Family Law

Family law is an area of law that deals with legal issues related to family relationships, such as divorce, child arrangements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Family law aims to provide legal solutions for individuals and families who are facing a range of situations, and to ensure that the best interests of all parties involved, especially children, are protected.

A straightforward divorce can take around 6-8 months. Divorces can take longer because parties are negotiating and finalising a financial settlement arising from their separation.

The aim in all divorce cases will be to ensure that both parties and the children’s housing needs are met. Depending upon the assets available, it may be possible to enable one of the parties to remain living at the former family home post-separation. Our dedicated family law solicitors will be able to talk to you about your options and work with you to achieve your best outcome.

If parents are not able to agree the arrangements for children to see both parents then it may be necessary to ultimately apply to the court. There are a number of alternatives available, including; solicitor-led negotiation, mediation, family based counselling and parenting courses to help separated parents learn to work together.

Mediation helps couples going through separation or divorce to work out and agree arrangements for themselves and their children. If these issues can be agreed between you through mediation, it saves the cost of going through a Court to make the decisions for you.

It is not absolutely necessary to reach an agreement. However, if you do not reach an agreement, this means your spouse or partner could try and make a financial claim against you in the future.