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WHAT WE DOFamily and matrimonial
Going through a family breakdown can be an emotional and stressful experience and we aim to assist and support you throughout the process. We are committed to promoting a non-confrontational atmosphere where the problems relating to family breakdown are dealt with in a sensitive, constructive and cost-effective way. Our solicitors are members of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) and we adhere to its code of conduct.
DIVORCE/CIVIL PARTNERSHIP BREAKDOWN
We advise and represent married and same-sex couples in a civil partnership, as well as co-habiting couples, both heterosexual and same sex.
We advise and represent clients in respect of the divorce, judicial separation and dissolution process from beginning to end. We will guide you through the procedure and keep you informed at every stage. If you also need advice concerning your family finances and how they should be divided, we can assist you and if need be will refer to experienced third parties such as Barristers, accountants and valuers to provide an all-round service.
CO-HABITING COUPLES
If you are not married or in a civil partnership, but you do own a property together, you may need help in deciding what to do with that property. We can advise you on the various options open to you and again refer to the necessary experts as and when appropriate. TOP
CHILDREN
Whether or not you are ending your marriage or civil partnership, if you have children, a separation can potentially cause a considerable amount of anxiety and distress to them. It is generally accepted and reinforced by the Courts that it is good for children to grow up knowing and having a relationship both parents and so it is vitally important that proper arrangements are made to minimise the impact of the separation. We will advise you in respect of your children's arrangements and assist you in reaching a suitable way forward.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
We can help if you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse — whether you simply need to speak to someone about your options, or you need to apply to Court on an emergency basis, we are able to assist you at every stage. We are aware that domestic abuse happens in all walks of life, and to men as well as women. A person can be abused many times before they ever report it and so if you have decided to seek help and assistance at this difficult time, you can be assured that we will provide confidential, sensitive and supportive representation at all times. TOP
MEDIATION OR COURT?
You may wish to consider mediation where you and your partner discuss the various issues between you in the presence of a fully trained mediator. We can refer you to a suitable and convenient mediation service as appropriate and then help you to implement whatever you agree with each other.
If mediation does not work, the court is always there to assist and we can advise and represent you in all applications you may need to make — both in relation to the financial aspects as well as the children's arrangements. TOP
COLLABORATIVE LAW
This is a new way for couples to reach a mutually agreed divorce or separation settlement without going to court, and is a better way of handling sensitive and emotional issues. It is different to mediation in that you remain in control of the process as you both agree at the beginning that neither of you will go to court to resolve the dispute, giving you the freedom to negotiate issues without the threat of court action. Your lawyer also signs an agreement that disqualifies them from representing you in court if the collaborative process breaks down. This means everyone involved is totally committed to making the process work. Once you have reached an agreement, it is fully binding and becomes the divorce settlement.
However, if a settlement cannot be reached, new lawyers must be instructed to issue Court proceedings.
We have a specially trained collaborative lawyer who can advise and assist you on the process to help decide if this will be right for you. Unfortunately at the moment, Legal Aid is not available for the collaborative process. TOP
OUR CLIENTS
Our expertise does not stop at dealing with separating couples or parents — we have acted for grandparents and other family members who care for or are involved in a child's life and need some advice. In addition you may have a financial connection to someone who is separating and you need some advice on how your position will be affected. TOP
LEGAL FEES
Paying for legal advice is always a relevant consideration, particularly when money is short when you are separating. We offer Public Funding (Legal Aid) to those who are eligible and flexible payment plans to those who are not so that everyone has access to effective and competent legal advice, irrespective of your financial circumstances.
To discuss any of these aspects or to make an appointment, please contact Tony McGovern on 020 7976 2233 or use our on-line enquiry form. TOP
