Family Law
FAMILY LAWYERS MERTON & FAMILY LAW FIRM MERTON
Family law covers a range of situations involving family relationships. These could include the breakdown of a marriage or relationship, harassment and domestic violence issues as well as any matters concerning your children. Any family matter that arises should be dealt with, with care, professionalism and sensitivity.
If you are gay or lesbian and wish to make a commitment to your partner we can advise you on the benefits and security a civil partnership can provide. We have experience in organising the process involved for civil partnership agreements from pre-registration through to any child and adoptions issues that arise. We also assist in helping you to manage your property and finances before and during the partnership agreement. We can also in getting you proper advice as to what to do to manage your finances should a breakdown of a relationship occur.
You may need to be advised or represented if dealing with a divorce or dissolution or a civil partnership. English law allows judges to make a wide discretion when distributing assets of spouses and civil partners as a result of marriage or civil partnership breakdowns. The Matrimonial Causes Act requires the courts to consider a number of factors when distributing assets but no guidance as to which should be given more weight is provided. The first and probably most important factor to be considered is the welfare of any minor children in the family, next the parties financial resources are considered as well as the financial needs and obligations each party is likely to fulfil in the future. The current standard of living of the parties will be taken into consideration and finally whether either spouse is suffering from a disability.
Even if the divorce is mutual you may need assistance dividing up assets including property which is jointly owned.
Working alongside the divorce team is our Children’s team which keep the interests of your children always at the forefront. We aim to reduce animosity and protect the children from inevitable conflicts arising between parents. The law relating to children is particularly complicated and during this stressful time in your life we aim to make the process as smooth as possible. We have particular experience handling cases where vulnerable persons are involved such as children and babies.
Our legal team is headed by an expert in children’s law dealing only with cases involving children. Our experience has led to having a sound reputation for expertise and our aim is to achieve the best outcome for children and parents prioritising needs effectively and thoughtfully. We have a strong child team that assist in all child issues that arise under law. This includes guidance through the adoption process. Merton solicitors know that filing for adoption can be a long and stressful process. Our aim is to advise you on the process and help you achieve your goals. In order to facilitate the whole process we provide Adoption and Special Guardianship orders.
Our expertise extends to overlapping issues, such as issues relating to grandparents and other disputes such as shared residence and Special Guardianship Orders. We provide close assistance in relation to adoption matters.
If you are not married but co-habiting with a partner then our firm of solicitors can provide you with a separation agreement which will help sever all ties between you.