Family law in London, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
At Trethowans, our family law solicitors understand that navigating family issues can be one of the most challenging times in your life. As members of Resolution, and recognised in both Chambers and the Legal 500, we take a constructive, non-confrontational approach to resolving divorce, financial and children matters across Southampton, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Winchester, Poole and London.
Speak to one of our family law solicitors on 0800 2800 421 or via our online enquiry form.
Our family law services
We offer a comprehensive range of family law services tailored to your unique situation:
Divorce and separation
We understand that the decision to separate or divorce is never easy, and that everyone’s circumstances are different. Our divorce solicitors provide tailored support and a range of approaches, from fixed-fee uncontested divorce to complex high net worth divorce and financial settlements, to help you move forward with clarity and as little conflict as possible. Since April 2022, no-fault divorce means proceedings can be started without apportioning blame, and we will guide you through every stage at a pace that works for you.
Child law
Child law covers the arrangements for children following separation, including where they will live, how much time they spend with each parent, child maintenance and relocation matters. We help parents reach agreement through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law, preserving the co-parenting relationship wherever possible. Where court proceedings are necessary, we handle them in the most child-centred and cost-effective way.
Civil partnerships
Dissolving a civil partnership follows a process equivalent to divorce and may give rise to financial claims relating to property, pensions, businesses and trusts, as well as arrangements for children. We advise on all aspects of dissolution and can also prepare pre-civil partnership agreements for greater financial certainty.
Cohabitation and property disputes
A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding document, when properly drafted and signed as a deed, that protects the rights of unmarried couples living together. Despite a common misconception, there is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’ in England and Wales. We also advise on TOLATA claims, which resolve disputes over property ownership between unmarried couples.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
A prenuptial agreement sets out how assets will be divided if a marriage breaks down, and carries significant weight in court when correctly prepared. Our solicitors guide you through the key requirements, including independent legal advice, full financial disclosure and signing at least 28 days before the ceremony. A postnuptial agreement serves the same purpose for couples who are already married.
Non-court dispute resolution
Resolving family disputes away from court is often faster, less expensive and less stressful than litigation, and in many cases is now expected before a court application can be made. Our team offers the full range of non-court dispute resolution options, including collaborative family law, family mediation, family arbitration and the innovative ‘one couple, one lawyer’ divorce model, in which both parties are advised by a single solicitor to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. Many of our senior solicitors hold specialist mediation and collaborative law training.
Surrogacy and adoption
Surrogacy and adoption require early specialist advice to ensure legal parenthood is correctly established. In any surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate is always the legal mother at birth under UK law, and a parental order must be applied for within six months of the child’s birth. Our team is one of the few family practices in the country with real experience of surrogacy, donor conception, co-parenting agreements, adoption and special guardianship.
Domestic abuse
No one should have to experience abuse, violence or coercive and controlling behaviour in their relationship. Our solicitors can act quickly to obtain emergency injunctions to protect you and your family, and will support you with sensitivity and discretion throughout. Our team are Dragonfly Champions, with specialist domestic abuse awareness training.
How the family law process works
- Free initial consultation
Get in touch and we will arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our family solicitors. We will listen to your situation, explain your options clearly and help you decide on the best way forward.
- Agreeing your approach
We will confirm your objectives and agree the most appropriate route, whether that is negotiation, mediation, collaborative law or court proceedings. We are transparent about timescales and costs from the outset.
- Working towards resolution
We will negotiate on your behalf, seek agreement wherever possible and advise you clearly on any proposals. The majority of family law matters are resolved without the need for court proceedings.
- Representation if needed
Where court proceedings are necessary, we will represent you with confidence and precision, preparing your case thoroughly to achieve the best possible outcome.
Why choose Trethowans as your family solicitors
Our family law team is known for its no-nonsense, down-to-earth advice. We put our clients at the heart of everything we do, offering tailored solutions to meet your needs across our offices in Southampton, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Winchester, Poole and London.
Recognised expertise
Our family law team have been recognised by several independent organisations. We are acknowledged in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Our lawyers are also listed by ThreeBestRated and Wiselaw.
Specialist training
Many of our senior solicitors hold specialist training in collaborative law and mediation, ensuring we can offer the full range of options to resolve disputes constructively. We are also one of a small number of firms offering the Resolution Together model, where one lawyer advises both parties through divorce.
