, which will take into account your rights to property, debts, income and other assets. Following recent changes in law, your pre-nuptial agreement is more likely to be enforceable should you separate, provided that it satisfies a certain set of criteria.

From alternative options such as collaborative law to traditional divorce proceedings, our family law solicitors can help you to select the right approach and deal with issues such as care arrangements for your children and financial settlements.

Family law in England and Wales encompasses legal matters related to family and domestic relationships. It covers issues such as divorce, child arrangments, child support, adoption, child protection, domestic violence, marriage and civil partnerships, prenuptial agreements, inheritance, surrogacy, and parental rights. This branch of law is governed by statutes like the Family Law Act 1996 and the Children Act 1989, as well as case law. Family courts handle these matters, ensuring the protection of family members' rights and interests. Legal professionals, including family law solicitors and barristers, assist individuals in navigating the complex legal framework and resolving disputes to maintain family stability.

Eligibility depends on factors such as your income, assets, and the nature of the case. To determine if you qualify for legal aid in family law cases, you should contact a legal aid provider or a solicitor who can assess your circumstances and advise you on your eligibility. Keep in mind that legal aid is typically more readily available for cases involving child protection, domestic violence, or cases where there is a risk of harm to a child or adult. The rules and availability of legal aid can change, so it's essential to seek up-to-date information from a legal professional or the government's official legal aid website.

C100 application in family law in England and Wales refers to a specific application form used in family court proceedings. The C100 form is typically used when one party involved in a family law case wishes to make an application to the court for a specific order or direction related to the case. This could include various requests, such as: Applications for a child arrangements order, which determines with whom a child should live and how much time they should spend with the other parent or guardian. Applications for a specific issue order, which may involve decisions about a child's education, religious upbringing, or other specific issues. Applications for prohibited steps orders, which are used to prevent certain actions or decisions concerning a child, such as preventing a parent from taking the child out of the country. The C100 application form is used to initiate these types of applications and is submitted to the family court, along with any supporting documents or evidence. The court will then consider the application and may schedule hearings to address the issues raised in the application. It's important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for C100 applications may vary depending on the circumstances and the family court where the case is being heard. It is often recommended to seek legal advice or representation when dealing with family law matters and making C100 applications to ensure that the process is followed correctly.

The cost of hiring a solicitor for family law matters in England and Wales can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the location of the solicitor's practice, and the specific services you require. Here are some general considerations regarding the cost of hiring a solicitor for family law: Initial Consultation: Many solicitors offer an initial consultation, which may be free or at a reduced fee. During this consultation, you can discuss your case and get an estimate of the potential costs. Hourly Rates: Solicitors typically charge on an hourly basis. Hourly rates can vary significantly, ranging from £150 to £300 or more per hour, depending on the solicitor's experience and location. Fixed Fees: Some solicitors may offer fixed-fee services for specific family law matters, such as divorce or drafting prenuptial agreements. These fixed fees can provide more cost certainty. Legal Aid: If you are eligible for legal aid, your legal costs may be covered by the government. However, as mentioned earlier, legal aid availability is limited and means-tested. Funding Options: Some solicitors may offer funding options, such as payment plans, to help clients manage their legal costs. Court Fees: In addition to solicitor fees, you may need to pay court fees for filing documents and pursuing court proceedings. These fees can vary depending on the type of case and the stage of the legal process. It's essential to discuss fees and payment structures with your chosen solicitor before hiring them, as transparency in billing is important. Additionally, consider obtaining quotes from multiple solicitors to compare costs and services. Keep in mind that the total cost of family law representation can be influenced by the length of the case and the level of cooperation and agreement between the parties involved.

