Family Law
Gilbert Stephens family law solicitors offer down to earth and practical advice across the full range of family law problems which clients are likely to experience whether married, civil partners or involved in another form of relationship. This can include financial issues, arrangements for children and domestic abuse.
Not all family issues arise from the breakdown of a relationship, however, and our team are also able to assist with the legal aspects surrounding the creation of new relationships, for example adoption, parental orders following surrogacy, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and cohabitation arrangements.
The family law system can often be confusing and even intimidating, with the worry of perhaps having to go to court and incurring large legal bills on top of all the practical and emotional problems which can surround a relationship breakdown.
Our experience
Our experienced team of family lawyers treat each client and their case individually, because no two family law problems are the same. Our aim, where possible, is to try to improve communication and avoid confrontation or going to court by encouraging the use of alternative ways of resolving family disputes, in particular through mediation. If mediation is not appropriate the hope would still be to strive for a negotiated solution, which could involve arranging round table meetings or considering arbitration.
Why choose us?
When there is no alternative to involving the family courts we will support and guide you through what is needed and make sure you are properly represented and kept fully informed throughout the process.
Whatever the problem, our aim is to achieve the best outcome for you in the most cost-effective way, tailored to your particular situation. We will provide clear information about costs, allowing you to budget as needed. In some instances we are able to undertake specific work for a fixed fee or to provide advice and support in the background (sometimes referred to as “unbundled services”) where clients do not feel that they can afford full representation throughout proceedings.
Gilberts Stephens are a multi-disciplinary practice and our family team works closely with our Private Client team, our conveyancing team and our civil litigation team to provide a complete and rounded service where there are overlapping issues.
Our family law services include practical and realistic advice on the following:
- Divorce/dissolution of civil partnerships
- Breakdown of cohabiting relationships
- Property and finance
- Pension sharing on divorce
- Children arrangements, including residence, contact, education, medical treatment, change of name and relocation either within the UK or abroad
- Adoption
- Parental orders following surrogacy
- Maintenance and child support
- Separation agreements
- Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
- Living together (cohabitation) agreements
- Care proceedings
- Mediation
