Separation, Divorce and Children issues

Looking for family law solicitors? Undergoing a divorce or separation is a traumatic process for both parents and children. With this in mind, we strive to resolve things as swiftly and painlessly as possible. We encourage everyone to the view that family disputes are not contests in which there are winners and losers. The aim is to find a fair solution, and we dispense family law advice with that in mind.

Mediation is an important part of that process and we work closely with the local mediation bureau.

Fixed Fee Consultation

Relationship breakdown? Do you just need to know where you stand? We offer an initial fixed fee consultation for £150 + vat. This includes an hour's consultation with a solicitor and a letter of advice. For further information call us on 0208 290 0440 or email: paul.antoniou@thackraywilliams.com

 What we do:

• Children-related issues - including child custody, contact, residence, child maintenance and parental responsibility
• Civil Partnerships
• Cohabitants’ disputes - all issues relating to the unmarried family including where children and property are involved
• Divorce and legal separation - including alimony
• Domestic abuse
• Financial disputes - including maintenance payments, matrimonial home, family businesses, pension sharing
• Injunctions and non-molestation orders
• Pre-nuptial agreements

• Therapists and Family Conciliation services are recommended where appropriate

Divorce

In order to apply for a divorce, you need to have been married for at least one year. There is only one ground on which a petition may be presented to the court, namely that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. However, to show that the marriage has broken down, one of five facts must be satisfied:

The Respondent has committed adultery and the Petitioner finds it intolerable to live with the Respondent.
The Respondent has behaved in such a way that the Petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the Respondent.
The Respondent has deserted the Petitioner for a continuous period of at least two years.
The parties to the marriage have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years and the Respondent consents to a divorce being granted.
The parties to the marriage have lived apart for a continuous period of at least five years.

The arrangements in relation to any children of the marriage must also be considered by the court before a divorce is finalised.

Children law

For expert advice in matters relating to children issues such as residence, contact and care proceedings speak to Glen Fraser on 0208 290 0440 or email: glen.fraser@thackraywilliams.com Legal aid funding can be applied for in cases relating to children subject to a parent’s financial circumstances and the merits of the case. Legal Aid is available to any parent whose child is subject to an application made to a Court by a Local Authority (Social Services).

The Law Society has developed a  children panel accreditation scheme of solicitors (and others) who specialise in this area of work. Individual membership depends on meeting the Law Society's rigorous standards.  Glen Fraser is a member of this panel.

Children law relates to public law Children Act proceedings such as applications for care orders by local authority social services departments, private law Children Act proceedings such as applications about the place of residence of or contact with children, and adoption.

Booklets for parents who are separating

We feel strongly that the interests of children should be paramount when their parents are separating.  The following booklets were written with this in mind.  These booklets will be made available to you at your first appointment with us.   Please contact us for further information. They are also available direct from CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) www.cafcass.gov.uk
 
My family’s changing (for under 12’s)
My family’s changing (for over 12’s)
Putting your children first

This book, written by renowned parenting expert Christina McGhee, on behalf of Resolution, covers a range of topics about the separation process as well as information about how children are affected and can be helped.
A copy of this book is available free when you become a client of Thackray Williams. Alternatively, you can order a copy direct from Resolution (price £4.99 incl postage and packing).