Family Law Solicitors in London

Family law matters can be complex with both emotional and practical decisions to consider.

HPLP have an experienced team of family law and divorce solicitors who can support you throughout this process.

Our family law team in London can assist with a range of family law matters from divorce to cohabitation, we will provide tailored advice regardless of the complexity of your situation.

Our specialist solicitors understand that family law matters can be sensitive, we will always take the time to understand your situation and provide sensitive and practical advice to help you reach the best possible outcome.

Our family law solicitors can provide expert assistance for a range of matters including:

Speak to our family law solicitors in London today

Contact our expert family lawyers in London now by calling 03300250176 or use the contact form for a prompt response.

How our family law solicitors can help you

Divorce

Getting a divorce can understandably be an emotional time with practical arrangements for children and finances to take into consideration.

Our specialist divorce solicitors will guide you through the no-fault divorce process and help you make child and financial arrangements separately where needed.

The divorce process can feel daunting but our team are committed to reaching a constructive conclusion and resolving family disputes as amicably as possible.

 We will offer sensitive and practical family law advice to help you achieve the best possible outcome and move forward.

Divorce financial settlements

Our divorce financial settlement solicitors can provide expert guidance on making financial arrangements and splitting assets, property and businesses.

Our specialist divorce financial settlement solicitors will help guide you through the process of dividing assets without court intervention where possible.

Financial arrangements can be reached using Alternative Dispute Resolution methods such as mediation and negotiation.

Where an agreement cannot be reached, you can apply to the court to get a financial order, where the judge will decide the division of assets on your behalf. If your case goes to court, we can represent you in court proceedings and ensure you achieve a fair outcome.

Overseas divorce

The Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 is a significant law in England and Wales, establishing the legal framework for financial settlements in international divorce cases.

Part three of this act specifically addresses applications for financial relief after foreign divorces.

Our team of solicitors specialises in handling international divorce and child law matters.

We can help you navigate international divorce proceedings and reach a financial settlement with your former partner.

Child law

Our child law solicitors can offer professional assistance in any matters concerning your children's rights and welfare.

We can provide expert advice and support for a range of child law matters including living arrangements, adoption, Specific Issue Orders and educational issues.

Our child law solicitors aim to protect the best interests of your family and ensure your children’s rights are upheld.

Child arrangements

Making child arrangements is a crucial consideration when getting a divorce.

The legal system will look out for the best interests of your child and make sure they are provided for when dividing assets.

Our family lawyers can support you in making child arrangements by facilitating constructive communication between both parties and advocating for the best interests of the child.

We can assist with Alternative Dispute Resolution methods such as mediation and negotiation to help you reach an agreement.

If your case is escalated to the court to make a decision about child arrangements, we can represent you throughout proceedings and ensure your children's well-being during the divorce process.

Parental responsibility

Biological parents automatically receive parental responsibility but the law allows other individuals to apply for parental responsibility alongside them.

This may include unmarried biological fathers, step-parents, grandparents, civil partners and same-sex partners, special guardians, and local authorities.

If you believe you should have parental responsibility for a child or would like to clarify what your parental responsibilities are, our solicitors can provide expert family law advice.

Cohabitation

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that covers how finances and assets will be managed while cohabiting, and also what will happen in case of a separation.

Cohabitation agreements cover arrangements for assets such as property, belongings, and vehicles, as well as finances such as income, mortgages, debts, pensions and shared purchases. These agreements also specify how you'll financially support your children and where they'll live.

Cohabitating couples do not have the same rights as married couples so creating a cohabitation agreement can protect your relationship and prevent disputes.

Our cohabitation solicitors can help you create a cohabitation agreement that is tailored to your relationship and meets your needs.

Civil partnership dissolution

The process of dissolving a civil partnership is very similar to getting a divorce, a process which has been simplified in recent years.

If you are looking to get a civil partnership dissolution, our family solicitors can support you throughout the process and offer sensitive and practical guidance to help you resolve matters amicably where possible.

We will take the time to understand your priorities, assist you with the process and ensure you understand your options, to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Prenuptial agreements

Prenuptial agreements are legal contracts made by couples before marriage, outlining how assets will be divided in case of divorce. They specify property rights, financial responsibilities, and other matters, offering clarity and protection for both parties.

Although they are not strictly binding, courts will typically uphold prenups if they are fairly negotiated and prepared correctly.

Our prenuptial agreement solicitors can help you draft and negotiate a prenuptial agreement to protect your assets and clarify financial expectations in the event of a divorce.

We can offer expert legal advice, ensure your agreement complies with the law, and help you navigate sensitive discussions, to reach a mutual agreement and safeguard your financial interests prior to marriage.

Postnuptial agreements

Postnuptial agreements are similar to prenuptial agreements but they are created by married couples after marriage. Postnuptial agreements cover asset division and other matters in the event of divorce. They address finances, property rights, and other considerations, providing clarity and security for spouses.

While not guaranteed, courts will often uphold postnuptial agreements if they are fairly executed and prepared correctly.

Our postnuptial agreements solicitors can assist with postnuptial agreements by providing legal expertise in drafting and negotiating agreements after marriage.

We can help you agree on financial arrangements, property division, and other matters in the event of divorce or separation. Our guidance ensures the agreement is legally sound and reflects both parties' intentions.

Grandparents' rights

Grandparents' rights refer to the legal options grandparents have to maintain relationships with their grandchildren. This may cover issues such as contact, visits and, in some cases, living arrangements or guardianship.

While grandparents do not automatically have legal rights to see their grandchildren, our family solicitors can help you understand your options to preserve your relationship.

We can offer family law advice, assist in mediation, and represent you in court if necessary.

Family law FAQs

What is no-fault divorce?

No-fault divorce is the latest divorce process introduced in 2020 under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act. The updated process allows couples to legally end their marriage without having to prove that one party was at fault.

It removes the need for couples to give a reason for their divorce such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Instead, either spouse can cite irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as the reason.

This approach aims to reduce conflict, promote amicable separations, and prioritise the welfare of any children involved.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial mediator helps disputing parties reach agreements regarding family matters such as divorce, child custody, and financial settlements.

It fosters open communication and cooperation, aiming to resolve conflicts outside of court.

This approach promotes amicable resolutions and often reduces the time, cost, and emotional strain associated with traditional court proceedings while prioritising the best interests of any children involved.

Are pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements legally binding?

Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding but the courts will often take them into account.

The agreement must meet legal requirements and reflect the parties' intentions accurately.

If the court feels that the agreement is ambiguous, unfair or no longer reflects the current situation of both parties, then they may choose not to use the agreement,

Seeking professional legal guidance ensures that both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are properly drafted and increases the likelihood of their enforceability in the event of dispute.

Speak to our family law solicitors in London today

Contact our expert family lawyers in London now by calling 0330 0250 176 or use the contact form for a prompt response.