Solicitor For Family Law

If you are searching for a solicitor for family law, the specialist team at Birch & Co is here to help. Family legal matters tend to arrive unexpectedly, and the circumstances that bring people to our door are often difficult ones. Whether you are going through a divorce, dealing with a dispute about your children, trying to untangle finances after separation, or navigating the complexities of an unmarried relationship breakdown, the right legal support makes a real difference, both to outcomes and to how you feel during a very stressful period.

We have been helping clients in Newcastle and across the Northeast with family law matters since 2000. Our approach is to give clients honest, clear advice without unnecessary jargon, and with care and empathy.

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.

“Not in any way intimidating. Their positive attitude takes the stress out of situations.” (Ms Scott)

What Family Law Covers

Family law is broader in scope than many people initially realise. It encompasses divorce and separation, arrangements for children, financial settlements and consent orders, cohabitation disputes for unmarried couples, applications for injunctions and non-molestation orders, grandparents’ rights, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, pension sharing, and inheritance disputes.

We advise on all of these areas, and our aim in every case is to resolve matters as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible while making sure your position is properly protected throughout.

Divorce In England And Wales

Since April 2022, couples in England and Wales have been able to apply for divorce without needing to assign fault to either party. This change, brought in by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, removed the requirement to cite behaviour or periods of separation in order to end a marriage. Both parties can now apply jointly, or one party can apply alone. Either way, the process involves submitting an application to the court, followed by a mandatory 20-week waiting period. After that, a Conditional Order can be applied for, and then, following a further six weeks and one day, you can apply for the Final Order that legally ends the marriage. Even in relatively uncomplicated cases, the process generally takes around seven months from start to finish.

We can help with divorce applications, whether you are applying as a sole applicant or jointly with your spouse, and we will make sure the process is managed properly at every stage.

Financial Settlements

The legal end of a marriage and the resolution of finances are two entirely separate matters. It is possible to obtain a Final Order while financial arrangements remain unresolved, and this can create significant problems further down the line. For that reason, it is important to address finances either before or alongside the divorce process itself.

Courts in England and Wales take a number of factors into account when considering how assets should be divided. Those factors include the length of the marriage, the contributions made by each party, earning capacity, age, health, and the financial needs of any children.

Many couples are able to reach agreement on finances without going to court. Mediation, collaborative law, and solicitor negotiation are all routes that can produce a fair outcome with considerably less conflict and cost than contested court proceedings. Where an agreement is reached, it should be recorded in a Consent Order and approved by a judge to make it legally enforceable. If a clean break between the parties is achievable, a clean break order provides certainty for both sides by preventing any future financial claims being made.

We can advise on financial settlements, help you understand whether a proposed outcome is fair in your particular circumstances, and prepare the documentation needed to formalise any agreement reached.

Children And Parenting Arrangements

Arrangements for children are dealt with entirely separately from the divorce process. Wherever possible, parents are encouraged to reach an agreement about where their children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how the practical responsibilities of parenting will be shared going forward. Where that is not possible, an application to court for a Child Arrangements Order may be needed.

The welfare of the child is always the court’s paramount consideration. When deciding on the terms of the order, the judge will take account of factors such as the child’s own wishes and feelings, their physical and emotional needs, and the likely effect of any change to their current circumstances.

We can help with child arrangements applications, parental responsibility orders, and disputes involving grandparents or other members of the wider family.

Injunctions And Protection Orders

In situations involving domestic abuse or harassment, it may be necessary to apply for urgent protective legal orders. A non-molestation order prohibits a person from using or threatening violence, harassment, or intimidation. An occupation order can regulate who lives in or has the right to return to the family home. Both can be granted by the court, and in particularly urgent situations, an application can be made on the same day.

We can help with applications for injunctions and protection orders, and we understand that these situations require a prompt response and a sensitive approach.

Speak To Our Team

Family law matters are rarely straightforward, and the practical consequences of decisions made during this period can be significant and lasting. Our family law team brings considerable experience across all areas of family law, and we work with clients throughout Newcastle and the wider Northeast. We aim to give every client an honest assessment of their position from the first conversation, without raising false expectations or overcomplicating matters.