Family Law
Family Law Solicitors
Family law deals with what happens when a relationship ends: divorce or dissolution, dividing money and property, arrangements for children and protection from domestic abuse. This guide explains the main areas and how to find a family law solicitor in England and Wales.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
Overview
What this area covers
Family law deals with the legal side of relationships between partners, and between parents and children. Most people come to it at a difficult moment: a marriage or civil partnership is ending, parents disagree about where children will live, or someone needs protection from a partner or relative.
In England and Wales the rules differ depending on whether you are married, in a civil partnership or living together. Married couples and civil partners have wider financial claims against each other when they separate. Unmarried couples generally have to rely on property and trust law, which is narrower and often comes as a surprise.
- Financial order
- A court order setting out how money, property and pensions are divided after divorce or dissolution. Without one, financial claims can remain open.
- Consent order
- A financial order drawn up from terms both people have agreed, then sent to the court for approval.
- MIAM
- A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. In most cases you must attend one before applying to court about finances or children.
Common situations
When you may need a family law solicitor
- You and your partner have decided to separate and there is a home, savings or pension to divide.
- Your former partner has proposed a financial settlement and you are unsure whether it is fair.
- You cannot agree how much time your children will spend with each parent.
- You have received court papers about divorce, finances or children.
- You are planning to marry or move in together and want to protect assets you already own.
- You feel unsafe at home and need to understand what protection is available.
The solicitor’s role
How a family law solicitor can help
A family solicitor explains your legal position, helps you gather financial information, and negotiates on your behalf. Many matters are resolved by agreement, sometimes with the help of mediation, and a solicitor can then draw up that agreement so it can be approved by the court and become legally binding.
Where agreement is not possible, a solicitor can prepare and run court applications, instruct a barrister if needed and represent you at hearings.
The process
How a divorce usually progresses
England and Wales has had ‘no-fault’ divorce since April 2022. The divorce itself and the financial arrangements are separate processes that usually run alongside each other.
- 1
Application
One or both of you apply online, stating that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. No one has to be blamed.
- 2
Reflection period
A minimum waiting period applies before you can apply for the conditional order, giving time to agree arrangements.
- 3
Conditional order
The court confirms it sees no reason you cannot divorce. Financial agreements are often finalised around this stage.
- 4
Final order
After a further waiting period, the final order legally ends the marriage. Advice is often to have a financial order in place first.
Costs
What does a family law solicitor cost?
Family solicitors commonly charge hourly rates, though some offer fixed fees for defined pieces of work such as an uncontested divorce application or drafting a consent order. Costs rise significantly if a financial or children matter goes to a contested court hearing.
Legal aid for family matters is limited, but may be available in some cases involving domestic abuse or child protection, subject to eligibility. Ask any firm you contact whether it offers legal aid.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- Your marriage or civil partnership certificate, if relevant
- A rough list of assets and debts, including property, savings, pensions and loans
- Recent payslips or accounts, and pension statements
- Any letters or court documents you have received
- A short timeline of the relationship and key dates
- What you would like to happen, particularly for children
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
Look for a solicitor who regularly handles the issue you face. Complex pensions, business assets, an international element and disputes about children all call for particular experience. Some solicitors are also trained mediators or collaborative lawyers, which can suit couples who want to settle without court.
It is reasonable to ask how the firm charges, who will do the day-to-day work and how often you can expect updates.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find family law solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle family law matters, then compare their profiles.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
Frequently asked questions
Do we both need solicitors?
A solicitor can only act for one of you. Many couples each take independent advice, even where they agree, so that each understands the settlement before it is finalised.
Does divorce automatically deal with our finances?
No. The divorce ends the marriage. A separate financial order is needed to settle money and property and to prevent future claims.
We were never married. Do we have the same rights?
Generally not. Unmarried partners do not have the same financial claims as spouses. Disputes usually turn on who owns property and what was agreed or contributed, so early advice is useful.
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.