Family Law

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In your corner for all of life's challenges

Our expert family lawyers specialise in the emotionally complex and challenging legalities of divorce, financial and custodial matters. They take a compassionate approach to achieve the most effective solution in all cases. Your lawyer will be by your side with practical advice to assist in all stages of relationships from financial planning to separation and residence orders. Explore our full range of services below and begin your legal journey towards the best resolution.

Explore our services

Divorce
Residence Orders
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Divorce and Legal Separation
Pre-Marital Arrangements
Post-Nuptial Arrangements
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence
Family Mediation
Finances
Adoption
Placement Orders
Special Guardianship
Care Proceedings
Contract Arrangements
Emergency Protection
Fostering
Forced Marriages
Non-Molestation Orders
Residence Orders
Social Services
Special Guardianship

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Let's talk costs

Our costs reflect the best legal advice at the most competitive prices. Family matters vary and many require a bespoke service. Whilst some of our legal services come with fixed fees – every case is different. We provide a detailed breakdown of anticipated costs after your initial free call. matters vary and many require a bespoke service. Whilst some of our legal services come with fixed fees – every case is different. We provide a detailed breakdown of anticipated costs after your initial free call.

FAQ'S

How long do I have to be married before I can divorce?

Since 6th April 2022 divorce can be filed for on a ‘no faults’ process removing the minimum time of two years. If you decide your marriage has irretrievably broken down you can file for a divorce.

How long does divorce take?

The process takes 26 weeks, however if there are financial issues to resolve it can take longer.

Can you defend a divorce?

If the ‘no fault’ petition is used, a divorce has no grounds for defence.

Is spousal maintenance available?

Yes, this will be assessed and awarded by the courts based on your daily needs.

Will I be able to see my children if I divorce?

In most cases, yes an arrangement will be put in place that best suits your circumstances. Access will only be restricted if there are concerns about their safety.

How can we help?

Get in touch to speak to one of our expert legal team today.

Monday – Friday

Weekend

9:00AM – 6:00PM

Closed

Best law firm CQS certificate

Waterstone Chambers LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, our SRA number is: 605949.

SDLT UPDATE

Our conveyancing solicitors are dedicated to completing your transactions as quickly as possible before 31 March, 2025 (SDLT increase deadline). However, because of the involvement of multiple parties in your transactions that are beyond our control, we are unable to guarantee completion. Therefore, if completion does not take place by 31 March, 2025, we will not be responsible for any increase in SDLT payable. In the event that your matters are not completed before 1 April, 2025, please make sure you have sufficient funds to cover the additional SDLT.

Please note the following changes:

1. The threshold (being the amount of the purchase price that will be free from Stamp Duty) is currently £250,000. This will be reduced to £125,000.

2. The threshold for First-time Buyers Relief over which SDLT will be payable is currently £425,000. This will be reduced to £300,000.

3. The maximum purchase price for which First-Time Buyers Relief (as above) can be claimed at all is currently £625,000. This will be reduced to the previous level of £500,000.

If you are purchasing a property, and are in any doubt please visit the governments stamp duty calculator at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#!/intron. Where possible we will have given you advice on the different amounts payable before and after the change but if you have any further queries, then please do let us know.