Family Law Solicitors | Family Lawyers

The areas of Family law that we cover

Divorce

We know that deciding to end a marriage is a very difficult decision and our team will offer you the benefit of their experience in trying to navigate this stressful time. Working with a knowledgeable family law solicitor can help make the process less confusing and result in an outcome that is best for you and your family.

Financial Settlements

Divorce and financial settlements are two separate matters.

Children’s Legal Matters

Whether you are going through a divorce case where children are involved, are dealing with certain legal arrangements for a child, are thinking about adopting, or need some advice where social services are involved, Foys Solicitors can give you the advice you need and can support you completely. Our main priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of the child and to work through the case in a way that offers the best solution for all parties involved.

Civil Partnership Dissolution

Our team of family solicitors will help you through the dissolution process and give you personalised legal advice and support pertaining to your particular situation.

Cohabitation Agreements for unmarried couples

Similarly, if you are in a committed relationship where you want to live together without entering into a marriage or civil partnership, a Cohabitation Agreement (also known as a Living Together Agreement) may be an option for you to consider. This can be particularly helpful where shared assets and/or children are involved.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence within a relationship can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual in nature.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

For couples in the process of getting married, getting divorce does not bear thinking about. However, many couples choose to draw up a prenuptial (also known as a premarital) Agreement in order to outline how assets should be divided in the event of a divorce or separation. Whilst such agreements cannot prevent the court from making a different order in any later dispute, they can be persuasive to the Judge, but only if dealt with appropriately. Both parties must have separate legal advice and provide full disclosure about their personal assets. It is also necessary to have the agreement drawn up and signed well ahead of the marriage, so please do not delay if you are considering this option. We are experienced and well-versed in drawing up such Agreements whilst ensuring that they are tailored to your personal situation. If you decide after marriage that you want to enter into an agreement (postnuptial agreement) it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible.

Separation Agreements

If it is proving difficult to remain in your relationship, but you have not decided whether or not to end the marriage completely, a Separation Agreement could provide a temporary solution whilst you make that difficult decision. Whilst you remain separated, Foys can assist in helping you draw up an agreement to outline who would be responsible for specific arrangements such as rent/mortgage payments, debt/loan repayments, how to deal with savings and what to do with shared assets such as furniture and cars. It can also stipulate agreed arrangements for the children of the relationship. We will assess your case individually and give you the best professional advice possible to help you through this tough time.

Change of Name

Legally changing your name does not have to be complicated. However, if the process is not undertaken correctly, it can prove ineffective and frustrating. We can help you to understand the law and the steps to take, as well as navigate you through the paperwork. Legally changing the name of a child will require the agreement of both parents, or in the absence of this, an application will to Court will be required to determine whether or how a child’s name should change. Our family law team are able to advise on the process of obtaining the other parent’s consent, and the advisability of making an application to the Court to do so.

Free Consultations

At Foys we provide a FREE consultation (limited to general advice for up to 30 minutes) to help point you in the right direction. To book a free 30-minute consultation please contact us and we will be happy to discuss matters further.

Legal Aid

Where possible we will offer you legal aid which is subject to eligibility criteria set out by the Legal Aid Agency. We can determine whether legal aid would be available to you during your initial consultation. To receive the right legal advice and support on all matters relating to Family Law please contact us.

Our Fees

We know that it is important that you have clear information about your legal fees so you can plan accordingly. Dependant on the type of matter, we offer some fixed fee advice. If fixed fees are not available, costs will be calculated on an hourly rate basis and a quote provided at the outset. Please contact us in order to discuss the options available for your case

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to disclose my finances?

Yes, both parties must provide “full and frank” disclosure of all assets, debts and income often utilising Financial Statement in Form E. The requirement to provide “full and frank” disclosure remains in force even if an agreement is reached privately. A failure to provide “full and frank” disclosure could potentially jeopardise any agreement reached between parties.

How does domestic abuse affect a person?

Abuse has phases which cycle. First, there is tension building. During this stage, the victim may attempt to change their behaviour in the hope of stopping an abusive incident from occurring. The second stage is an abusive episode. This is then followed by a reconciliation stage. At this point, the abuser may apologise, ignore the event or put blame on the victim. A period of relative normality may follow and give the false impression that the abuse has come to an end until the tensions begin to build again. Under usual circumstances, there are ‘breathing spaces’. These allow the individual a period of respite during which they can seek support. The abuser will be away from home for activities such as work and seeing friends. The victim will be able to leave the home for permitted activities like food shopping, collecting children from school and other domestic errands. Going to school also provides an opportunity for children to escape the situation at home and ask for help. This extra time at home under the eye of their abuser also makes it more difficult to seek help or make arrangements to leave without being discovered. Fear of spreading the virus reduces the possibilities of in-person support from friends and family. Meanwhile being at home with your abuser reduces the opportunities for seeking help via phone calls, text messages or online. Necessary lockdown restrictions have contributed to keeping victims in their homes and support at arm’s length.

What does the Court consider?

Key factors that the Court will take into account include the financial needs and obligations of each party, standard of living, age, duration of marriage, health and contributions.

What happens to the family home?

The Court can order a sale, a transfer of ownership or allow one party to remain in the family home until a certain pre-defined event occurs (eg, children attaining 18 years of age or finishing education).

What if my spouse or ex-spouse has assets?

Intentionally failing to disclose assets can lead to severe penalties including fines, committal to prison for contempt of Court and the setting aside of the Final Order.

What are “clean break” Orders?

A Financial Order that ends all financial ties between spouses including the termination of any future maintenance payments. Should you wish to discuss any of the matters raised above in more detail then please contact a member of the Family Team.

Family Law

We will help you implement those decisions and support you through the process.

Foys have a wealth of experience when it comes to family law with offices located in South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The areas of Family law that we cover

Divorce

Financial Settlements

Children’s Legal Matters

Civil Partnership Dissolution

Cohabitation Agreements for unmarried couples

Domestic Violence

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Separation Agreements

Change of Name

Free Consultations

Legal Aid

Our Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Law Experts

Andrew Firth

Clare Morgan

Donna Arnold

Ellie Carney

Emily Hume

Hannah Searson

Isabella Whitehurst

Jan Jackson

Jayne Kirtley

Kay Swannack

Rachael Parker

Ros Odell

Sam Sansoya

Treena Page

Saira Bi

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