Family Law

Family Law Solicitors

We all try our best to get along with our families, but sometimes situations arise that have to be dealt with legally. From cohabitation, to divorce, to financial issues; when you need legal support, it should be from a team you can trust.

Gillian Lavelle is Head of the Department and Partner of our firm. She is an expert in family law, but also a companion during what can be the most distressing and emotional times of your life.

What is Family Law?
Public Family Law is usually when the Local Authority are involved as there is a concern about a child and that child’s safety. Sometimes those concerns are well founded, but at times those concerns are not. Legal Aid can sometimes be available to assist individuals in these situations.

Private Family law is split into 5 categories: divorce (matrimonial), finances, cohabitation, non-molestation orders and child law. Each of these categories can be broken down further:

TYPES OF PRIVATE FAMILY LAW

• MATRIMONIAL LAW
  Divorce
  Dissolution of a Civil Partnership
  Pre – Nuptial Agreements
  Post - Nuptial Agreements
  Judicial / Legal Separation
  Separation Agreements
• FINANCIAL LAW
  Consent Order (Clean Break Order)
  Applying to the Court for a Financial Order
  Enforcement / Variation of a Financial Order
  Separation Agreements
• COHABITATION
  Property Disputes
  Cohabitation Agreements
  Separation Agreements
• CHILD LAW
  Child Arrangements Orders (living with, spending time with orders)
  Special Guardianship
  Parenting Plan Agreements
  Enforcement of a Child Arrangements Order
  Prohibited Steps (to stop something happening such as leaving the country or to stop a change of name)
  Specific Issue (to ask the Court to grant something such as permission for a holiday or change of name)
• FAMILY LAW ORDERS
  Non-Molestation Orders (i.e. Injunctions / Domestic Abuse)
  Occupation Orders (to regulate who can live in the family home)
  Change of Name

There can be a lot of crossovers between these sections. We at MBH Solicitors can provide advice and support regarding any of these issues, helping with the legal proceedings involved wherever necessary.

Furthermore, the Family Law Team are members of Resolution. This means that they are family lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Resolution members follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Members encourage solutions that consider the needs of the whole family and in particular the best interests of the children – leading to settling of disputes that work for all involved.

What does a Family Lawyer do?
When you approach us for help with a legal dispute, a member of our family law team will first sit down with you to establish as much information about the case as possible. We understand that this will be difficult for you, during a very emotional time, so all of our lawyers will reassure you throughout, and inform you of proceedings in as much detail as possible.

After they’ve gathered the initial details, your chosen lawyer will begin collecting all the required information. This includes preparing documentation, finding and reviewing financial evidence, and gathering as much information as possible.

Once all evidence has been gathered, legal proceedings begin. This includes negotiating settlements, contact and residency for children, advocating for the client in hearings, and referring to mediation, depending on what the case requires.

Being calm under pressure is key for anyone in the legal world, but it’s especially important in family law, as things can get heated quickly even without Court attendance. Our team inspire empathy in all of our clients, showing genuine care about each and every case we’re a part of.

If you are undergoing a divorce or other legal dispute, we can offer you advice even after things have been set in motion, helping you understand proceedings and ensuring you get the best results.

We offer 30 minutes, FREE no obligation initial advice appointments for anyone who needs help with family law.

How Much does a Family Lawyer Cost?
We understand that costs of legal proceedings can be quite expensive, especially with divorce and financial disputes. We therefore offer fixed fees and payment plans to assist those struggling to meet the payments upfront, and of course, our initial advice appointments are free.