
Kiran Dhaliwal Consultant Chartered Legal Executive (Family Litigation) FCILEx
Kiran is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEx) with over 25 years of experience in family law. She specialises in divorce, financial matters arising from relationship breakdown, disputes involving unmarried couples, and a wide range of children-related matters.
A highly experienced family lawyer, Kiran represents clients in both straightforward and complex family cases, including those involving domestic abuse, substance and alcohol misuse, parental alienation, neglect, and allegations of sexual abuse. Based in Birmingham, she assists and represents clients throughout England and Wales. Through remote consultations and hearings, she is able to provide legal support nationwide, and where in-person court representation is required, she can arrange this through her extensive professional network.
Kiran chose family law because of her passion for helping people rebuild their lives during some of the most challenging periods they will ever face. She understands that relationship breakdowns can be emotionally devastating, particularly where children are involved, and is committed to providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice throughout the process.
She often says that clients come to her when they feel as though their lives have fallen apart. At the beginning of a case, they can feel like a broken jigsaw with pieces scattered everywhere. Through clear legal advice, guidance, and support, she helps clients gradually put those pieces back together and move forward with confidence.
Kiran believes that choosing the right lawyer is essential. Clients should feel comfortable, supported, and confident in asking questions without hesitation. She is known for her approachable manner, transparent advice, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.
Recognising that every family situation is unique, Kiran offers a bespoke service tailored to each client’s individual circumstances. She provides flexible appointments and works around her clients’ commitments, offering a more personal approach than traditional office-hour legal services.
Children Law Expertise
Kiran has extensive experience advising and representing parents, grandparents, and other family members in a wide range of children matters, including:
- Disputes regarding where a child should live.
- Disputes regarding the time children spend with a parent or other family member.
- Applications to remove a child from the jurisdiction for holidays.
- Applications for internal relocation within the UK and international relocation abroad.
- Specific Issue applications concerning a child’s surname, religion, education, medical treatment, and immunisations.
- Applications to vary existing court orders.
- Enforcement proceedings where a court order has been breached.
- Applications for Parental Responsibility.
- Applications by grandparents seeking permission to apply for orders and applications for children to live with them or spend time with them.
- Change of Name Deeds.
Whether acting for the Applicant bringing proceedings or the Respondent responding to an application, Kiran provides clear advice, strategic guidance, and strong representation throughout the court process.
Supporting Victims of Domestic Abuse
Kiran has extensive experience representing victims and survivors of domestic abuse, including physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, financial abuse, harassment, and psychological abuse.
She recognises that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, background, or circumstance. Throughout her career, she has represented both women and men who have experienced abuse within relationships and understands the barriers many victims face when seeking support and protection.
Kiran appreciates that male victims can often feel isolated, reluctant to come forward, or concerned that they will not be taken seriously. Equally, she understands the devastating impact that abuse can have on women and children. She provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment where clients can discuss their circumstances openly and receive practical, straightforward advice.
She is actively involved in supporting a charity that assists male victims of domestic abuse, further strengthening her understanding of the issues faced by men who are experiencing abuse and navigating family court proceedings.
Kiran can assist with:
- Applications for Non-Molestation Orders and other protective injunctions.
- Cases involving allegations of domestic abuse.
- Child arrangements disputes where abuse is a relevant factor.
- Matters involving coercive and controlling behaviour.
- Cases involving parental alienation and emotional harm to children.
- Proceedings where false allegations have been made.
Her focus is always on ensuring that the court has a full and accurate understanding of the family’s circumstances so that the best possible outcome can be achieved for her clients and their children.
Commitment to Vulnerable Individuals
Throughout her career, Kiran has worked closely with organisations supporting victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable individuals, including Victim Support, Women’s Aid, local refuge services, and charities assisting male victims of abuse.
She previously served on the Domestic Violence Committee with Dudley Council, contributing to initiatives designed to support those affected by domestic abuse and improve awareness within the local community.
This extensive involvement has given her valuable insight into the impact that abuse can have on adults and children alike and has strengthened her commitment to ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and understood.
Media and Public Awareness Work
Kiran has featured on a national television programme discussing relationship breakdown, children matters, and domestic abuse, including the impact these issues can have on families.
She has spoken about the civil remedies available to victims of abuse and has also appeared in educational resources produced by Victim Support to raise awareness of the support and protection available to those at risk.
