Family breakdown - divorce, separation, child access and custody, child support agency, maintenance and financial agreements, ending personal relationships whether married or not, and injunctions against violent behaviour.

Our friendly and caring team of Kate Grant and Matthew Hellens well know the breakdown of a marriage or relationship is an emotional and stressful event, and all the more so where children are involved. Through their experience we endeavour to provide realistic guidance and advice and to broker a fair financial settlement.

To end a marriage legally requires a court order. The court needs to be satisfied that the marriage has broken down and with the arrangements for the children. In suitable cases we will prompt attempts at reconciliation or mediation with an experienced counsellor.

There can be an initial separation to release the emotional pressures. Financial arrangements will be needed to cover the division of household possessions, the transfer of property, maintenance and pension rights. Child maintenance is dealt with by the Child Support Agency for new cases but frequently our advice is sought before and during the assessment process.

No one, adult or child, should tolerate violence. We can assist with emergency applications to court for injunctions banning violent partners from or around your home or place of work.

Where partners are not married there is still a need to consider a division of property, savings and possessions, particularly the house or flat, the responsibility for the mortgage and ownership of any life insurance policies. Where there are children there may be a parental responsibility agreement.

For sympathetic help and advice with these and all other aspects of family breakdown please contact Kate Grant (Solicitors Family Law Association member) or Matthew Hellens (Solicitor and former Barrister specialising in family law).

Tel 0118 957 3425 Fax 0118 959 7302