Family Law Solicitors
Expert family law advice, every step of the way.
If you are facing a family law issue - such as a relationship breakdown, marriage or cohabitation arrangements - you deserve clear, compassionate guidance focused on your priorities.
We provide straightforward advice and support shaped around your unique needs, aiming for solutions that protect your well-being and achieve the best possible outcome. Where appropriate, we prioritise alternatives to court. Our team includes trained collaborative family lawyers and an accredited family mediator to help you reach amicable, constructive, and often more affordable resolutions.
At every step, you can expect dedicated support, respectful communication, and practical guidance that puts you at ease. To explore your options with confidence, we offer a free, no-obligation 30-minute discussion.
What is family law?
Family law deals with the legal issues that affect family relationships, such as marriage, children, and separation. If you’ve ever wondered “what does a family lawyer do?”, they support clients through matters like divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements, always aiming to reduce conflict and provide clear guidance. It can also involve planning ahead with the help of prenuptial agreements or resolving disputes through family mediation. Whether you need a divorce lawyer to guide you through separation or a family mediator, family lawyers offers expert advice and support during some of life’s most important transitions.
What family law services do we offer?
Our Family Law team combines decades of experience and a deep understanding of the emotional and legal difficulties clients face. We offer tailored, solutions-focused advice, with a strong emphasis on achieving the best possible outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
What sets us apart is our personal approach and exceptional service to your problems. We are able to blend traditional legal support with collaborative law and mediation, offering alternatives to court where appropriate. We are proud to hold industry-leading accreditations, including membership with Resolution, the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and FMC (Family Mediation Council) accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and client care.
Ending a relationship is often emotionally challenging. Our divorce solicitors are here to guide you through the process with care and clear advice. The introduction of the 'no-fault divorce' regime in April 2022 makes it easier for couples to separate on friendly terms. Couples can now apply together.
We can guide you through each step, from filing your application to preparing for court and managing finances. We can also help with mediation and advice on dividing assets. Our aim is to make this process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, always with your best interests in mind.
We also offer a fixed fee divorce service, giving you clarity and confidence over costs from the outset. It is a straightforward approach designed to help you move forward with clear advice and no unexpected fees.
Financial settlements in divorce can be complex, especially when family businesses, pensions, or international assets are involved. Our team has wide experience managing international assets and can give you informed advice tailored to your unique situation.
We collaborate with pension actuaries, financial advisers and accountants to ensure appropriate asset valuation and fair division. Whether through negotiation, collaboration, or litigation, we work in your best interests, offering clear guidance every step of the way.
When relationships break down, disputes over children can arise. We understand the emotional strain this can cause, and our team is here to guide you through the process. Our top priority is your child/children’s well-being. We help you make decisions that reduce conflict and keep costs low.
If you and your former partner cannot agree on child arrangements, we can explore alternatives. If needed, we can also guide you through court proceedings.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse - whether it is physical, emotional, financial, or psychological - help is available. We can help you understand all available options, including police support, protection orders, specialist services, or legal actions like non-molestation/occupation orders. Your safety is our top priority.
If there is any immediate danger, please call the Police on 999 in the first instance.
If you are dealing with family law issues across countries, our international team is here to help. Whether you have connections overseas or own property abroad, we can support you with:
- International divorce and property division
- Cross-border child relocation or abduction
- Financial support claims for children in the UK and internationally
- International pre/post nuptial agreements
- Jurisdictional advice for English court proceedings.
With experience handling cases involving assets and family ties worldwide, our team partners with international legal experts to protect your interests wherever you are. We are dedicated to helping you make informed, strategic decisions that offer the best outcomes.
Unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples, even if they live together or have children. We can guide you on options like:
- Declarations of Trust: to clarify property ownership
- Cohabitation Agreements: to arrange finances and responsibilities.
In case of separation, we provide guidance on property disputes, financial claims, and child arrangements. Our team specialises in civil court proceedings, such as ToLATA and inheritance claims, ensuring that your interests are protected and managed effectively.
More couples now live together without marrying, but this does not give the same legal rights as marriage. A cohabitation agreement can help detail rights, especially when you wish to specify varying contributions made towards property.
If your relationship has broken down, we will guide you through the financial separation process and help protect your rights. We also offer expertise in addressing property and tax issues, with additional support for any children involved.
