Family Law is an area of legal practice that deals with family relationships, family matters and domestic relations. Solicitors who practice family law help their clients build a case, offer advice on legal matters, utilise collaborative law where appropriate and they also represent clients if cases go to court.
If proceedings are brought to court, most are dealt with by either the ‘Family Court’ or the ‘Family Division of the High Court’ – although the latter is only involved in the most serious cases such as forced marriage.
What matters does Family Law Cover?
Family Law is a broad term, but generally can be broken down into the following matters:
Child Access / Children Matters
When a relationship breaks down and there is a dispute about the children, you may need a family lawyer to gain or prevent access to your child by your partner. There may be disagreement about where the children live or with whom or which school they should go to and other important matters. Social Services might be worried about the welfare of children and may intervene by holding Child Protection meetings or even start care proceedings to remove the children from their current carers. Family lawyers can help throughout the whole process.
Divorce / Dissolution of Civil Partnerships and Financial Matters
The breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership is a stressful time, but is also one that carries legal and financial ramifications. Family lawyers help ensure both sides achieve a fair outcome through advising on the financial settlement they are entitled to receive. A solicitor might give you information about your financial entitlement that you would not otherwise be aware of. If your ex-partner will not negotiate with you, using a solicitor might be more effective than trying to sort it out directly.
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements help prevent future issues if a marriage ends in divorce or if a civil partnership is dissolved – outlining exactly what each party is entitled to before a marriage begins. Our experts know what has to be in place to ensure, as far as possible, that the terms of a prenuptial agreement is given weight by the courts.
Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence can seek help via family lawyers.
When should I use a Family Law solicitor?
When deciding if you need a family law solicitor, you might need to consider whether or not you can have legal aid. If you cannot, it may dissuade you. You could try to deal with the early stages of your case yourself then instruct a solicitor if or when the case becomes more complex.
In most cases, it is better to have a solicitor than not At Beecham Peacock, our Family Law solicitors will give you l legal advice, represent you in court if needed and help fight your corner. Family Law can be a sensitive and emotional area and cases can be difficult. We will guide and support you through what may be a very difficult time.
Call us now on 0191 232 3048 or email enquire@beechampeacock.co.uk to see if we can help.
