Family Law

Children

Relationship breakdowns can be particularly difficult for children. So, it’s important to deal with child-related matters as quickly and efficiently as possible, always putting their needs first.  

Setfords’ family lawyers can help you achieve an outcome in your children’s best interests, whether through negotiation, mediation or by an application to a family court. 

We can also assist with child arrangements orders, setting out key arrangements such as where a child will live, when they spend time with each parent, and when and how contact will take place.

Cohabitation

Did you know that unmarried couples have no legal status, even if they live together? This can make things tricky if you make joint financial decisions, such as buying a property, but your relationship later breaks down.  

If you and your partner are intending to move in together or are already living with one another, you should consider setting up a cohabitation agreement. 

This is a formal written document for couples who choose to live together but aren’t married, outlining what will happen to their joint assets if they decide to separate.  

An experienced Setfords family lawyer can help you create a cohabitation agreement and ensure you and your partner are protected no matter what happens in the future.

Divorce

The ending of a marriage can be a distressing time, regardless of who made the decision. Our divorce lawyers aim to help clients move on and feel positive by assisting them with all of the legal formalities involved in a divorce.  

We can advise and guide you through the divorce process, drafting the necessary papers and dealing with the family court on your behalf. If you have received a divorce petition from your ex-partner, we can also deal with this quickly and efficiently to best protect your interests. 

Our lawyers can also assist with mediation, helping you to achieve an amicable divorce and avoiding the stress and costs of court proceedings wherever possible.

Financial Disputes

Sorting out joint finances can often feel more complicated than the divorce or separation itself.  

At Setfords, we can help you identify and understand your financial resources and discuss the options available to you. These options may include maintenance payments, payments for you or your children, the transfer or sale of property, and the division of pensions. 

A Setfords family law specialist will look at your unique case and how to apply the law to help you achieve the best possible solution.

Mediation

Mediation is an alternative way of resolving the issues that arise when couples decide to separate. It is a voluntary process where a qualified family mediator can help a couple reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It’s beneficial because it helps separating couples avoid costly court proceedings.  

Family mediators typically offer impartial input to help couples work together to solve disagreements and reach an outcome that works for the entire family. For example, considering how finances will be organised or how children will be cared for.  

Our mediation department can handle all aspects of family law mediation. As Setfords’ mediators are also qualified family law solicitors, they can use their understanding of the law and mediation techniques to help you reach an agreement as efficiently as possible.

Premarital Agreements

Premarital agreements, commonly referred to as prenups, are becoming increasingly popular. They can provide clarity and certainty for a couple about to enter into a lifelong commitment. 

There are many reasons why a premarital agreement may be a good idea: 

• To predict the outcome of a potential future divorce settlement before you marry. 
• To save on the costs and acrimony that can come from divorce proceedings. 
• To prevent speculative claims following a short marriage. 
• To protect family assets which are intended to pass through generations. 
• To protect those marrying later in life or for a second time, who may not have children. 
• To limit the claims of a second spouse and protect the needs of children from previous marriages. 

Setford’s family law solicitors have all the required experience to negotiate and draft prenup agreements, taking both parties’ wishes into account, as well as the rules and regulations surrounding premarital agreements in the UK.

Separation

For couples who separate but don’t divorce, a separation deed can help formalise their separation and deal with certain legal issues.  

These include child-related and some financial matters, as well as things like the division of their home’s contents and personal belongings.  

Enlist Setfords’ family law consultants today to help you draft a separation deed, safeguard your personal interests, and reduce conflict during a difficult time.

Parental alienation

Parental alienation occurs when a child, intentionally or unintentionally, sides with one parent against the other due to the parents’ hostility towards each other. It may manifest itself as the child rejecting all contact with that parent.  

In these cases, it’s essential to address the parents’ behaviour but also consider what’s in the best interests of the child. 

Setfords’ family law solicitors understand that parental alienation is emotional and stressful. Our expert family solicitors are experienced in dealing with all issues that can arise from implacably hostile parents, and will work with you to achieve the best outcome for you and your children. 

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can take several forms, including physical, emotional, or financial abuse. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you have several legal options open to you. Our family law specialists can discuss your next steps in an empathetic and professional manner, helping you to move forward and protect your family.

Our family lawyers can assist you, including:

• Helping you apply for protective orders, including non-molestation orders and, occupation orders to help protect you and your family.
• Assisting with separation and divorce
• Dealing with matters including child and financial matters, both in and out of court.

Our family law specialists can will discuss your next steps in an empathetic and professional manner, to help you move on from a distressing situation and look forward to a brighter future.