I’ve had many years of experience in helping people when their marriage or relationship breaks down. Different rules apply depending on whether you are married or just living together. If you are living together, contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” and you have no rights or responsibilities in respect of your ex partner. There are still responsibilities to your children but no financial ties or claims between the two of you. If you own property, and there is a dispute, the family courts do not become involved.
I can assist you either to issue divorce proceedings against your spouse or to deal with divorce proceedings that have been issued against you.
The law relating to divorce is due to change in 2021 but I can assist at any time if you have got to that stage. When there is a divorce, there’ll usually be financial implications and I can provide assistance and advice in all those issues, whether they relate to maintenance, savings and investments, property and/or pensions.
Whether you’re married or just living together, the most important people to consider are the children – and sometimes people have difficulty making arrangements about where the children will live and how long they’ll spend with each parent. I can provide assistance and advice in relation to making arrangements for your children.
If you’re unable to agree arrangements for your finances or your children, and the family court is asked to make a decision, I will represent you in those court proceedings at all stages up to a final contested hearing when I will usually suggest a specialist barrister is instructed. I can assist you in choosing an appropriate barrister for your case and deal with all necessary paperwork to ensure you are properly represented.