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Family Law in London
Family law matters can be complex and emotionally draining. Getting the right legal advice makes the whole process more manageable and gives you some much-needed peace of mind.
At Setfords, our experienced family law solicitors in London are here to guide you through divorce, separation, child arrangements, financial disputes, and more. With over 650 consultant lawyers across the UK and more than 14,000 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.9 stars, you can be confident you’re in safe hands.
Read on or get in touch to see how our expert family law solicitors London can support you.
How We Can Help
What can our family law solicitors help with? Whether you’re going through a divorce or separation, considering a prenuptial agreement, or simply need some advice, our London family law solicitors are here to help guide you through the process so you can focus on your next steps. Our key areas of expertise include:
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Divorce
Divorce
The ending of a marriage can be incredibly difficult, regardless of who made the decision. Our family law experts help clients move forward by handling all the legal formalities involved in a divorce.
We can advise on the divorce process, draft the necessary documents, and liaise with the family court on your behalf. If you’ve received a divorce petition from your ex-partner, we’ll act quickly to protect your interests.
We also support mediation, helping clients reach amicable agreements and potentially avoid the stress and costs of court proceedings.
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Children Matters
Children Matters
Relationship breakdowns can be particularly hard on children. Our family lawyers in London work with you to protect your child’s best interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or family court applications.
We can assist with child arrangements orders, covering matters such as where a child will live, when they spend time with each parent, and how contact is organised.
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Cohabitation and TOLATA
Cohabitation and TOLATA
Unmarried couples have no legal status under UK law, even if they’ve lived together for years. This can complicate joint financial arrangements, like property purchases, if your relationship ends.
Our family law solicitors can draft cohabitation agreements that formalise what happens to your assets if you separate, giving both partners clarity and protection.
If you are separating without a formal agreement in place, the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) governs disputes about ownership and rights over property. This is a complicated and technical area of law, so it’s important to have an expert by your side. Our family law solicitors can help you understand your legal interest in a property, negotiate a fair settlement and, where necessary, bring or defend TOLATA claims in court.
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Financial Disputes
Financial Disputes
Sorting out joint finances can sometimes feel more complicated than the separation itself.
Our London family law specialists help you understand your financial resources and explore your options. This includes maintenance payments, property transfers or sales, pension division, and child support. Every case is unique, and we apply the law to achieve the best possible solution for you.
We will help you and your ex-partner come to a decision about financial disputes amicably wherever possible, including through mediation. However, if court is unavoidable, we will also be by your side to help get the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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Mediation
Mediation
Many of our London family law solicitors are also trained mediators, helping you come to an amicable decision about financial matters, child arrangements, property and more.
In divorce, if you and your ex-spouse can’t reach a decision together, mediation is often the next step. It can help keep your dispute out of court, which is often expensive, time-consuming and highly stressful.
Working with a trained mediator gives you space to meet and resolve issues calmly. Some agreements made during mediation, such as arrangements about children or finances, can later be made legally binding through court orders – which don’t usually require going to court.
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Pre and Post-marital Agreements
Pre and Post-marital Agreements
Prenuptial agreements (commonly known as ‘prenups’) can provide clarity for couples about to marry. They can help you by setting out how things will be divided in a potential future divorce settlement, save costs, and protect family assets.
Post-marital agreements work in a similar way but are drafted once you are already married.
Our family law solicitors in London negotiate and draft agreements in line with UK law, taking both parties’ wishes into account.
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Separation
Separation
For couples who separate without divorcing, a separation deed can formalise arrangements for children, finances, and personal belongings.
There are many reasons why you may choose separation rather than divorce, including religious reasons or the possibility of reconciling in the future.
Our family law consultants can help you through separation, drafting separation deeds to safeguard your interests and reduce conflict during a difficult time.
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Parental Alienation
Parental Alienation
Parental alienation happens when a child sides with one parent due to hostility from the other. It’s a distressing situation for everyone involved.
Our family lawyers London understand how emotional and stressful this can be. We work with you to help address the behaviour whilst always prioritising your child’s welfare, aiming for the best outcome for both parents and children.
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Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse can take many forms, whether physical, emotional, or financial. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you have legal options to protect yourself and your family.
Our London family law solicitors assist with applying for protective orders, handling separation and divorce matters, and managing child and financial issues. We approach every case with empathy and professionalism, helping you achieve a positive outcome so you can look forward to your next chapter.
Divorce
The ending of a marriage can be incredibly difficult, regardless of who made the decision. Our family law experts help clients move forward by handling all the legal formalities involved in a divorce.
