It can be helpful to obtain advice as soon as you become concerned about a family or relationship issue, even if you have not yet decided what action you want to take.

Early advice can help you understand your legal position, identify practical steps you may wish to take and avoid decisions that could make matters more difficult later.

No. Many Family Law matters can be resolved without court proceedings.

Depending on the circumstances, options may include discussions between you and your former partner, solicitor-led negotiations, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution.

Court proceedings may be necessary where agreement cannot be reached, urgent protection is required or one party is unwilling to engage constructively.

Usually, no. Where two people have potentially different interests in a Family Law matter, the same solicitor cannot normally provide independent legal advice to both parties.

Even where you have reached an agreement together, each person may benefit from obtaining their own independent advice before the arrangement is formalised.

The cost will depend on the type and complexity of the matter, how much legal work is required and whether issues can be resolved through agreement or require formal court proceedings.

We will discuss the likely costs with you at the outset and keep these under review as your matter progresses. Our advice will also consider whether the legal costs involved are proportionate to the issues and assets at stake.

You do not need to prepare a complete file before speaking to us.

It is helpful to have a brief overview of what has happened, any important dates, details of your family circumstances and copies of any relevant correspondence or court documents. If finances are involved, an approximate overview of property, savings, pensions, income and other significant assets can also be useful.

We can then explain what additional information or documents may be required.