If you are married, in a civil partnership or co-habiting you have legal rights and obligations. When a relationship breaks down, disputes can arise about financial rights and obligations or about arrangements for the care of children.

These disputes can be expensive and unpleasant, especially if you resort to court action. We can help you resolve such disputes by negotiation and avoid the case having to be decided in court.

As well as saving you the time, cost and stress of court proceedings, negotiated agreements can help maintain an amicable relationship with your former partner.

Separation agreements

A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between the separating parties. It provides certainty about your financial position and arrangements for children, and enables you to plan more effectively for the future.

With a line drawn under your legal relationship, a divorce or dissolution at a later date can be relatively simple.

Parental rights and responsibilities

Often the most difficult but most important issue in relationship breakdown is the future of the children, and the ‘residence and contact’ arrangements (previously known as ‘custody and access’).

These can be the subject of lengthy court disputes between parents or family members. Our team of experienced child and family lawyers can guide you through alternative methods for discussing the interests of your children. We can:

advise on mediation or collaborative law to come to agreement out of court
help couples decide on child residence and contact
draft agreements in relation to all aspects of child law
liaise with colleagues in other jurisdictions
represent and support you in court, if it is the only option remaining.

We offer a fixed fee preliminary advice package to give you a clear understanding of your options, the remedies available to you, and the likely costs for the next steps.