Family Matters

Divorce

A sad fact of life is that one in three marriages end in divorce. This can be a very distressing time for all parties involved. You have to have been married for a year before you can apply for a divorce and show the court that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, this can include bad behaviour or unfaithfulness. If both parties agree to the divorce there is no need to go to court and can be dealt with on paper. However if there are children, you and your partner will have to make financial arrangements to support your children. A solicitor will help support and guide you through the divorce process and assist with disputes involving your children and financial matters.

Children Law

Children Law relates to public law Children Act proceedings such as applications for care orders by local authority social services departments, private law Children Act proceedings such as applications about the place of residence or contact with children and adoption.

Related Accreditations : Children Panel Accreditation Scheme

Prenuptial Contracts

You may wish to consider a prenuptial agreement with your future husband or wife. Solicitors have experience in this specialised area of the law and can advise you on the drafting of such agreements.

Cohabitation

When a married couple decide to divorce, matrimonial law applies. However, for a couple who live together and decide to part the law is much more complex. The parties will require the advice of a solicitor who can advise on the law of equity and contract. Some couples opt to make a ‘living together agreement’ as a way of recording what you both have agreed to if the relationship should break down. A solicitor can advise on the agreement to ensure that all areas of the home and finances are included.

Mediation

Mediation can help you and your partner to discuss the breakdown of your relationship. Mediation may help you find solutions to your problems, whether they be financial or relating to your children, without the need for lengthy divorces often involving costly court proceedings. A number of solicitors offer mediation services.

Related Accreditations : Family Mediation Accreditation Scheme

Collaborative Family Law

Collaborative Family Law is used to resolve common legal problems such as divorce. In collaborative family law you and the other part appoint specially trained lawyers and sign an agreement to try to reach a solution without going to court. Collaborative family law is particularly beneficial to parties who have children and wish to reach a solution that puts their need and interests at the forefront and want to have control over decisions about finances and for making arrangements for the children but with advice from experts, this is also fairly informal.

Related Accreditations : Resolution Collaborative Family Lawyer Scheme

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