Family Law

When relationships break down or disputes arise within a family, it can be incredibly stressful and emotionally challenging. Family law exists to provide reassurance and clarity, and to resolve disputes fairly.

From divorce and child arrangements to prenuptial agreements and disputes between unmarried couples, the field of family law covers a broad range of situations affecting couples, parents, and other family members. Whether you are ending a marriage, separating from a partner, or seeking clarity about financial or parental rights, understanding how the law works is the first step toward resolving matters and moving forward.

At Birch & Co., our family law solicitors combine legal expertise with compassion, ensuring that every client receives clear, practical advice as well as support and reassurance.

Reach out to Birch & Co’s specialist and supportive team today. Call us on 0191 284 5030 or complete a Free Online Enquiry now to get a bespoke fixed price estimate.

“Totally satisfied with house call, help and information supplied by friendly and helpful staff.” (Mr L Smith)”

What Is Family Law?

Family law governs legal issues arising within family relationships. It covers marriage, divorce, children, finances, property rights, protection from abuse, and a variety of other issues.

In England and Wales, family law cases are primarily dealt with by the Family Court. Its main aim is to ensure that outcomes are fair, child-focused, and in line with the law.

Common areas of family law include:

Divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships
Financial settlements
Child arrangements and parental responsibility
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Cohabitation and property disputes
Domestic abuse and injunctions

Every case is unique, but the goal of the law – and your solicitor – is always to help you reach the best possible resolution while minimising stress, delay, cost, and conflict.

What Areas Of Family Law Do We Specialise In?

We are family law experts, and we have experience in all aspects of family law and practice. Just some of the matters with which we routinely help our clients include the following:

• Divorce And Separation

Divorce can be emotionally draining, but recent reforms have made the process simpler and, importantly, less confrontational. Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, England and Wales now operate a no-fault divorce system. This means that couples no longer need to prove wrongdoing, such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour, when filing for divorce. Instead, one or both parties can simply state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

The divorce process follows several stages, which can be broken down as follows:

An Application, which can be made either solely or jointly.
Conditional Order, which is where the court confirms that there is no reason the divorce cannot proceed.
Final Order, which is what symbolises the legal end of the marriage.

Although the divorce procedure itself is now largely administrative, the process does not resolve the important issues that can arise from the breakdown of a marriage, such as child arrangements and financial settlements. These matters must be resolved separately, either through agreement between the parties or court proceedings.

• Child Arrangements

When parents separate, their children’s welfare is the court’s top priority. Family law focuses on ensuring that children have stability, security, and meaningful relationships with both parents wherever possible.
If parents can agree on arrangements for where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent, there is usually no need to involve the court. These agreements can be flexible and adapted as children grow.

However, if parents cannot agree, the court may need to get involved. When deciding cases involving children, the court puts the child’s welfare front and centre. Any order it makes will be based on what would be in the child’s best interests.

• Prenuptial Agreements

While no one enters a marriage expecting it to fail, planning ahead can provide peace of mind and financial security. A prenuptial agreement is a legal document signed before marriage that sets out how assets, property, and income will be divided if the relationship ends.

Prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common in the UK, especially where:

One or both parties have significant assets or family wealth
There are children from previous relationships
One party owns a business or property prior to marriage
There is an imbalance in earnings or contributions

Although prenups are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales, courts give them considerable weight if:

Both parties entered the agreement freely and with full understanding
Each had independent legal advice
The terms are fair and reasonable
The agreement meets both parties’ and any children’s needs

A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can reduce uncertainty, prevent future disputes, and protect assets if the marriage breaks down. It demonstrates transparency and mutual respect, not mistrust.

For couples already married, a postnuptial agreement serves the same purpose and can be signed after the wedding.

Why Choose Birch & Co.?

Family law issues are deeply personal, and every decision you make can have long-term consequences for you and your family. At Birch & Co., we pride ourselves on:

Offering clear, practical advice tailored to your situation
Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable settlements quickly and cost-effectively
Discreet, compassionate support through difficult times
Experience in complex family and property cases
Transparent costs and flexible consultation options

Whatever family law issue you are facing, we will go above and beyond to help you reach a solution that allows you to move forward confidently.