Matrimonial

Separation, divorce and disputes about the welfare of children are often very stressful life changing events. We recognise that our clients are individuals who are facing a turning point in their lives and we aim to build a relationship of trust with you based on openness, accessibility and a detailed understanding of your situation.

We always try to reach a calm, constructive, agreed settlement wherever possible but will actively pursue Court proceedings in situations where it is not. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

We can advise you in the following areas:

Pre-nuptial Agreements

A pre-nuptial agreement is an agreement made by two people in contemplation of their forthcoming marriage.
It sets out what should happen to the assets and debts of each partner accumulated before or during the marriage should it fail. It can also indicate who will commence divorce proceedings.

Divorce and Separation

The breakdown of a marriage is an emotional time and the prospect of a separation or divorce action can be daunting but the process need not be difficult with the right professional advice. The legal formality of getting a divorce is a relatively straightforward process. What is often more complicated is sorting out the practical issues associated with the divorce such as where each person will live, who gets what and arrangements for any children.

To start divorce proceedings you must have been married for at least one year.
You can then bring the marriage to an end on the basis of its irretrievable breakdown.
This can be proved in several ways:

• your partner's adultery
  
• your partner's unreasonable behaviour
  
• a period of desertion or separation of two or more years.
  

If you would prefer to separate instead of starting divorce proceedings, or have separated within the first year of marriage, then we can help you formalise the separation in an agreement.

Living Together

Moving in with your partner or buying a house together can seem like an exciting prospect. But few couples realise how risky their situation can be from a legal point of view.

It may seem outdated but unmarried couples are not protected by law in the same way that married couples are. Sadly, by the time that people realise this it is often too late - the relationship breaks down or a partner dies and valuable rights can be lost.

Civil Partnerships

Same sex couples have been able to register their Civil Partnership since December 2005. Registering the Civil Partnership provides the couple with a range of rights and responsibilities similar to married couples.

Injunctions and Emergency Applications

Sometimes when a relationship breaks down emotions become heated and one person is harassed or sometimes threatened with violence usually by their ex-partner.

In these circumstances, we are able to help you by discussing your needs and how best to protect you. This may mean we ask the Court to make an order so that the person is not able to come close to you, and in more extreme circumstances, they can be ordered out of the matrimonial home.