Family Law solicitors deal with legal issues relating to family, as you’d expect.
Family Law is made up of three main areas: matrimonial, finance, and child law.
In simple terms, matrimonial is anything relating to marriage and divorce. Finance could be settlement agreements. Child law could be concerning care proceedings, whether that’s acting on behalf of parents, guardians, children, or local authorities.
They’ll also handle things relating to separation, adoption, child arrangements, visitation rights, financial settlements, domestic violence or abuse, guardianship, and child abuse and neglect.
Family law also covers a range of legal issues relating to retirement, later life and death, such as trusts, wills, inheritance laws, probate law, pensions, and insurance claims.
To be connected to a specialist Family Law Solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
What does a family solicitor do?
If you’re seeking a divorce, then a family lawyer will be there throughout the entire process.
They’re engaged in taking initial details, gathering evidence, and preparing the relevant documentation to proceed with the divorce.
Family law solicitors will also negotiate settlements, refer to mediation, and advocate for clients in hearings. Work might also include attending counsel at court, though everything depends on your situation and the specific case.
They’ll handle disputes and claims. Each case will be reviewed and if a settlement can be reached between two parties then the case will be settled then.
However, should no agreement be reached, you’ll proceed with the case, file motions, and if necessary, present your case to the court. All of which your family solicitor will deal with.
What does Family Law cover specifically?
Anything and everything relating to families.
The Family Law Act 1975 focuses on the rights of children and the responsibilities that parents have towards their children – not on parental rights. So, in these cases, a family law solicitor will ALWAYS act in the children’s best interest where they’re involved in cases.
That goes for the lawyers of both parties AND the court too.
One of the most common reasons you might be heading over to your favourite search engine and typing in ‘family law solicitors near me’ is the breakdown of a marriage.
When that happens and the breakdown is irreparable, a divorce lawyer can help…
How a family law solicitor can help
They’ll work on your behalf to ensure you get the best outcome for your circumstances. Whether that means financial settlements, child arrangements, or simply dividing assets.
A family law solicitor will help you communicate with your partner or their lawyer if you don’t want to communicate with them directly. They can also help explain your rights, including what constitutes grounds for a divorce.
Though, with no-fault divorce soon to be introduced in England and Wales, this is one aspect that will change.
On the flip side, cohabitation agreements are becoming increasingly popular. With many couples choosing to live together for significant periods without getting married, they’re realising that there is no legal protection should the relationship end.
For example, if a relationship breaks down and your home is not in your name, you won’t be entitled to anything – no matter how long you’ve lived there. Any jointly-owned property would be split 50/50, even if you’ve contributed significantly more to the homeownership.
An important and common reason for contacting a family law solicitor relates to child custody.
In simple terms, that’s the guardianship of a child, both legally and physically.
Custody can be split in several ways. Although this depends on your circumstances and the arrangements you’ve got in place, as well as your relationship with your former partner.
Most parents share 50/50 legal custody. This means they’ve got equal rights to make decisions about the child’s welfare, health, and education.
Finding a solicitor near me to help with family law
Whatever your need, there’s a family law solicitor near you that can help with your situation.
To be connected to a specialist Family Law Solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
If you’re moving house, drafting a will, buying commercial property, or dealing with probate, you’ll need a solicitor – you’ll notice it’s usually at the most stressful of times that you’ll be looking for a solicitor.