Matters of family law are tricky to navigate - they are extremely complex and often very emotionally charged, plus there’s usually an awful lot at stake. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that you find family solicitors you can trust to resolve conflict, minimise the emotional upheaval of family disputes, and obtain the best outcome for you and your family.



Family law covers a wide range of cases, from child custody arrangements and divorce settlements to family mediation and prenuptial agreements. Read on for a brief guide to family law services and how the team at North Ford Solicitors may be able to help you and your family.

Pre and postnuptial agreements

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are not just for the rich and famous - they are widely regarded as a sensible, practical decision that couples can make to protect their assets and make any potential divorce proceedings easier.

A prenuptial agreement can be used to protect any assets or wealth each individual party brings to a marriage, ensuring that they are safeguarded in the event of a divorce. It can also outline child custody arrangements and what will happen to shared property or family pets upon separation.

A postnuptial agreement is essentially the same thing, but it is drawn up once you’re already married. Big life events such as a large inheritance or the birth of a child can prompt people to draft such an agreement.

Cohabitation agreements and disputes

Unmarried couples do not have the same legal protections as married couples, so it might be worth considering a cohabitation agreement. These are often used by unmarried couples who are moving in together, have children together, or are shared owners of a property or business.

A family law specialist will be able to help the couple draw up an agreement that suits both parties. The content of the agreement is usually very similar to a pre or postnuptial agreement.

Family solicitors can offer advice to unmarried couples going through a separation, in exactly the same way as they do to married couples who are divorcing. They will be able to assist you with splitting your assets, inform you of your rights regarding property and finances, and ensure you’re aware of any legal responsibilities you may have.

Family lawyers can also help to make the separation process as amicable as possible, either by providing mediation or by communicating with the other party on your behalf.

Divorce and separation

Divorce is an emotional and stressful time, so you’ll need a legal representative that’s got your best interests at heart every step of the way. This is exactly what a good family solicitor will do. They will listen to your needs and try to understand the deeply personal details of your case but will also give you an upfront, realistic picture of where you stand.

Family lawyers can provide advice on everything from your children, to your home, to your overall financial security. Essentially, they’ll help you take care of the practicalities whilst trying to minimise the emotional upheaval of divorce proceedings.

What does a divorce lawyer actually do?

A divorce lawyer’s responsibilities include:

●     Starting divorce proceedings

●     Assisting with responding to a divorce petition

●     Agreeing on the grounds for divorce

●     Arranging a financial settlement

●     Negotiating custody arrangements

●     Securing court approval or court orders

●     Preparing necessary paperwork

Children

Where there are children involved, their needs are always placed at the heart of every decision. In most cases, all parties will want to find the solution that works best for the couple’s children - this is true of not only the couple themselves but also their family lawyer.

Family solicitors often have a lot of experience in dealing with a variety of child-related cases, including representing both parents and children in complex disputes. Make sure you wholeheartedly trust your family lawyer if your case involves children - there is a lot at stake, after all.

Family law specialists can offer support and advice on the following types of cases:

●     Adoption

●     Custody claims

●     Abduction

●     Fertility

●     Parental responsibility in same-sex relationships

●     Collaborative law

●     Surrogacy

Child custody

Divorce or separation is often more complicated if there are children involved, but your family lawyer will be more than equipped for it. While they always make the children’s best interests a priority, family solicitors often attempt to make the couple’s ongoing relationship as amicable, positive, and open as possible - this often results in a better outcome for the children.

Children’s law services include making childcare arrangements, deciding where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how often they see other family members such as grandparents. Family lawyers can also help couples decide who has legal custody regarding decisions such as religion, education, and upbringing.

Child support

Following a divorce or separation, one parent will usually be required to pay child support to the other in order to assist with the cost of raising a child. The payment amount will depend on the parent’s income and the type of custody arrangement that was put in place upon separation.

Family solicitors will be able to assist with the initial arrangements of child custody and child support, but they can also help if any issues arise - for example, if your ex-partner has missed payments, is refusing to pay, or if you want to appeal or dispute the amount of child support you’re paying or being paid. Payments are calculated by the Child Support Agency but, in serious cases, they can be determined and enforced by the court.

Family mediation

Family mediation is a method of resolving legal disputes with the assistance of a neutral third party. A professional mediator oversees sessions in which couples attempt to resolve issues such as custody, visitation rights, child support payments, or division of assets after divorce or separation.

It must not be confused with couples counselling. It doesn’t attempt to address the reasons for the relationship breaking down or try to reunite the couple - mediation is simply a way of sorting out practicalities in a calm, civil manner. It aims to reduce any potential conflict and ensure that both parties reach an agreement they’re happy with and which works for everyone.

Domestic abuse

Family solicitors are able to provide help and support to victims of any type of domestic abuse, whether it’s physical, emotional, verbal, or financial. They can also arrange for immediate legal action to be taken in order to keep at-risk individuals safe from harm.

Domestic abuse services might include filing a non-molestation order (to prevent an abusive partner from contacting, threatening or harassing you), occupation orders (which force your partner to leave the family home), or taking action for a breach of one of these orders.

There is no requirement to be in a relationship with the partner at the time that the legal issue is raised - protection orders can be issued against an ex or current partner, family member or member of your household.

Family lawyers can also arrange for emotional support relating to domestic abuse, whether it’s referring victims to counselling or putting them in touch with a support group.

In Need of Reliable Family Law Solicitors in Essex? North Ford Solicitors Can Help

Family law is challenging and complex. If you find yourself facing a family dispute, you’ll need a reliable legal professional fighting your corner every step of the way. At North Ford Solicitors, our family solicitors can help you with any matter that involves your family.

Whether you are tackling child custody or a divorce settlement, we’re here to support you. We’re committed to helping our clients resolve conflict and obtain the best outcome for them and their families. Our solicitors attend annual courses to develop their professional skills and ensure they are aware of the current developments in family law.

For more information about our family law services, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.