We can advise on the divorce process, draft the necessary documents, and liaise with the family court on your behalf. If you’ve received a divorce petition from your ex-partner, we’ll act quickly to protect your interests.
We also support mediation, helping clients reach amicable agreements and potentially avoid the stress and costs of court proceedings.
Children Matters
Relationship breakdowns can be particularly hard on children. Our family lawyers in London work with you to protect your child’s best interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or family court applications.
We can assist with child arrangements orders, covering matters such as where a child will live, when they spend time with each parent, and how contact is organised.
Cohabitation and TOLATA
Unmarried couples have no legal status under UK law, even if they’ve lived together for years. This can complicate joint financial arrangements, like property purchases, if your relationship ends.
Our family law solicitors can draft cohabitation agreements that formalise what happens to your assets if you separate, giving both partners clarity and protection.
If you are separating without a formal agreement in place, the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) governs disputes about ownership and rights over property. This is a complicated and technical area of law, so it’s important to have an expert by your side. Our family law solicitors can help you understand your legal interest in a property, negotiate a fair settlement and, where necessary, bring or defend TOLATA claims in court.
Financial Disputes
Sorting out joint finances can sometimes feel more complicated than the separation itself.
Our London family law specialists help you understand your financial resources and explore your options. This includes maintenance payments, property transfers or sales, pension division, and child support. Every case is unique, and we apply the law to achieve the best possible solution for you.
We will help you and your ex-partner come to a decision about financial disputes amicably wherever possible, including through mediation. However, if court is unavoidable, we will also be by your side to help get the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Mediation
Many of our London family law solicitors are also trained mediators, helping you come to an amicable decision about financial matters, child arrangements, property and more.
In divorce, if you and your ex-spouse can’t reach a decision together, mediation is often the next step. It can help keep your dispute out of court, which is often expensive, time-consuming and highly stressful.
Working with a trained mediator gives you space to meet and resolve issues calmly. Some agreements made during mediation, such as arrangements about children or finances, can later be made legally binding through court orders – which don’t usually require going to court.
Pre and Post-marital Agreements
Prenuptial agreements (commonly known as ‘prenups’) can provide clarity for couples about to marry. They can help you by setting out how things will be divided in a potential future divorce settlement, save costs, and protect family assets.
Post-marital agreements work in a similar way but are drafted once you are already married.
Our family law solicitors in London negotiate and draft agreements in line with UK law, taking both parties’ wishes into account.
Separation
For couples who separate without divorcing, a separation deed can formalise arrangements for children, finances, and personal belongings.
There are many reasons why you may choose separation rather than divorce, including religious reasons or the possibility of reconciling in the future.
Our family law consultants can help you through separation, drafting separation deeds to safeguard your interests and reduce conflict during a difficult time.
Parental Alienation
Parental alienation happens when a child sides with one parent due to hostility from the other. It’s a distressing situation for everyone involved.
Our family lawyers London understand how emotional and stressful this can be. We work with you to help address the behaviour whilst always prioritising your child’s welfare, aiming for the best outcome for both parents and children.
Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse can take many forms, whether physical, emotional, or financial. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you have legal options to protect yourself and your family.
Our London family law solicitors assist with applying for protective orders, handling separation and divorce matters, and managing child and financial issues. We approach every case with empathy and professionalism, helping you achieve a positive outcome so you can look forward to your next chapter.
Why choose Setfords for family law?
London Family Law FAQs
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What is family law?
Family law deals with legal matters involving family relationships. This includes marriage, divorce, children matter, finances, and other related issues.
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How much does a London family law specialist cost?
Family law costs in London can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the expertise of the solicitor you choose. At Setfords, we believe in transparent pricing, which is why we provide clear quotes upfront and can guide you on potential costs from the start.
In many cases, costs can be reduced by not going to court. Our solicitors will help you come to an amicable solution outside of the time and expense of court wherever possible, including through mediation.
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Do I have to go to mediation before court?
Often, mediation is encouraged to help you and your ex-partner come to an amicable decision on matters such as children or finances. It is often required to attempt mediation before going to court. However, there are exceptions, for example in cases involving domestic abuse. Our team can advise on whether your situation requires mediation before court proceedings.
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What is a child arrangements order?
A legally-binding court order that sets out living arrangements, contact schedules, and parental responsibilities for children after separation.
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Do unmarried couples have the same rights as married couples in the UK?
No, they don’t. Under UK law, unmarried couples don’t have the same rights as married couples, regardless of how long they’ve been living together. Our specialists can explain the differences and assist with cohabitation agreements to protect your assets.


