Family Law Solicitors

Franklins Family Law solicitors understand that every relationship is different and it is important to find a Solicitor you can build a rapport with and Trust with your matter.

Our team of experts are members of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who are dedicated to resolving issues in a constructive and cost-effective way, really taking the time to listen to what matters to you. Our team is also headed up by an accredited specialist in the division of assets on divorce and for couples who live together, a qualification only gained after extensive experience with these matters and independent assessment by the Resolution body to meet a strict criteria.

Married Couples

Obtaining good advice early on in your separation or even before your marriage with a pre-nuptial agreement can save a lot of stress and expense later. The divorce process involves not only the divorce itself but also the division of your finances and the time that your children spend with each of their parents. Our team will provide tailored advice to your situation and outline how you can protect yourself from unnecessary disagreements in the future. Our aim is always to try and resolve matters in an amicable way and where that is not possible we focus on the issues relevant to you and your future.

Couples who live together

Living together and being married are treated very differently in law and it is important to understand what living together may mean for you financially. Properties bought together can be owned equally or unequally and a property in one person’s name can still be subject to claim by the other occupier. The family team at Franklins are experienced in disagreements between couples who live together and will provide clear advice on how your assets will be treated by the Court and what steps you can do to protect your interests at the point of moving in together or buying a property together.

Children

Arrangements for your children is an extremely emotional issue so our team of family lawyers will support you in prioritising the children’s welfare in any dispute. We encourage matters to be agreed between parents but understand that is not always possible so will guide you through any court process and present your views to the Court where needed. We are experienced in advising on the level of financial support that ought to be provided for children, decisions on education, medical treatment and trips outside of the UK either temporarily or permanently. Early advice on all of these issues can help ensure stability for your children and that their needs are properly met.

Domestic Abuse

We understand that for many this is a difficult subject to discuss and there is a need to act swiftly to protect against further harm. Our team will listen and explain the options available to you including if a Court order could be put in place to prevent further direct contact by a perpetrator and also through any third party. The law is there to protect the most vulnerable and we will support and represent you as well as advise you on the best way for you to move forward independently.

If you are currently involved in a family conflict, are separating from your partner or seek protection from abuse in the home, Franklins family solicitors will be there for you from start to finish to protect your interests and find resolution. Give us a call on 01908 660966 or 01604 82828 to talk to a member of our team or fill out our contact form and we will reply to you as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law

What does a family solicitor do?

A family solicitor deals with all areas of family law including divorce settlements, child arrangements, co-habitation agreements, and all other matters related to individuals within a family.

Why would you need a family solicitor?

A family solicitor will help to explain the legal proceedings for divorce settlements, separations, child arrangements and a whole host of other matters relating to family disputes. This area of law can be confusing and can change, so seeking professional advice and guidance will help you to understand what the outcomes may be.

Do Civil Partnerships have the same rights as same sex marriage?

In a nutshell, yes! Civil Partnerships have the same rights and responsibilities as those in a same-sex marriages. These rights encompass areas such as taxation, inheritance, property rights, next-of-kin status, and various legal protections in the event of relationship dissolution.

It’s important to acknowledge that while Civil Partnerships and same-sex marriages may have distinct historical and legal trajectories, the statutory framework aims to ensure parity in the legal entitlements extended to couples regardless of their chosen form of union.

What does a cohabitation agreement do and why would I need one?

A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding agreement that acts as a  contractual safety net tailored for unmarried couples who live with each other. This agreement outlines the rights and obligations of both parties regarding property ownership, financial matters, and other significant considerations. It acts as a roadmap for navigating potential disputes or separations, mitigating ambiguity and potential legal entanglements.

You might wish to seriously consider putting one in place if you and your partner wish to safeguard your respective interests and promote clarity and harmony in your cohabitation arrangement.

Do I need a solicitor for family court?

You do not need legal representation in a family court, but it is generally advised that you don’t represent yourself in court if you don’t have a legal background. A family solicitor representing you will give you the best chance of a positive outcome.

What are the most common family law issues?

The most common family law issues include divorce settlements, child arrangements, family finances and settlements. Franklins Solicitors are able to help you with all issues relating to family matters.

How can I keep the legal costs down when getting divorced?

Navigating a divorce can be a financial concern, but there are strategies to help manage legal costs while ensuring due diligence. Firstly, seeking legal advice remains of paramount importance, as it provides crucial insights into your rights and obligations within the divorce process.

However, to mitigate expenses, you could undertake certain administrative tasks yourself, such as gathering financial documentation, organising relevant paperwork, and maintaining open communication with your solicitor to streamline proceedings.

Additionally, amicable negotiation and alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, can circumvent protracted courtroom battles, reducing legal fees.

I’m separating from my spouse, and they are the main provider and I cannot afford to buy them out of the house. We have two young children who mainly live with me. Will we need to sell the house?

The complexities of property division upon separation can indeed be daunting, particularly when financial constraints are an issue. In such circumstances, the primary consideration centres around the welfare of the children and ensuring suitable accommodation for their upbringing.

Selling the matrimonial home may appear an inevitable outcome but this may not necessarily be the case. Family courts prioritise the best interests of the children, often endeavouring to maintain stability and continuity in their living arrangements. Alternative measures may be explored, allowing the resident parent to remain in the property until certain triggering events occur, such as the children reaching adulthood or specific financial benchmarks being met.

Engaging in open dialogue with legal professionals and exploring mediation avenues can facilitate constructive discussions with your spouse, potentially arriving at a mutually agreeable resolutions that supports your children’s welfare while mitigating the need for the immediate sale of the family home.

Family Dispute Regarding a Property Following a Breakdown in Relationship

A Family Law Case Study

Following a breakdown of relationship, our Family Law team were instructed to act in relation to a family dispute around a property. Advice was sought on whether financial claims to the family home could be made, and the negotiation of a settlement.

We were instructed to act for Ms X following the breakdown of her relationship from her partner of 15 years, Mr Y. They had chosen to set up home together, and had two children, but the family home had always just been in Mr Y’s sole name. Ms X thought that she would nevertheless have a financial interest in the family home, having always believed that there was such a thing as “common law man and wife.”

Contact the Franklins Family Law team

If you have any questions about family law, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts who are on hand and ready to help you.