We support with both prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements to help protect your assets and provide clarity in the event of a divorce. These agreements are especially beneficial if you have more assets than your partner, are entering a second marriage, or wish to secure inheritances for children.
The courts are now more likely to uphold these agreements providing certain factors are met, which can simplify outcomes if the relationship ends. Our skilled solicitors work with you to create an agreement, giving you peace of mind for the future.
If separation leads to disagreements over money, property, or children, mediation can help. In mediation, a trained professional helps you and your partner have open discussions to find a solution that you can both agree. Mediation is cost-effective, less stressful, and often more successful than traditional court proceedings.
Mediation reduces conflict, improves communication, and keeps you in control. A mediator gives neutral guidance and legal information, with solicitors available for support behind the scenes.
How much does a family law solicitor cost?
A common question before any first meeting is “how much does a family lawyer cost?” The answer depends on the type of service and complexity of your case. Family law costs can vary, for example, solicitor fees for child arrangements may differ from those for divorce or prenuptial agreements. Ahead of your consultation, it helps to gather key documents, think about your priorities, and prepare any questions. Your solicitor will explain the likely family lawyer cost for your situation and outline the options available.
Funding your case
Funding your case can be challenging, especially if your financial circumstances are difficult. We offer clear, cost estimates, regular updates, and flexible payment options to help manage your legal fees. We can work with several funding routes:
- Private funding: Clients with personal income or savings may fund their case directly, and we can agree on manageable monthly payments
- Commercial loans: Credit cards or bank loans may offer lower interest rates and are generally treated as “hard loans” by the court, making them likely to be considered in financial settlements
- Litigation loans: We work with specialised lenders who provide loans specifically for legal fees, which are re-paid at the conclusion of your case
- Legal services payment orders: If your partner has greater resources/income, you could apply to the court for support with your legal fees.
We also offer a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation to discuss your case and funding needs in detail.
FAQs
Getting started is easy, simply call, email, or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our family law team will be in touch. Whether you need advice on divorce, child arrangements, financial matters or prenuptial agreements, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
At VWV, we offer a 30-minute free family law consultation, therefore it is important you come prepared to get the most out of it. Bringing the right information and thinking through your priorities will give your solicitor a clear picture of your situation and allow them to provide the best advice from the outset.
Here are some useful steps to take before your consultation:
- Gather key documents - This might include marriage or civil partnership certificates, any court papers, financial information such as bank statements, or details of property, pensions and other assets.
- Consider your goals - Think about what matters most to you, whether that’s arrangements for children, protecting your financial position, or simply understanding your legal options.
- Prepare your questions - Make a note of any concerns you’d like to raise, from family law costs and timescales through to practical next steps.
- Be open and honest - The more detail you can provide, the more tailored and accurate your advice will be. Everything you share is treated in complete confidence.
The scope of legal aid for family law has been significantly reduced.
Common family law issues that are typically not covered include:
- Divorce or Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
- Financial Settlements
- Private Child Arrangement Disputes
Yes, you can represent yourself in the family court but this is not something we would recommend.
A family law solicitor plays a crucial role in navigating the intricacies of family legal matters, offering expert guidance and representation.
I am hugely satisfied with the outcome of my divorce. Katie was patient and wise dealing with a situation that had many delays beyond her control. Above all I felt listened to, understood and I had full trust in Katie’s decisions and actions. A strong blend of empathy, expertise, reality and considered action.
Our work highlights
Finance
The joint expert instructed by the parties, to value the husband's company, provided a low valuation, due to flaws in the methodology used. We successfully issued an application for permission, from the court, to instruct a new expert to value the company. The valuation produced was higher and we were able to rely on this to negotiate a more favourable settlement for the wife.
Children
We acted for a father in an application made by the mother, for Non Molestation (NM), Occupation (O) and child arrangements. The mother was attempting to reduce the children's time with the father. Upon advice, the father contested the application and the mother then withdrew her NM and O applications. The child arrangements application concluded with an order for shared care, providing the children to spend equal time with both parents, which was much more than the mother was offering.
Cohabitation
We acted for a partner in relation to a property that he owned in his sole name but was occupied by his ex-partner for a short period. His ex-partner argued various contributions that she had made and wanted a 50% share of the property. We settled the dispute, in an all-day mediation. with the ex-partner receiving a lump sum which was approximately 15% of value of the property.
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