Family Law
Before getting married or entering into a civil partnership, a couple will often look to protect their wealth and assets by means of a Pre-Marital/Pre-Nuptial or Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement. This is particularly the case for a second or subsequent marriage.
Couples need to consider the possibility that their spouse or partner may die before them. We can advise you on using your Will and other structures to ensure your spouse or partner is looked after and that assets can still be passed on to any children.
If a relationship ends, you will need clear, friendly and pragmatic advice about options for divorce, separation, financial issues and arrangements for children. We can help guide you through this difficult time to achieve a resolution through negotiation, traditional litigation, mediation or collaborative law.
What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative law (also called collaborative practice, divorce, or family law) is a legal process enabling couples who have decided to separate or end their marriage to work with their lawyers (and, occasionally, other family professionals) in order to avoid the uncertain outcome of court and to achieve a settlement that best meets the specific needs of both parties and their children, without the underlying threat of court proceedings. The voluntary process is initiated when the couple signs a contract (called the “participation agreement”), binding each other to the process and disqualifying their respective lawyer’s right to represent either one in any future family related litigation.
The collaborative process can be used to settle a broad range of additonal family issues, including disputes between parents and the drawing up of pre and post-marital contracts. The traditional method of drawing up pre-marital contracts is oppositional, and many couples prefer to begin their married life on a better footing where documents are drawn up consensually and together.
Our expertise includes:
Karen Phillips
