Divorce, Family Law and Mediation

As family law solicitors, we understand that divorce and separation can be a difficult time for all concerned. Our highly regarded Family Team has extensive experience working with clients providing them with advice on all aspects of this specialist and sensitive area of the law.

Contents

• Divorce and Separation
• Dividing Finances on Divorce
• Arrangements for Children
• Family Dispute Resolution
• Child Maintenance and Financial Provision
• Family Mediation
• Same-Sex Relationships
• Cohabitation Arrangements
• Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
• Domestic Abuse
• Contact and Resources

Divorce and Separation

There are two main ways of formalising a separation and the division of a married couple’s assets – by way of Divorce or by way of Separation Agreement (also known as a Deed of Separation). Find out more.

Dividing Finances on Divorce

A Divorce does not bring an automatic end to any financial obligations you and your spouse might have to one another. Unless the split of your assets is set out in a Court Order, you will not have a clean break from your spouse, which may mean that he or she can claim further money or property from you in the future.

Reaching a financial settlement is very often a cause of considerable concern to anyone contemplating a Divorce. Our divorce solicitors have a great deal of experience in negotiating effective financial settlements for our clients. We are accustomed to dealing with clients with complex financial affairs, including multiple properties, businesses, offshore assets, family trusts and complex pensions and we have, over many years, built up a professional network of specialists in the area of relationship breakdown including tax advisers, accountants and pensions experts, whom we can involve if required. Find out more.

“Sarah Jackson was extremely professional, proactive and thorough, whilst being friendly and approachable. She communicated well, kept me up to date and explained the processes throughout. She provided an excellent service and made everything as straightforward as possible for me.” SS, Client

Arrangements for Children

Whether you are married or not, if your relationship breaks down and you are a parent, you will have to make important decisions about the future arrangements for your children. Often, it is difficult to agree on the best way forward with your former partner.

Our family law solicitors specialise in helping families sort out arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship. We are committed to resolving matters amicably and sensitively and, if it is necessary for the court to make a decision in your case, we will represent and guide you through the family court process. Find out more.

Family Dispute Resolution Solicitors

For many, the process of separation and divorce can be bewildering and stressful. We will discuss all the dispute resolution options available to you to enable you to decide on the best way to deal with issues arising out of your separation. Find out more.

Child Maintenance and Financial Provision

The importance and significance of child support cannot be underestimated where there has been a breakdown of a relationship between parents. As family law solicitors can advise you on whether an application to the Child Maintenance Service is appropriate or whether other means of financial support for children need to be considered. Find out more.

“As I was feeling like a fish out of water, Sarah Jackson knew EXACTLY what was required in order for me to move forward. She and Philippa worked together efficiently and economically for me and their prompt responses were always a welcome relief. Sarah’s knowledge and expertise is apparent, and I had complete trust in the way she handled my case. I will be forever grateful to her for helping me to see the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.” PB, Client

Family Mediation

When a relationship breaks down, emotions often run high, yet there are usually a number of important decisions to be made regarding arrangements for the future.

Talking face-to-face with your former partner may be the quickest and most inexpensive way to resolve your issues. However, quite understandably, many find this a daunting prospect. That is where the BLB Family Mediation Service can help. Find out more.

Same-Sex Relationship Divorce & Civil Partnership Dissolutions

In 2004 the Civil Partnership Act was passed and came into effect in December 2005. It created civil partnerships, which gave same sex couples who entered into them the same rights and responsibilities of marriage.

The legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales was passed in July 2013 and came into force on 13 March 2014, and the first same sex marriages took place on 29 March 2014.

Since Section 9 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 came into force on 10 December 2014, anyone who is registered in a civil partnership is granted the ability to convert that partnership into a marriage.

Our divorce solicitors can provide advice on Civil Partnership Dissolution, Same Sex Divorce, Cohabitation Agreements, Pre- and Post-Civil Partnership Agreements and Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements. Find out more.

Cohabitation Arrangements

Many couples live together without formalising their relationship by getting married or entering into a civil partnership. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “common law” wife or husband and the law offers only limited legal remedies to cohabitees, even if you have lived together for several years.

Our specialist family law solicitors can advise on Relationship Breakdown, Parenting Issues, Inheritance Issues and Cohabitation Agreements and Declarations of Trust. Find out more.

“Excellent service dealing with a long and complicated situation. Great support when things seemed bleak, extremely well versed in all aspects that arose during my situation. If hadn’t been for the perseverance and confidence of my solicitor I may have given up, therefore would never have got the excellent outcome she had worked so hard to achieve for me.” DP, Client

Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements

A Prenuptial Agreement is an agreement signed before you get married. A Postnuptial Agreement is signed during the marriage.

A Nuptial Agreement will set out what you and your (intended) spouse agree should happen to your finances if, sadly, the marriage breaks down and you become separated. Find out more.

Domestic Abuse

If you or your children are experiencing harassment, coercive control or domestic abuse, we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice as a matter of urgency.

We appreciate that advice is often sought in very difficult circumstances, and we aim to help and support our clients with compassion and efficiency; we are responsive in a crisis and can take immediate action to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Find out more.