In any relationship breakdown, making the right arrangements for children is critically important. Our very experienced team can help you find the best solution regardless of your particular situation, whether that is a traditional family unit, extended family, cohabiting couple, civil partnership, or grandparents and step-parents. We work within the Residential Family Law Protocol, and consider the position and interests of all family members, striving to achieve a fair and amicable solution.

Civil partners enjoy virtually the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples. So if you are thinking of entering a civil partnership, it’s important you think carefully about such matters as financial assets or children. We can help you understand your options and the best ways to protect your interests and those of your children for the future. We can also support you if your civil partnership has broken down, giving you expert advice on options for mediation and collaborative law settlements, to help you avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings wherever possible.

If you are cohabiting, or thinking of doing so, it’s important you understand your legal position in relation to property and assets, and any issues relating to children. We can help you make the right decisions and achieve peace of mind, knowing your interests are protected. This could be in the form of a formal cohabitation agreement, and might include putting property and assets into a trust for your children.

When a relationship breaks down, the wishes and feelings of grandparents and the wider family are often overlooked. And yet in many situations, you have the right as a grandparent to seek your own court decision on issues such as future contact with your grandchildren. Similarly, if you have helped a grandchild financially, perhaps by helping them buy their first home, you need to ensure your investment is protected if a relationship breaks down. We can help you understand your rights and options, and support you through the appropriate legal process.

It is possible, and often preferable, for separating couples to resolve disputes over property, assets or children without resorting to the divorce courts. Where appropriate, we advise our clients to seek a collaborative solution, where the family needs overall are put first and the couple works together, with our support and guidance, to reach an amicable outcome. We can help you with expert legal advice on your best course of action, whether that is mediation or collaboration, and support you through the process.

If you are planning to marry or enter a civil partnership, and want to protect your interests, a pre-nuptial agreement can give you the clarity and peace of mind you need. It provides a clear record of your intentions, and your partner’s agreement to them, and is particularly useful if this is a second marriage or partnership, or there are children involved. We can give you expert advice on your options and best way forward, and help you create the most appropriate pre-nuptial agreement.