Family & Private Client

Sensitively achieving the right outcome

The nature of family proceedings requires a focused and concerted effort to reduce the emotional and financial strain on all involved.

Our family law experts are all highly experience practitioners in this field.  They provide totally confidential advice on all areas of family law disputes, including divorce and financial settlement (remedy) proceedings.

Where possible we aim to achieve resolution of cases at an early stage, negotiation, or mediation. Where this isn’t possible, you can rely on our extensive litigation expertise for robust representation.

We also have the experience and specialist knowledge to deal with a range of contentious trust, probate and Court of Protection matters. We deal with these often-sensitive claims with compassion, whilst always maintaining the objectivity required to bring the dispute to a resolution you are happy with. We act for executors or personal representatives of estates and also for individuals claiming against estates or other parties.

Our Key Family Law and Private Client Services

Contact Our Specialist
  • Divorce
  • Financial Remedy
  • Children Arrangements
  • Cohabitation Matters
  • Mediation
  • Contentious Probate

Ask Our Expert

What do i need to prove to obtain a divorce?

Divorce now operates in England and Wales on a “no fault” basis. All that is required is for one or both of the parties to certify the marriage has broken down irretrievably. There is no longer a need to provide any explanation or detail.

Can i get divorced here if our marriage took place overseas?

You can get divorced here provided one of you has been habitually resident in England and Wales for at least a year prior to the application for divorce. It is also possible to take this path if you are domiciled here, even though not resident – because, for example, you are an English national working overseas at present.

Please note there may be financial advantages to one party for the divorce to take place in a particular country.
Our expert team can provide early advice if there is a choice of jurisdiction.

What am i entitled to by way of financial settlement on divorce?

The law requires the outcome to be “fair” and that first consideration be given to the welfare of any dependent children. The start point is the marital assets are to be divided equally. However, there may be factors in the case which justify a “departure from equality”.

Our expert team can advise how best to present such an argument – as well how to resist it if this approach is taken by the other party. We have a great deal of experience of financial applications and a detailed knowledge of the latest reported cases and developments. This means our clients can be confident in the strategy we will devise to achieve the best outcome for them.

How do i get a “clean break” settlement?

A “clean break” order is required to avoid paying spousal maintenance both now and later. A spousal maintenance order can prove expensive and may give rise to further litigation. The value attaching to a “clean break” is not to be under-estimated. Our expert family team can advise whether a “clean break is realistic in your case and, if so, how best to achieve that outcome.