If your relationship has broken down we can advise and represent you on all the issues that may arise to do with your children or your property. In cases of domestic abuse we will act swiftly to ensure that you and your children get the protection that you need.
If social services are involved with your children we are here to advise and can represent you if the case goes to court.
Divorce/Separation
We know it’s hard to come to terms with the decision to divorce. We are here to listen to the reasons you feel your marriage has broken down and legally advise you on the best option for you. We can advise on separation, civil partnership and foreign marriages as well. We will prepare your divorce papers and advise you on the procedure which must be followed.
Financial/Property
There are different types of money issues when you divorce or separate for example:-Income and maintenance issues or capital e.g. your house, savings, shares and pensions. We can help you go through all your assets and property and try to reach an agreement on how this should be divided between you and your ex-partner. If agreement is not possible we may be able to represent you in court proceedings to deal with this.
Injunctions
Domestic violence and/or harassment are always upsetting and can be terrifying. It is important that you and your children are protected. Sometimes a warning letter will put an end to the abuse but often a court order is required.
A Non-molestation Order (Injunction) can prevent your partner, ex-partner or relative from using or threatening violence, intimidating, harassing or pestering you or your children in order to ensure your health, safety and wellbeing. An Occupation Order is an Order which decides who should live in the home after there has been violence or harassment. If you do not feel safe in continuing to live in your home, or if you have left home because of violence, but want to return and exclude your abuser, you may want to apply for an Occupation Order.
We are able to offer an experienced and fast service if you are suffering from violence and abuse. We are here to support you and we understand how difficult your circumstances are.
We can assist you to make applications on an Emergency basis and are able to obtain court orders without notice to the other parties.
Children Private Law
When parents separate a decision has to be made about where the children will live and arrangements for contact with the non-resident parent.
Contact with a non-resident parent is regarded as a fundamental right of the child and there has to be a strong reason for a court to refuse contact. We will advise you on considering mediation or negotiation through a solicitor before applying to a court.
If matters go to court we can assist you to make an Application for a Residence Order, Contact Order, Prohibited Steps Order, Specific Issue Order, Parental Responsibility Order or Special Guardianship Order in respect of the children.
Children/Care Proceedings
If social services have told you that they have concerns about your children or if they are subject to care proceedings we can help and advise you. We may be able to negotiate with social services to avoid them making an application to the court. If the matter does go to court we can represent you. Three of our solicitors are members of the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority’s Children Panel.