Divorce & Family Law Solicitors | Protecting Your Family's Future
Expert Legal Support for Family Matters
Expert Family Legal Services
Compassionate family law services for divorce, financial remedy and financial orders, child arrangements (custody/live with and contact), pre-nuptial agreement, separation and all family legal matters
Comprehensive Family Law Services
Family legal issues are among life’s most challenging experiences, requiring both expert legal knowledge and genuine understanding of emotional complexities. Robert Simmons provides comprehensive family law services with a compassionate approach that prioritizes your family’s wellbeing while protecting your legal rights.
Our experienced family lawyers handle the full spectrum of family law matters, from divorce proceedings and child arrangements to financial matters and domestic violence protection. We understand that every family situation is unique and requires personalized legal solutions.
Divorce and Separation
Divorce Proceedings
- No-fault divorce applications under new legislation
- Contested and uncontested divorce cases
- Judicial separation arrangements
- Civil partnership dissolution
- International divorce matters
Financial Settlements
- Matrimonial asset division and property settlements
- Spousal maintenance and financial support arrangements
- Pension sharing orders and retirement planning
- Business valuation and asset protection
- • Pre and post-nuptial agreement drafting
Child Arrangements Orders
- Where children will live (residence arrangements)
- Contact schedules with non-resident parents
- Holiday and special occasion arrangements
- International travel permissions
- Grandparent and extended family contact rights
Child Protection Issues
- Emergency protection orders
- Special guardianship arrangements
- Child abduction prevention and resolution
Compassionate Legal Approach
Family legal matters demand a delicate balance of expert legal knowledge and genuine empathy. Our family lawyers understand the emotional impact of family breakdown and work sensitively to minimize conflict while protecting your interests.
Personalized Legal Solutions
Every family situation presents unique dynamics and challenges. We take time to understand your specific circumstances, family relationships, and long-term objectives before developing tailored legal strategies.
How Long Do Family Law Cases Take?
Uncontested Divorce
6-10 months from application to final order
Child Arrangements
6-12 months depending on complexity and agreement levels
Financial Settlements
9-18 months for complex asset division cases
Emergency Protection
Applications can be made within 24 hours when urgent
What Are the Costs?
Family law costs vary significantly depending on case complexity, court involvement, and whether agreements can be reached through negotiation or mediation.
Fixed Fee Services Available
- Simple uncontested divorce applications: £500 plus VAT + court fees
- Clean break financial orders £750 plus vat and court fees
Hourly Rate Services
Complex family matters requiring extensive court involvement or financial investigations are charged at competitive hourly rates with detailed cost estimates provided upfront.
Common Family Law Questions
What is no-fault divorce and how does it work?
No-fault divorce legislation allows couples to divorce without assigning blame. One or both spouses can apply citing irretrievable marriage breakdown, eliminating the need to prove adultery, unreasonable behavior, or separation periods. We will take you through the process carefully and efficiently, ensuring that you fully understand each step of the divorce.
How are children's living arrangements decided?
Parents are encouraged to reach agreement outside of proceedings. There is a “no Order principle” which suggests that Child Arrangements Order should not be made unless necessary.
If parents cannot agree, the court can consider what is in the best interests of the child, applying various factors set out in the “Welfare Checklist”. Third party advisors known as Cafcass, can be asked to report on each of those welfare factors to assist the Court in deciding the arrangements to order.
Can I protect my assets before marriage?
Pre-nuptial agreements can provide asset protection, though they’re not automatically legally binding in England and Wales, Courts consider them as one factor when making financial decisions, particularly where both parties received independent legal advice. We will ensure that the agreements comply with the most up to date case law in this area to ensure that the agreement holds the most weight if it ever needs to be relied upon within divorce proceedings.
What happens if my ex-partner takes our children abroad without consent?
International child abduction is a serious criminal offense. Emergency court applications can prevent travel, while Hague Convention procedures can secure children’s return from participating countries.
Contact Person
Rebecca Ashton
Senior Family Lawyer and Consultant Engagement Manager
rebecca.ashton@robert-simmons.co.uk
