What is a family law solicitor?

A family law solicitor is trained to help with legal matters involving you and your family. This could include everything from the breakdown of a marriage, to child arrangements and who has a right to live in the family home.

Family law is different depending on where you live in the UK. In this article, we will be dealing with family law in England and Wales.

Family law includes issues such as divorce, parental responsibility, adoption and even child abduction.

For example, you may seek advice from a family law solicitor if your relationship with your spouse has broken down.

Family law: divorce and finances

Although not obligatory, many people book an appointment with a family law solicitor if they are considering getting a divorce.

While it is possible to get a divorce without seeing a family law solicitor, it is highly recommended that you have at least one appointment to discuss your circumstances and get independent legal advice. A family law solicitor can not only handle the entire divorce process for you, but can also advise you on grounds for divorce, as well as whether a separation agreement would be appropriate.

Advice from a family law solicitor can be invaluable, particularly with regards to the financial settlement upon divorce. For example, a family law solicitor can advise you as to what a reasonable financial settlement could look like in your circumstances, negotiate a financial settlement for you and make your agreement into a legally binding court order.

If your divorce has an international element, a family law solicitor experienced in these matters, such as Austin Kemp, is highly recommended.

Family law solicitors can also help with any legal matters that arise if you’re separating from a partner that you live with (known as cohabitation). Equally, a family law lawyer can advise you whether a cohabitation agreement would be right for you, before you move in with a partner.

Family law: child arrangements

A family law solicitor can negotiate child arrangements following the breakdown of your relationship with the other parent, then get this agreement made into a legally binding court order, if necessary.

In urgent child matters, such as one parent taking a child abroad, a family law solicitor can take urgent preventative action.

Family law solicitors can also help with everything from child maintenance payments, to parental responsibility applications.

Family law: legal agreements

Sometimes it’s necessary to put down an agreement in writing. A family law solicitor can advise you on prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, separation agreements and cohabitation agreements – as well as drafting them for you.

We’re all probably going to need a family law solicitor at some point…

Whether you’re getting married, moving in with a partner or getting a divorce, at some point in your life you may need legal advice from a family law solicitor.

Here at Austin Kemp, our experienced family law solicitors can provide you with legal advice on all areas of family law, so that you can understand exactly what your rights are and what action you need to take.

Other articles that may be of interest to you?

How long does a divorce take?

What is the divorce process?

When is decree absolute granted in a divorce?

Decree Nisi – What does this mean in a divorce?

What are the first steps to divorce?

Is a cheap divorce really possible?

How can our expert divorce solicitors help you with divorce

Our expert family law solicitors can help you with a range of legal issues relating to divorce, including:

• Prenuptial agreements
• Cohabitation agreements
• Post civil partnership agreements
• Divorce
• Domestic violence and harassment
• Child maintenance
• Child contact arrangements
• Divorce financial provisions

Contact our expert divorce solicitors for advice on divorce

For more information call our divorce solicitors on 0845 862 5001 or email mail@austinkemp.co.uk.

Our expert family law solicitors offer a nationwide service. We have client meeting office facilities available, in order to have face-to-face client meetings / conferences as and when required in:

Leeds Office: St Andrew House, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 5JW

Wakefield Office: Market Walk, Wakefield, WF1 1QR

Halifax Office: Old Lane, Halifax, HX3 5WP

Huddersfield Office: Northumberland Street Huddersfield, HD1 1RL

Coventry Office: Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 2DY

Canary Wharf Office: 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LB

Please contact us for more details.