A family law solicitor can help to make the most difficult of times less stressful, putting things into perspective and guiding you through the process involved so that you know what to expect. When facing divorce, separation, domestic abuse or other family difficulties, finding the right family law solicitor is essential.
Those facing divorce will have lots of questions, most commonly in respect of the effect that a change in circumstances will have upon their financial situation. You may have come to an agreement directly with your spouse, which a family law solicitor can then advise upon, informing you whether or not it is fair for you and how to ensure that it is binding. If you have not been able to come to an agreement, a family law solicitor can guide you through the procedure and advise you on what a Court might decide in your particular case. A family law solicitor who is a member of Resolution is committed to the constructive resolution of financial division and will always try to sort things out, without the need to go to Court. He or she will do this, informally by letters, meetings or phone calls, or formally by Mediation or Collaborative Law. Sometimes though things can’t be sorted out this way and it is necessary to refer the matter to the Court.
For unmarried couples considering separation, it should be noted that the current position is that people who are not married or in civil partnerships cannot use the laws available to married couples who are splitting up. There is no such thing as a “common law marriage” and cohabitants have very few rights that arise out of their relationship. A family law solicitor will need to consider each situation on its facts and investigate your rights to see what you are entitled to.
As well as parents, grandparents are also affected in a case of divorce or separation. The grandparents may want access to the children which is being denied. Family law can help mediate so that a compromise can be agreed which is suitable for all concerned. If no such compromise is achievable in a particular situation, then the matter can be referred to the Court under the same Children Act as applies to parents.
A family law solicitor can help with all areas of family work including divorce, separation, children matters and all aspects of financial matters upon the breakdown of a relationship.