What We Can Help With: Family Law Services
Family law covers a wide range of situations, from an amicable separation to a complex, contested dispute over children or finances. Our family law solicitors provide practical, straightforward advice across the full range of family matters, tailored to your circumstances and always with your family’s wellbeing at the centre of what we do.
Divorce
Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage, and in England and Wales, it no longer requires either party to assign blame. Under the no-fault divorce system, you or your spouse — or both of you jointly — can apply simply by confirming that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Our divorce solicitors will guide you through the application from start to finish, explain the minimum legal timescales, and make sure nothing is overlooked where finances or children are involved.
Financial Settlements
A financial settlement is the legal agreement that divides money, property, pensions and other assets between separating couples. Reaching a fair settlement is often the most complex part of a divorce, particularly where pensions, business interests or property are involved. Our financial settlement solicitors will help you understand what you’re entitled to, negotiate on your behalf, and put the agreement into a legally binding consent order so it cannot be revisited later.
Child Arrangements
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who a child will live with and how much time they will spend with each parent. Most parents can agree on arrangements without going to court, and we’ll always encourage this route first wherever it’s safe and appropriate. Where agreement isn’t possible, our child arrangements solicitors will represent your interests — and, most importantly, your child’s — in mediation or court proceedings.
Domestic Abuse Protection
A non-molestation order and an occupation order are the two main civil injunctions used in England and Wales to protect someone experiencing domestic abuse. If you or your children are at risk, you can apply for emergency protection through the family court, and this can often be arranged quickly where the situation is urgent. Our family team will treat your situation in complete confidence, explain your options clearly, and help you access both legal protection and any wider support you need.
Prenuptial & Marital Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that sets out how a couple wants their assets divided if their marriage ends in divorce. While not automatically binding in England and Wales, courts will usually uphold a prenuptial agreement provided it was entered into fairly and both parties received independent legal advice. Our marital agreements solicitors can also help with postnuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements for unmarried couples.
Civil Partnerships
A civil partnership is a legal relationship between two people that gives many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage. If your civil partnership has broken down, the dissolution process mirrors divorce in most respects, including the approach to finances and arrangements for children. Our civil partnerships solicitors can advise on formation, dissolution and the legal protections civil partnerships provide.
We also advise on high-net-worth divorce and international family law matters, including cross-border custody disputes. See the full range of our family law services for more details.
How Our Family Law Process Works
We know that starting a family law matter can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never needed a solicitor before. That’s why we follow a clear, structured process, giving you space to make decisions at your own pace and without unnecessary pressure.
Step 1 — Confidential initial consultation. We start with a free, no-obligation conversation to understand your situation and listen without judgement. This typically takes 30–45 minutes, by phone, video call or in person at one of our offices.
Step 2 — Case assessment. We review the full picture, finances, children’s needs, and any safety concerns, so nothing is missed. Straightforward cases are usually assessed within a week; more complex financial matters can take longer while we gather full disclosure.
Step 3 — Strategic planning. We’ll set out your options clearly, from non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) — including mediation, arbitration and collaborative law — through to court proceedings. Family court rules updated in April 2024 mean judges actively consider at every stage whether NCDR is appropriate, and this can affect who pays costs if a party refuses to engage without good reason.
Step 4 — Negotiation and resolution. Wherever it’s safe and appropriate, we pursue non-court dispute resolution first. From experience, cases resolved this way tend to preserve family relationships better than contested proceedings, and they’re usually quicker and less costly too.
Step 5 — Court representation, where necessary. If agreement isn’t possible, or there’s a safeguarding concern, we’ll represent you robustly in court. Family proceedings for finances or children typically take several months from application to final hearing, though timescales depend on court listings and case complexity.
How Much Does Family Law Advice Cost?
The cost of family law advice depends on the type of matter and how it’s resolved. We offer an initial consultation for all new family law enquiries, and wherever possible, we provide fixed fees for defined pieces of work so you know the cost before we start.
For those who want focused advice without committing to full representation, we also offer a fixed-fee Family Law Case Management Meeting: up to an hour with a specialist solicitor, followed by a written case plan setting out your options and next steps.
For matters that can’t be priced in advance, such as contested financial proceedings, we’ll agree on an hourly rate and keep you updated on costs as your case progresses.
Why Choose Farleys Family Law Solicitors
Choosing the right family solicitor matters; you need someone who will listen, explain things clearly, and act firmly on your behalf when it counts. Here’s what sets our family law team apart:
Resolution-Focused Approach
Many of our family law solicitors are members of Resolution, an organisation committed to non-confrontational approaches to family disputes. This means we prioritise solutions that work for your whole family, not just legal victories.
Children’s Welfare Specialists
Our family law team includes solicitors who are members of the Law Society Children Panel and Family Law Panel, demonstrating our specialist expertise in cases involving children.
Flexible Appointment Options
We understand that family law matters don’t follow office hours. Our family law solicitors offer evening and weekend appointments, plus virtual consultations to fit around your work and childcare commitments.
Transparent Fixed Fees
Our family law solicitors provide clear, upfront pricing with fixed fees for many services. We believe you should know exactly what legal support will cost, allowing you to make informed decisions about your family’s future.
Holistic Family Support
Beyond legal representation, our family law team can connect you with counselling services, financial advisors, and child psychologists where needed. We understand that successful family law outcomes require more than just legal expertise.
Confidential and Discreet Service
All family law matters are handled with complete confidentiality and discretion. Our family law solicitors understand the sensitive nature of family disputes and protect your privacy throughout the process.
