When parents separate, one of the first questions is: where will the children live, and how will they spend time with both parents?

We will help you reach a workable agreement about care and contact arrangements, always keeping your children's wellbeing at the centre of every decision.

We will first try to help you reach an agreement without going to court - this is nearly always better for the children and for everyone involved. If that isn't possible, we can make an application to the Court on your behalf.

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangements Order is a legally binding order made by the Court that sets out the details of your children's lives following separation. It can specify:

• Who the children live with
• Who the children spend time with, and when
• Which school they attend
• Any other arrangements necessary for the children until they reach the age of 16

We will guide you through every stage of this process and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

What about communication between parents?

Good communication between separated parents is important - but we understand it can be extremely difficult.

Practical advice for separated parents

• Don't use the children as messengers - it is too easy for things to be said that end up hurting them. If direct conversation is difficult, use text or email instead.
• Email gives you time to consider your words carefully and creates a clear written record, avoiding misunderstandings.
• Don't criticise the other parent in front of the children. Your children benefit from having a good relationship with both parents - just because a relationship has ended doesn't mean theirs has to.

Sometimes, a child cannot live with either of their birth parents. In these circumstances, a Special Guardianship Order gives another trusted adult - often a grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend.

We regularly receive referrals from the local authority to advise individuals who have been approached about taking on this role. We will explain clearly:

• What a Special Guardianship Order means in practice
• What responsibilities and rights come with it
• What financial support may be available to you
• How the process works and what to expect

This is a significant step, and we'll make sure you fully understand what you're taking on before proceeding.

We handle private adoption - helping individuals and families navigate the legal process of formally adopting a child. It is one of the most life-changing legal steps a family can take and we are here to make the process as clear and manageable as possible.

We will guide you through the legal requirements, explain what is involved at each stage and support you from the first conversation to the final order.

The breakdown of a marriage is a distressing time for everyone involved and we understand that instructing a solicitor can feel daunting. It is, however, important to seek advice early to avoid difficulties further down the line.

Our team are accredited members of the Law Society Family Law Panel and will guide you through every step of the process with care and clarity.

What does the divorce process involve?

We will advise and guide you through each stage, including:

• Identifying the most appropriate ground for divorce - whether that is unreasonable behaviour, adultery, separation or desertion
• Preparing and filing your divorce petition
• Dealing with any issues around service and costs
• Considering arrangements for your children - whatever your differences as a couple, your children's happiness must be considered, and we can help you reach an amicable resolution
• Assessing your financial circumstances
• Considering whether family mediation is appropriate
• Applying for and obtaining the Conditional Order (formerly Decree Nisi)
• Applying for and obtaining the Final Order (formerly Decree Absolute) at the appropriate time

What does divorce cost?

We offer a fixed fee for the divorce process itself, because it is a straightforward and clearly defined piece of work. We will tell you exactly what it will cost before any work begins.

If financial matters also need to be resolved - which is very common - costs will depend on the complexity of your situation. We will give you a clear picture at your free initial consultation. There is never any obligation to proceed.

Not everyone is married but that doesn't mean separation is any less complicated, especially when property and finances are involved.

If you have been living with a partner and your relationship has broken down, we can advise you on how to separate your lives, your finances and, where relevant, your property. We can put a formal Separation Agreement in place, giving both parties clarity and legal protection going forward.

You don't need to be married to need legal advice — and we treat every situation with the same care and thoroughness.

Sadly, many relationships involve abusive or violent behaviour that is very difficult to leave - particularly when children are involved. Children can be deeply affected simply by witnessing abuse and we are acutely aware of the impact it can have on every aspect of family life.

We understand that the decision to end a relationship in this situation can feel like it might initially make things worse. Our team are here to provide expert, supportive advice and everything you tell us is treated in complete confidence.

If you are in an abusive relationship, please seek help as early as possible.

Once you are safe, we can help with the legal steps to protect you and your family. We can advise on and apply for:

• Non-molestation orders - preventing a former partner from contacting or harassing you
• Occupation orders - setting out who can live in, or enter, the family home

These orders can be put in place quickly when the situation requires it. Call us in complete confidence and we will outline your options and explain how the law can work to protect you and your family.

Dividing finances after a relationship ends, especially after a long marriage, can be one of the most complex and emotionally charged parts of the whole process.

