Farleys Solicitors LLP holds legal aid franchises at its Accrington, Blackburn and Burnley branches, meaning if you are able to be seen there it might not cost you a penny.

Your first appointment is always free, once we know a little more about your personal circumstances we will be able to assess whether you will be eligible for public funding (the new name for legal aid).

If you are not eligible, we will advise you of our costs clearly, and will also give an honest calculation of what we think the bill could run to before proceeding.

You will not be expected to make a decision there and then, you are free to think about it for as long as you wish.

Most divorces will take between 6 and 12 months, although depending on the circumstances and the complexity of the finances involved, it could take significantly longer.

We will be able to establish a rough idea during your first free interview with one of our family law experts.

It is in the best interests of yourself, your spouse and more importantly your children, to agree arrangements for residency, contact and maintenance. If this can be achieved, there is no need for the court to become involved.

If that is not possible, we can assist in finding a workable solution to the issues such as who the children should live with and how much time the other parent should spend with them.

When separating couples are able to reach agreement between themselves, it is essential to ensure that the implications of any agreement are fully understood and binding upon both parties.

This will ensure that neither party can seek to vary the agreement at a later date. In the majority of agreed cases there is no need for either you or your spouse to attend at any court hearing.

The Law is flexible enough to allow the parties to negotiate a financial settlement which suits their particular circumstances.

Factors such as income, earning capacity, financial needs, standard of living, age, and length of marriage are taken into account.

We have a wealth of experience in such cases and will ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether this be by way of negotiation or by Court proceedings.

Collaborative family law is not right for everyone and your lawyer can advise you on the best process for you. Collaborative law is worth considering if,

• You want a dignified non-aggressive resolution of the issues
• You and your partner want an agreement that puts the needs and interests of your children first
• You don't want the costs and animosity generated by going to court
• You would like to keep a good relationship with your partner in the future
• You want to retain control over decisions about your financial arrangements or arrangements in relation to the children but want advice from experts
• You do not wish to 'hand over' such decision making to a complete stranger (a judge)
• Your main aim in the process is not to 'seek revenge' on your partner
• You need the assistance of a lawyer to help you negotiate in face to face meetings.

Under the terms of the agreement you will all have signed at your first four way meeting, the lawyer must withdraw from acting for their client if they have withheld or misrepresented information intentionally or indeed is participating in the process in bad faith.

The situation is no different than any other negotiated settlement in that if the outcome of the settlement would have been significantly different if such information had been available, then it is open to you to seek to overturn the agreement.

You and your partner sign a binding agreement to disclose all relevant financial information and documentation and you will be expected to provide the same information as if you were involved within court proceedings.

A reason for the success of collaborative law is the fact that the lawyers are not able to continue to advise their clients if the collaborative process breaks down. This prohibition focuses everyone on achieving settlement without the threat of court proceedings when things become difficult.

You, your partner and the lawyers can  reach creative solutions within the bounds of the law, but with the particular interests and needs of you and your family at the fore.