Family Law Solicitors | Setfords

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    Family Law Solicitors

    We aren’t solicitors first, we’re family members — brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. Setfords’ family lawyers therefore understand what it’s like to be part of a family, and know what it feels like when that unit is under threat.

    If you need family law advice as you deal with a divorce, separation, or any other family-related issue, you can rest easy. The Setfords family lawyer handling your case will treat you with the sensitivity and care that you need because it’s what they would want, too.

    Learn more about our family law services below.

    Family Law Specialisms

    How exactly can Setfords’ family law solicitors assist you? See our main specialisms below.

    • Children

      Children

      All too often when a relationship breaks down, there can be an enormous impact on the children. To protect them, issues involving children need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

      Setfords can help you focus on their welfare to achieve what is in their 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. 

      Find out more
    • Cohabitation

      Cohabitation

      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. Unfortunately, couples don’t often take legal advice when making joint financial decisions, such as buying a house, and this can cause problems if their relationship breaks down.

      No one wants to think negatively at the beginning of a relationship, but it’s important to understand that, should things end down the line, cohabiting couples have no legal status.

      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.

      Find out more
    • Divorce

      Divorce

      The ending of a marriage can be a distressing time, regardless of who made the decision. Our divorce lawyers aim to help clients 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.

      Find out more
    • Financial Disputes

      Financial Disputes

      The financial aspect of a separation can often give rise to more stress and concern than the 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 by you, 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.

      Find out more
    • Mediation

      Mediation

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

      Setfords’ family mediators do not typically provide legal advice or counselling, but offers impartial input to help couples work together to solve disagreements surrounding the separation and reach an outcome they can both accept. For example, considering how finances will be organised or how children will be cared for. 

      Our mediation department handles all aspects of family law mediation. As Setfords’ mediators are also qualified family law solicitors, they both understand the law and are trained in mediation skills, helping separating couples to reach an agreement that can benefit them both.

      Find out more
    • Premarital Agreements

      Premarital Agreements

      Premarital agreements, which are commonly referred to as prenups, are becoming increasingly popular, even though they can be seen as unromantic. However, such agreements 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 any divorce settlement before you marry.
      • To save on costs and acrimony that sometimes result in 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 so protect the needs of children from previous marriages.

      Setfords’ family law solicitors have all the required experience to negotiate and draft prenup agreements, taking into account what both parties want.

      Find out more
    • Separation

      Separation

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

      These include child-related and certain 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.

      Find out more
    • Parental alienation

      Parental alienation

      Children are heavily influenced by their parents. Hostility between the two can unfortunately result in them siding with one parent against the other, either intentionally or unintentionally. This may manifest itself as the child’s desire to reject all contact with that parent. 

      When parental alienation arises between implacably hostile parents, it is essential not just to address the parents‘ behaviour, but also to consider what course of action is in the best interests of the child.

      Setfords understand that matters surrounding parental alienation are emotional and stressful. Our expert family solicitors are experienced in all elements surrounding implacably hostile parents, and will work with you to achieve the best outcome for you and your children.

    • Domestic Violence

      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. 

    Children

    All too often when a relationship breaks down, there can be an enormous impact on the children. To protect them, issues involving children need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

    Setfords can help you focus on their welfare to achieve what is in their 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. 

    Find out more

    Cohabitation

    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. Unfortunately, couples don’t often take legal advice when making joint financial decisions, such as buying a house, and this can cause problems if their relationship breaks down.

    No one wants to think negatively at the beginning of a relationship, but it’s important to understand that, should things end down the line, cohabiting couples have no legal status.

    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.

    Find out more

    Divorce

    The ending of a marriage can be a distressing time, regardless of who made the decision. Our divorce lawyers aim to help clients 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.

    Find out more

    Financial Disputes

    The financial aspect of a separation can often give rise to more stress and concern than the 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 by you, 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.

    Find out more

    Mediation

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

    Setfords’ family mediators do not typically provide legal advice or counselling, but offers impartial input to help couples work together to solve disagreements surrounding the separation and reach an outcome they can both accept. For example, considering how finances will be organised or how children will be cared for. 

    Our mediation department handles all aspects of family law mediation. As Setfords’ mediators are also qualified family law solicitors, they both understand the law and are trained in mediation skills, helping separating couples to reach an agreement that can benefit them both.

    Find out more

    Premarital Agreements

    Premarital agreements, which are commonly referred to as prenups, are becoming increasingly popular, even though they can be seen as unromantic. However, such agreements 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 any divorce settlement before you marry.
    • To save on costs and acrimony that sometimes result in 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 so protect the needs of children from previous marriages.

    Setfords’ family law solicitors have all the required experience to negotiate and draft prenup agreements, taking into account what both parties want.

    Find out more

    Separation

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

    These include child-related and certain 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.

    Find out more

    Parental alienation

    Children are heavily influenced by their parents. Hostility between the two can unfortunately result in them siding with one parent against the other, either intentionally or unintentionally. This may manifest itself as the child’s desire to reject all contact with that parent. 

    When parental alienation arises between implacably hostile parents, it is essential not just to address the parents‘ behaviour, but also to consider what course of action is in the best interests of the child.

    Setfords understand that matters surrounding parental alienation are emotional and stressful. Our expert family solicitors are experienced in all elements surrounding 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. 

    Our Family Lawyers' Approach

    Our family law consultants are here to give you the best possible advice, making what is often a stressful time a little bit easier. 

    Our clients will tell you that we’re not like other law firms. That’s because all of our family law solicitors are experts in their field with many years of experience, meaning you’ll never receive legal advice from an underqualified junior.

    You’ll always get a high-quality, bespoke service with Setfords. Our unique support structure enables our family lawyers to fully focus on their clients, not internal admin or running their own firm. So, if you’re looking for a family law specialist who can deliver a truly personal service, we are here for you. 

    Our Family Law Consultants

    Family Law FAQs

    • What is family law?

      Family law (also referred to as matrimonial law or the law of domestic relations) is the area of law that focuses on matters involving family relationships, such as marriages and divorces, child matters, financial settlements, and more. 

    • What does family law cover?

      Family law covers everything from separation and child custody, to prenuptial agreements and financial settlements in a divorce.

    • How much does a family law specialist cost?

      The cost of a family law solicitor depends on aspects like the type of case, how long legal proceedings take, and how experienced the lawyer is.

      Setfords offers nationwide family law consultations, where you can talk to us on the phone about a family-related issue and get an initial idea of costs. As a UK-wide network of legal advisors, our lawyers set fees based on their experience and geographical location.

    • What is a consent order in family law?

      Generally speaking, a consent order is a legal document that confirms an agreement. It is then sent to a court for approval, after which it becomes legally enforceable. 

      In family law cases, it usually confirms an agreement around something like a divorce settlement or parents’ child obligations after they separate.

    • What is an undertaking in family law?

      An undertaking is a legal promise to engage in or refrain from a particular type of behaviour. In relation to family law, it might be something like a parent promising not to leave the country for a certain period of time, or an undertaking to resign from a family company.

      Under the Family Law Act 1996, an undertaking can be used instead of an occupation order or non-molestation order, all of which are different legal concepts but enforceable in many of the same ways.

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    Speak to a Family Law Solicitor on 0333 060 3419

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