In family law in England and Wales, a consent order is a legally binding document that records an agreement reached between parties involved in a divorce or separation. It outlines the financial arrangements, including the division of assets, property, and financial responsibilities, such as spousal maintenance or child support. Consent orders are typically used when the parties have agreed on how to settle these financial matters and want to formalize the agreement through the court. Key features of a consent order in family law include: Financial Arrangements: A consent order sets out the financial arrangements agreed upon by the divorcing or separating parties, specifying how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be divided. Legal Finality: Once approved by the court, a consent order has legal force, and both parties are legally bound by its terms. It provides finality and closure to financial aspects of the divorce or separation. Enforcement: If one party fails to comply with the terms of the consent order, the other party can seek enforcement through the court, which may involve remedies like seizing assets or obtaining maintenance payments. Property and Pension Provisions: Consent orders can cover the division of property, including the family home, as well as the division of pension assets. Child Maintenance: While child maintenance is often handled separately through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), a consent order can include child maintenance agreements. Consent orders provide a clear and legally enforceable framework for financial matters, reducing the potential for disputes in the future. It is advisable to seek legal advice when drafting a consent order to ensure that the agreement complies with legal requirements and adequately protects the interests of both parties. The court must approve the consent order to make it legally binding.

In family law in England and Wales, an undertaking is a formal, legally binding promise or commitment made by one party to a family law case to the court, the other party, or both. Undertakings are often used in various family law matters to address specific issues, ensure compliance with court orders, or establish certain conditions. They are a means of providing assurance that a particular action or behaviour will be carried out. Common examples of undertakings in family law include: Undertaking Not to Harass or Molest: In cases involving harassment, domestic violence, or child protection, a party may give an undertaking not to harass, molest, or contact the other party or the children involved. Undertaking to Pay Financial Support: Parties may provide undertakings to make financial payments, such as child support or spousal maintenance, which are legally enforceable and carry penalties for non-compliance. Undertaking to Secure Debts or Assets: An individual may offer an undertaking to ensure that a debt is paid or an asset is secured for the benefit of the other party, particularly in financial disputes. Undertaking to Return a Child: In cases related to child custody or visitation, an undertaking may be given to ensure the prompt return of a child after visitation periods. Undertaking to Comply with Court Orders: Parties can provide undertakings to commit to following court orders and directions. Undertakings are taken seriously by the court, and breaching an undertaking can result in legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. These formal promises provide a practical and effective way to address specific issues and concerns in family law cases, allowing parties to come to mutually agreed-upon solutions while ensuring accountability.

Family law in England and Wales covers a wide range of legal matters related to family and domestic relationships. Some of the key areas that family law addresses in the UK include: Divorce and Separation: The legal process of ending a marriage or civil partnership, including issues related to financial settlements and child custody. Child arrangements and contact: Determining the arrangements for children when parents separate or divorce, including issues of residence, contact, and parental responsibilities. Child Support: Establishing financial support arrangements for children, typically involving calculations based on the income of the non-residential parent. Adoption: The legal process for individuals or couples to become the legal parents of a child who is not biologically theirs. Child Protection: Measures to protect children from abuse, neglect, and harm, often involving child protective services and court interventions. Domestic Violence: Legal remedies and protections for victims of domestic violence, including restraining orders and injunctions. Marriage and Civil Partnerships: Legal requirements and regulations for marriage and civil partnerships, including age restrictions and the dissolution of partnerships. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Legal agreements outlining the division of assets and financial matters in case of divorce or separation. Inheritance and Wills: Matters related to the distribution of assets and properties upon the death of a family member who has not left a valid will. Surrogacy and Fertility Treatments: Legal issues related to surrogacy arrangements and the rights and responsibilities of parents in cases involving fertility treatments and assisted reproduction. Paternity and Parental Rights: Determining legal parentage, addressing issues of paternity, and parental rights. Family law in the UK is primarily regulated by statutory laws, including the Family Law Act 1996 and the Children Act 1989, as well as case law and legal precedents set through court decisions. Family courts in the UK handle cases related to family law matters, and individuals often seek legal advice or representation from family law solicitors or barristers when dealing with these issues. The aim of family law is to protect the rights and interests of all family members and provide a legal framework for resolving disputes and maintaining family stability.

Family law in England and Wales is primarily civil, addressing issues like divorce, child arrangements, and adoption through legal statutes and procedures. While family law cases often involve personal relationships, they are distinct from criminal law, which deals with offences against the state. While instances of domestic violence or child abuse may straddle both domains, resolution of family matters typically occurs within the civil legal framework. It's advisable to seek legal counsel for a comprehensive understanding of specific situations and appropriate courses of action.