Divorce & Seperation Solicitors

Divorce & Separation Law

There is no doubt that separation or divorce can be one of the most stressful periods in your life. It can be daunting enough, but if you’re unsure of the divorce law process too, the whole thing can quickly feel overwhelming.

This is where our experienced and compassionate divorce and separation solicitors come in.

We help you to understand your options, the routes and grounds of separation, the way the system works and what you can expect from alternative resolution options or court action. Our practical, yet compassionate, approach to divorce law will help dissipate some of the tension and guide you through the maze of emotional and legal responsibilities.

• We remove the burden of the legal process, so you can focus on the emotional and financial wellbeing of yourself and your family. Our divorce and separation solicitors ensure you are aware of your options, allowing you to make decisions with confidence and remain firmly in control of what’s to come.
• We specialise in securing the future of your children. From arranging who, what and when the children’s time is split between parents, to protecting and defending the relocation and removal of children to alternative locations – nationally and internationally.
• Should court action or resolution need to be taken, our team of renowned litigators will protect your interests, while seeking a positive and prompt solution.

Support to end a marriage or civil partnership
The process of ending a marriage by divorce or a civil partnership by dissolution is much the same. It can be quite straightforward, particularly if you both agree the relationship is over. However, with ‘no fault’ divorces yet to be authorised, the ‘blame game’ nature of the separation process remains.

The current divorce law process often leads to conflicts and disagreements around financial and children arrangements. We will work with you to try and reduce the stress and pressure that surrounds the issuing of a divorce or dissolution petition. We can help reduce distress and get your life back on track.

We have considerable experience in handling court action or alternative settlement routes – from representing you in court to arranging a settlement (or, indeed, just giving you an initial much-needed steer).

Compassionate and approachable, our team is also on hand to help with any mediation that may be required to reach a mutually agreeable solution. With extensive experience in overcoming the communication barriers that are often raised in divorce law cases, we’re in the best position to help you and your family find the resolution that’s right for you without conflict.

Advice on legal separation
A legal or judicial separation allows you to live apart, without divorcing or ending a civil partnership. You might want this if you have religious reasons against divorce. There are legal consequences of separation which we’ll sensitively discuss with you, along with how best to separate your family finances.

A financial settlement is a legally binding decision on how you and your partner will divide your assets and wealth when your marriage or civil partnership ends. This can include everything from trusts, pensions and property portfolios, to shares, bitcoin and international assets.

With our sharpened commercial focus and eye for financial detail, we’re able to secure the right settlement result for you whatever the complexities of your divorce case.

Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
No matter whether in the UK or overseas, we defend, protect and represent individuals with their personal and professional needs by offering family law advice that is grounded in commercial intelligence. From divorce and separation, financial agreements, children disputes, issues of fertility and surrogacy, to cohabiting couples, collaborative law and mediation – we can help you, whatever the situation.

• We are a Top 55 law firm that provides confidence, comfort and clarity to the challenges you face.
• We pride ourselves on offering a personal touch, working with consideration and empathy to achieve the best outcome for you.
• Our family law services span everything from divorce proceedings to child custody, financial settlements and more, so we’ll support you every step of the way.
• We think beyond just legal solutions, advising on what’s possible, what’s prudent, and what’s coming around the corner