Family Law Solicitors

When facing the emotional and practical challenges inherent in family law issues, you need clear guidance, compassionate support, and expert legal representation. At Birch & Co., our experienced family law solicitors help clients across the UK navigate divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, and related disputes with sensitivity and skill. We combine legal expertise with a decidedly human approach, ensuring that every client feels informed, protected, and empowered to make the right decisions for their future.

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 Our Family Law Solicitors Do?

Our family law solicitors specialise in all matters involving family law, including the following:

• Divorce And Separation

Our family law solicitors understand the severe emotional impact the breakdown of a marriage can have. While the introduction of no-fault divorce in 2022 has made the process less adversarial for the parties, the process remains incredibly stressful and, at times, overwhelming.

Our family law solicitors guide clients through every stage of the divorce process, from filing the application to obtaining the final order. We also help with judicial separation and civil partnership dissolution, ensuring your legal position is protected throughout.

Key aspects of our divorce services include:

Advising on the division of property, pensions, and business assets
Drafting and reviewing financial consent orders
Supporting clients through mediation and negotiation
Representing clients in court where a settlement cannot be reached

Our aim is always to resolve disputes amicably where possible, saving time and costs, and preserving family relationships.

• Child Arrangements

When a relationship ends, ensuring stability and security for children is everybody’s main priority. Disputes about where children will live or how much time they will spend with each parent can be deeply emotional and complex. Our solicitors help parents reach child arrangement agreements that prioritise the welfare of the child while respecting each parent’s role in their upbringing.

If an agreement cannot be reached privately or through mediation, we assist in making the appropriate application to court to resolve crucial issues, such as the following:

Where a child will live
Contact arrangements
Specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment, or relocation

We approach these matters with empathy, discretion, and a child-centred focus, working to reduce conflict wherever possible. Our team also has experience in cases involving domestic abuse and child relocation.

• Financial Settlements

Financial settlements following divorce or separation are crucial in ensuring both parties can move forward fairly. Whether you are dividing property, addressing maintenance, or protecting inherited or business assets, our solicitors offer tailored advice to achieve a just outcome.

A financial settlement can cover:

Division of property and assets
Spousal maintenance
Pensions and investments
Business interests and trusts

We work closely with financial experts, valuers, and forensic accountants when necessary to ensure that all assets are properly identified and assessed. Where agreement is possible, we formalise terms through a Consent Order, thereby making the agreement legally binding and enforceable. If negotiations fail, we can represent you robustly in court proceedings to secure a fair settlement.

• TOLATA Claims Under The Trusts Of Land And Appointment Of Trustees Act 1996

For unmarried couples, financial disputes can be particularly challenging because there is no automatic right to share assets, even after a long relationship. This is where TOLATA comes in.

Our solicitors assist clients in matters involving TOLATA, which determines how property held in one partner’s name should be divided. Common situations include:

Disputes over property ownership
Claims by one partner for a share of equity in the property
Situations where one party seeks an order for sale

TOLATA claims are notoriously difficult, but at Birch & Co., you are in safe hands. We provide clear advice on the evidence needed to support your claim, which can be substantial and might include financial contributions, written agreements, or promises made. We will use this evidence to build the strongest case possible, and seek a favourable outcome through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings where necessary.

• Family Arbitration And Alternative Dispute Resolution

Court proceedings can be lengthy, stressful, and expensive. At Birch & Co., we encourage clients to consider family arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to reach a settlement more efficiently.

Family arbitration allows separating couples to appoint an independent, qualified arbitrator who makes a binding decision on their dispute, whether about finances, property, or child arrangements. It offers a private, flexible, and often faster alternative to litigation, giving parties greater control over the process and timing, and reducing stress.

There are a number of other alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, which can also achieve excellent results in the right cases. We will identify the most appropriate method in your circumstances and guide you through your chosen process.

Why Choose Birch And Co’s Family Law Solicitors?

At Birch & Co., we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive family law services tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether you are navigating a divorce, seeking a fair financial settlement, resolving child arrangements, or pursuing or defending a TOLATA claim, our solicitors combine legal expertise with a pragmatic yet compassionate approach.

We understand that family issues require more than legal advice; they require understanding, discretion, and trust. Our goal is to help you reach a fair resolution that allows you and your family to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.