Welcome to our Legal Pages.

We are very aware that there is a lot of information on the web relating to family law. Not all of it is accurate or helpful. We aim to provide you with information that is prepared by professional solicitors and to direct you towards solicitors in your area who can help with whatever issue you face.

The Directory of Trusted Family Solicitors allows you to search for a Family Lawyer in your area who can best represent you and your family. We ask all solicitors listed in the Directory to say whether they practice Collaborative Law (see below for definition) and all are members of Resolution, an organisation committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. We also have a Family Law Expert and Divorce Lawyer on our Panel of Experts, you can ask them a question directly, it is anonymous and free.

Many separating couples need help through this process, so we have added Factsheets on various aspects of Family Law which will help you gain a little more knowledge as you go through the process. Being an "informed client" can help you issue the right instructions to your solicitor and ensure you keep an understanding of what is going on during what can be a stressful process.

Divorce and Separation is a difficult business at every level. You may need some professional support. We have a Directory of Counsellors all of whom are qualified and experienced in working with clients going through divorce or separation.  We also have a Relationship Expert on our Panel of Experts, you can ask them a question at any time, it is anonymous and free.

When children are involved it gets more complicated and even more necessary to get things sorted out so that the best interests of the child/children are put first. In many cases a Mediator (see below for definition) can be a great help in achieving that.  The Directory of Mediators will help you find one in your area and you can ask our Mediation Expert on our Panel of Experts a question at any time, it is free and anonymous.

We also have a growing library of articles written by Resolution members on a range of topics as well as a series of legal fact sheets.

Definitions

Collaborative family law is a new, non-confrontational approach to resolving issues arising out of family or relationship breakdown. The collaborative process is based on open and honest discussions during which each client is supported by his/her own trained collaborative lawyer. The clients and their lawyers work together in a series of meetings without the threat of court proceedings, to find a fair and mutually acceptable solution.

Family mediation can be used to sort out a variety of family disputes.  Its most common use to help separating or divorcing couples make their own arrangements for the future.  Mediation provides an informal setting for those involved to talk through their problems and concerns, and gives them control over decision making.  Mediation can offer a wider range of options than is available through the courts.

The mediator will help the parties to explore all possible options and find solutions that both parties agree on. Mediation is a process that can work for you at any stage of a separation even when court proceedings have started.