Family Court Solicitors Near Me

If you are looking for ’family court solicitors near me’, the friendly family law team here at Birch & Co is ideally placed to assist. We have extensive experience representing clients in all types of family court proceedings. We approach every case with empathy, discretion, and a commitment to achieving the best possible resolution for our clients and their families. Whether you need advice on divorce, financial arrangements, child arrangements, or any other family court matter, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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 Do Family Law Solicitors Near Me Do?

The family court plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of thousands of families each year. Whether it is determining where a child should live following the separation of their parents, dividing a couple’s assets fairly following divorce or civil partnership dissolution, or protecting a vulnerable individual from abuse, the family court strives to achieve a balanced outcome that is fair for everyone involved.

Many people encounter the family court during some of the most challenging times of their lives. By choosing the right ‘family court solicitors near me’, you can be sure that you have a team on your side who will work tirelessly to protect your interests and those of your family.

Just some of the issues with which our family law team can assist include the following:

• Divorce And Civil Partnership Dissolution

Divorce and civil partnership dissolution are two of the most common reasons individuals search for ‘family court solicitors near me’. The separation process was modernised by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which introduced the ‘no-fault divorce’ in April 2022. This reform removed the need for one spouse to ‘blame’ the other for the relationship breakdown, helping to reduce conflict at an already difficult time.

Under the current system, either spouse or civil partner can file for divorce or dissolution, or the parties can make a joint application. They no longer need to cite reasons such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour; they need only state that their relationship has irretrievably broken down.

In straightforward cases, divorce or civil partnership dissolution can be a largely administrative process. If disputes arise, however, the family court plays a crucial role.

• Financial Arrangements

Financial settlements are among the most complex and contentious aspects of family law. When a marriage or civil partnership ends, the parties are encouraged to settle the financial issues arising from their separation, such as how to divide their assets, without recourse to the court. However, if that proves impossible, the family court can step in and divide the couple’s assets fairly.

The court’s primary aim is to achieve fairness, not necessarily equality. Family court judges consider a variety of factors when deciding how to split a couple’s assets, which include the following:

The income, earning capacity, and financial needs of each party.
The couple’s standard of living during the marriage or civil partnership.
The age of each party and the duration of the marriage.
The welfare of any children under the age of 18.

The family court can make a variety of financial orders, including lump sum payments, property transfers, pension sharing, or ongoing spousal maintenance.

• Child Arrangements

Disputes involving a couple’s children can be hard-fought and emotionally charged. When it comes to child arrangement, the family court’s priority is to make decisions that serve the best interests of the child.

When parents cannot agree where a child should live or how much time they should spend with each parent, either party may apply for a Child Arrangements Order. This order can determine:

Where the child will live.
When and how the child will see the other parent or other people.

The family court’s approach is child-centred and non-punitive. Judges do not ‘take sides’ between parents or seek an arrangement that meets the parents’ needs. Instead, they look at what arrangement will best promote the child’s welfare, stability, and emotional well-being. In doing so, the court will consider the following:

The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
The likely effect of any change in circumstances.
The child’s age, sex, background, and characteristics.
Any risk of harm.
The capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs.
The child’s own wishes and feelings, taking account of their age and maturity.

The court’s goal is always to encourage co-parenting and cooperation, ensuring that children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents wherever possible.

If you need help from ‘family court solicitors near me’, our leading team is here to help. Offering outstanding legal advice coupled with compassion, we will be by your side every step of the way.