Our commitment to Resolution
As members of Resolution, a national community of over 6,500 family law professionals, we follow a strict code of practice ensuring all matters are dealt with in a dignified and constructive way. Grant Cameron, Partner, previously served as National Chair of Resolution.
Supporting our clients beyond the law
Our team members are affiliated with the Family Separation Support Hub and are Dragonfly Champions, having completed specialist domestic abuse awareness training. We understand that family law matters are about far more than legal outcomes, and we are committed to supporting our clients through every aspect of the process.
Speak to a family law solicitor today
We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to help you understand your legal options. Our expert solicitors will listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you consider the best way forward, with no pressure to proceed.
Meet us in person
We have offices across the south of England and a base in London, making it straightforward to meet a family law solicitor face to face. You can find us in Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton and Winchester, with London appointments available on request.
Get in touch
Call us today on 0800 2800 421 or make an enquiry online to arrange your free initial consultation.
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Related Services
- Adoption and Special Guardianship Orders Solicitors
- Child Arrangement Order Solicitors
- Child Maintenance
- Child Relocation Solicitors
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Collaborative Family Law
- Dissolving a Civil Partnership
- Divorce Financial Settlements
- Domestic Abuse Solicitors
- Family Arbitration
- Family Mediation
- Fertility and Surrogacy Solicitors
- High Net Worth Divorce Solicitors
- Non-Court Dispute Resolution Methods
- One Couple, One Lawyer Divorce
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Property Disputes between Unmarried Couples (TOLATA)
- Separation and Divorce Solicitors
- Candid Divorce Lawyer Podcast
Frequently Asked Questions about family law
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Family law covers all legal matters relating to relationships and family life. This includes divorce and separation, financial settlements, arrangements for children, cohabitation, prenuptial agreements, adoption, surrogacy, domestic abuse and civil partnership dissolution. It also encompasses disputes over property between unmarried couples.
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A family law solicitor advises and represents clients on all matters relating to relationships and family breakdown. This includes guiding you through divorce proceedings, negotiating financial settlements, resolving disputes about children, drafting cohabitation and prenuptial agreements, and representing you in court where necessary.
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Choosing the right family law solicitor is an important decision. Look for someone with specific experience in your area of need, and check for independent recognition in directories such as the Legal 500 and Chambers as a reliable indicator of quality. Membership of Resolution is a positive sign that your solicitor is committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach. A free initial consultation gives you the opportunity to assess whether they are the right fit before committing.
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Instructing a family law solicitor significantly improves your prospects of reaching a fair outcome. Family law involves complex legal and financial considerations, and mistakes made without specialist guidance can be difficult and costly to rectify. Whilst you are not legally required to use a solicitor, professional advice from the outset is strongly recommended.
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Family law costs depend on the complexity of your case and the approach taken. Fixed-fee arrangements are available for straightforward matters such as uncontested divorce, whilst contested financial or children proceedings involve greater time and cost. At your free initial consultation we will provide a clear, transparent estimate based on your circumstances.
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Most family law matters are resolved without a court hearing. Negotiation, mediation, collaborative law and arbitration are all alternatives to litigation, and courts now expect parties to consider these options before issuing proceedings. Court is typically a last resort where agreement cannot be reached or where there are urgent safety concerns.
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Timescales vary depending on the nature of the case and the approach taken. An uncontested divorce takes a minimum of around 26 weeks from application to final order, whilst financial and children disputes can take considerably longer if court proceedings are required. Out-of-court options such as mediation and arbitration are generally faster than litigation.
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Legal separation allows couples to live apart and formalise practical arrangements without legally ending the marriage, whilst divorce legally ends the marriage and allows financial settlements to be made binding through a consent order. Divorce in England and Wales is based solely on no-fault grounds, meaning neither party needs to assign blame for the breakdown of the relationship.
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Financial settlements on divorce require both parties to provide full financial disclosure before assets, including property, pensions, savings and business interests, are divided either by agreement or by the court. Any agreement reached is formalised in a consent order, making it legally binding and enforceable. Early legal advice is important to ensure your financial interests are protected throughout.
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Unmarried cohabiting couples have significantly fewer legal rights than married couples in England and Wales, and there is no such thing as a common law marriage. Your rights to property will depend on your specific circumstances, including whether you are named on the title deeds or have made financial contributions. A cohabitation agreement or declaration of trust, drafted before disputes arise, provides important protection for both parties.
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