FAQs

We offer a complimentary, informal first appointment, where we get to know you and understand your unique story. There is no time limit – you can take as long as you need. We’ll then give you our professional assessment of your case and an idea of costs involved should you wish to instruct us. There is no obligation to do so, and our door is always open should you wish to come back and talk to us again.

We understand you may need to communicate privately. We offer discreet contact options, including phone calls with blocked numbers. Alternatively, you’re welcome to visit us during our opening hours without prior notice.

We believe in building relationships with our clients, so with us you will always have the same dedicated lawyer working on your case, providing consistent support and a familiar point of contact.

Whether you are divorcing, separating, trying to agree child arrangements, or sort out your finances, we will work hard to find a resolution. We might signpost you to additional services, such as a mediation. Our goal is to avoid recourse to the courts, and even if proceedings are underway, we will still work towards a settlement. Where cases do require court intervention, we’ll ensure you have expert representation from a skilled family law barrister.

We don’t do legal aid work, but focus on privately funded cases. However, our fees are designed to be competitive and are always clearly outlined on our Fees page. We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we offer flexible service options, allowing you to choose the level of support you require. We believe in a collaborative partnership, tailoring our services to your specific needs and working together to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you wish a court to make an order on your finances, or if you want to remarry, then you need to have formally divorced. If you and your partner are able to part amicably and don’t require a court order to formalise your financial arrangement (and neither of you plans to wed again), you may choose to remain married.

Judicial separation occurs where a couple opt to legally separate, but they still wish to remain married, perhaps for religious reasons. A judicial separation enables the court to have the power to make an order on the couple’s finances.

For straightforward cases, the whole process takes approximately eight months.

No, these days everything is completed with the paperwork submitted online. The final hearing is held in a court, in front of a judge, but there is no requirement for couples to attend.

If your partner’s whereabouts are unknown, or if they do not respond to the divorce paperwork sent to them, you can still divorce. Be aware that this situation may lengthen the process. We can discuss this with you at our initial, complimentary meeting.

Should your case go to court, as your solicitors we will work as a team with a barrister.  In court, you will be represented by your barrister, who specialises in family law and who is also an experienced advocate, who will ably present your case in front of a judge.

Child arrangements often need to evolve as children mature. We can help you navigate these changes, whether it’s through collaborative discussions with your partner’s solicitor to amend a Child Arrangements Order, or through court representation if an agreement cannot be reached.

We understand that family matters may extend beyond parents. If you’re a grandparent, aunt, adult sibling, or another relative interested in discussing child arrangements, we’d be pleased to offer our support. We can guide you through your options and represent you if you choose to take a case forward.

If you believe your partner might take a course of action you disagree with, we can help you by applying to the court for a Prohibited Steps Order.

This is a court order issued to prevent one of the parents from taking a certain action, for example picking a child up from school, or taking a child abroad, or relocating.

When parents with shared parental responsibility disagree on critical decisions like schooling, holidays, vaccinations, or religious ceremonies, a Specific Issue Order can provide a resolution. We can help you apply to the court, which will then make a binding decision on the matter.

This is an injunction issue by the court, removing you from the property you share with your partner.

Yes, a cohabitation agreement is legally binding. However, it is important to note that a cohabitation agreement cannot override the law. For example, if you have children, you will still have to follow child support laws.

A separation agreement formalises financial, property, and child arrangements for couples who are separating.

A separation agreement isn’t legally binding in itself, but it can be used as the basis for a financial consent order during divorce proceedings, which is legally binding.