Things can be very difficult during a separation. You need to consider immediate financial concerns, changes to your circumstances and your longer-term plans - often at a time when you are already under enormous pressure. We understand that reaching an amicable agreement may be difficult, and we are experienced in guiding clients through even the most complicated financial situations.

What financial matters might need to be resolved?

Every situation is different, but we regularly advise clients on:

The Family Home

For most families, the first question is: what happens to the house? Where there are no children involved, it may be as straightforward as selling and dividing the proceeds. Where children are involved, it can be considerably more complex and requires careful handling.

Other Property

Additional properties - including property abroad - may also need to be considered. The mechanics of selling property in another country can be particularly complex, and we can guide you through what is involved.

Business Interests

When one or both parties own a business, separation can raise difficult questions, including:

• Does the business have a value and if so, how is it to be valued?
• Can the business be sold or can one party's interest be realised?
• How is the business treated as part of an overall financial settlement?

Savings, Investments and Debts

Savings, investments and debts all need to be dealt with on separation. It may seem simplest to divide everything equally, but this is not always the right approach for example, savings may need to be used toward a new home for the party who is moving out. We will advise you on the fairest and most practical solution.

Pensions

Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets in a marriage or long-term relationship, and they can be complex to deal with on separation. Options include:

• Pension sharing — dividing pension assets between the parties (not necessarily equally)
• Pension offsetting — where pension assets are offset against other assets in the settlement

We will advise you on all available options and help you reach the most appropriate outcome for your circumstances. Once your financial situation is stable, you will be in a much better position to plan for the future.

Financial Remedy Proceedings

If an agreement cannot be reached privately, it may be necessary to go to court. Financial remedy proceedings arise where a divorce has been commenced and the financial matters cannot be resolved by agreement. This is an area we have extensive experience in and we will represent you through the process, working hard to achieve the best possible outcome.

Many people believe that couples who have been living together for a long time are 'common law' husband and wife, with the same rights as married couples. This is not the case. The law does not take into account how long you have been together, or whether one partner has contributed to the household by raising children and running the family home.

Cohabitation disputes can be expensive and stressful. A properly prepared Cohabitation Agreement can help prevent them.

What can a Cohabitation Agreement cover?

• Who owns what at the start of the relationship
• How any property acquired during the relationship will be owned — as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common
• Who is responsible for mortgage and other property costs
• How equity in the property will be divided if the relationship ends
• Who is responsible for shared debts

A Cohabitation Agreement is particularly important if you are jointly purchasing a property and contributing different amounts — it protects both of you clearly and fairly. We often work alongside our Property Team on this so your interests are covered from both a legal and a financial angle.

What if you don't have an agreement and the relationship breaks down?

If you separate without a Cohabitation Agreement and there is a dispute about property, we can advise you through the process of establishing ownership in a constructive and cost-effective way. We will advise on:

• How you can demonstrate ownership of disputed property
• Whether either party can be forced to sell, or whether the property can be retained
• The impact of any children on the outcome

Most people don't plan to divorce when they get married - they believe they will be together for life. But marriages and civil partnerships do sometimes break down and having an agreement in place that sets out what will happen to your finances and assets can save a great deal of stress, cost and heartache.

Think of it as good financial planning

A pre/post-nuptial agreement is not unromantic, nor does it signal that you expect your relationship to fail. Just as you would make a will to plan for the future, a pre/post-nuptial agreement is simply sensible financial planning. It ensures that both of you retain a fair share of what you have worked for, whatever the future holds.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Arranged before the marriage or civil partnership ceremony, a pre-nuptial agreement sets out how your finances and assets will be divided in the event that the relationship breaks down. These are particularly valuable if one or both of you have significant assets, run a business, or have children from a previous relationship.

Post-Nuptial Agreements

A post-nuptial agreement serves the same purpose, but is entered into after the marriage or civil partnership has taken place, while the couple are still living together. Circumstances change, and a post-nuptial agreement allows you to plan financially at any point during a marriage.

Are these agreements legally binding?

Pre and post-nuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales - but a properly drafted agreement carries significant weight if the matter ever comes before a court. We have experience in creating these agreements for many couples and will make sure yours is drafted in a way that gives it the strongest possible standing.