Her willingness to engage in public awareness initiatives reflects her commitment to helping individuals understand their rights and access the support they need.
Languages
Kiran is a fluent Punjabi speaker and also understands Hindi and Urdu. This enables many clients to discuss sensitive legal matters in their preferred language without the need for an interpreter, helping them feel more comfortable and understood throughout the legal process.
Legal Education and Mentoring
Alongside her legal practice, Kiran has served as a Tutor for the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, supporting aspiring lawyers on their path to qualification.
Through marking assignments, assessing mock examinations, and providing personalised guidance, she helped students develop their legal knowledge and confidence. Her wealth of experience and practical insight enabled her to support the next generation of legal professionals while continuing to provide exceptional service to her own clients.
A Client-Focused Approach
Kiran understands that family law matters are not just legal disputes—they are deeply personal issues that affect every aspect of a person’s life. Clients often come to her during periods of uncertainty, anxiety, and emotional stress.
By combining legal expertise with compassion, honesty, and practical advice, Kiran helps clients navigate difficult circumstances with confidence and clarity. Every case is important to her, and she is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome while ensuring that clients feel supported throughout their journey.
Whether you are facing a dispute concerning your children, experiencing a relationship breakdown, seeking protection from abuse, or responding to court proceedings, Kiran is committed to providing professional, approachable, and effective legal representation tailored to your individual needs.
Practice Areas
Locations
I would highly recommend **Kiran Dhaliwal** at Setfords Solicitors.From my first contact with Kiran, she has been approachable, professional and extremely supportive. As a litigant in person...
5 Stars Michelin for my solicitor Kiran Dhaliwal. After what has been by far the worst week of my life because I thought I lost my son forever after having him unlawfully withheld by my ex, we had a...
Very understanding /straight forward/patience/exalent advice and just amazing so thank you so much kiran Dhaliwal
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding support and guidance provided by my family solicitor, Kiren. Her expertise, clear communication, and genuine care made a very difficult process far more...
Recommended by a family friend and definitely not disappointed really helpful staff specially Kiran Dhaliwal explained every little aspect regarding my case and always keeping up to date Def...
Kiran Dahliwal has so far provided a very, very good and knowledgeable service. Lot of difficult factors to deal with in my issue. She has great knowledge, very direct, practical and has helped me a...
I cannot thank Kiran Dhaliwal enough for her outstanding support and representation. Her knowledge, professionalism, and guidance made a difficult situation far more manageable. She presented options...
Thank you so much to Setfords and in particular Kiran Dwhalli for fantastic caring service. From day one the care and help has been fabulous following a nasty child custody case. Also thank you to...
Where do i start? Kiran my solicitor was beyond an outstanding and professional above all such a caring person I could praise her more and write an essay. I will definitely be recommending Kiran to...
Any matter in family law can be confusing if you are not educated in that area, my personal situation meant I needed legal advice, guidance and representation. I cannot recommend Kiran enough who...
Kiran and the barrister today gave me complete confidence in the work they do, and after the proceedings which has put a smile back on my face, i actually feel like i am been listened to, and mine...
After being represented recently, I can not recommend and thank Kiran enough for her concise advice and clear guidance throughout this challenging process. I felt so assured knowing the professional...
I have had a really pleasant experience with Kiran. She has been clear and helpful throughout the process, and really showed care and understanding towards me.
Kiran was very helpful and offered clear advice. Her direct and honest approach was much appreciated. Would highly recommend.
I would highly recommend Setfords - I have used them twice now - once for a house purchase (with Reena Kumar) and once for child arrangement issues (with Kiran Dhaliwal). Both times, these solicitors...
Kiran at Setfords has been the best solicitor I could have asked for. She is angel sent from heaven. Her years of experience speak for itself, she has been extremely supportive and attentive every...
Kiran DhaliwalAlways contactable even with a distance.Achieved re contact with my son after no contact in 6 months within a short time frame.Supported me through 3 hearings
Kiran D from start to finish has been AMAZING, her experience, guidance and honesty helped me and family achieve everything we set out and applied for in a timely manner. I had no rights to my...
I could not recommend Kiran enough. I've had to go through a terrible experience regarding child custody, and Kiran has been an absolute saint for our family.Not once have I felt that Kiran was...
After having trouble with being able to see my son, I got in touch with Kiran to help me gain a court order to be able to rebuild my bond with my young son. Kiran has been absolutely amazing...
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