At Bryan & Armstrong we provide a complete service covering all aspects of family law

Below you will find some of the common issues which our clients seek advice upon. If you feel that you need our advice and assistance on any of the matters discussed below or any other area of Family Law we can offer a 60 minute appointment where we will provide you with initial advice for £280 + VAT.

Divorce

Deciding that a relationship has irretrievably broken down and that the only recourse is separation or divorce is a hugely unsettling and upsetting process. Our experts are there to make the process as pain-free as they can, while ensuring the interests and well-being of clients and especially their children, are carefully considered. We are able to offer initial advice to assist you in completing the initial divorce papers for £280 + VAT.  The appointment would last up to 30 minutes.

There are often finances which have to be resolved following the breakdown of a relationship. It is not always necessary to proceed to Court to resolve financial matters and when appropriate, we will try to help you reach an agreement through discussion and mediation. We can provide access to an independent mediator where this solution may offer a viable alternative.  We can also offer initial advice, where we can meet with you and your husband/wife to provide general legal information and the options available for £280 + VAT per ‘couple’. Please note that this would not include advice on which is the better option for you.

Unmarried Couples Disputes

The breakdown of any relationship is difficult and to some degree this can be even harder for unmarried couples, as there are often very complex financial problems to be resolved. More often than not there will be a property at the centre of the dispute. We appreciate the difficulties that can arise from this situation and work with you to try and resolve matters as quickly as possible. We can offer initial advice to provide general legal information and the options available for £280 + VAT. 

Starting a new relationship

If you are unmarried and about to live with your partner you may wish to enter into a Cohabitation Agreement to protect your property rights should your relationship be unsuccessful. Whilst we appreciate that bringing up this subject with your partner could be difficult it could also be extremely beneficial to you both. A Cohabitation Agreement can cover matters such as your respective shares in the property, responsibilities for financial payments during your relationship, protection from claims in respect of any other assets you each have etc. Although there  is no guarantee that the Courts would adhere completely to the terms of the Cohabitation Agreement should your relationship break down, it will be of use in explaining your intentions.

If you are thinking of marrying your partner you may wish to enter into a Pre-Nuptial Agreement with them.  This is usually the case where a party to the intended marriage has a greater amount of assets than the other or when an asset has been acquired prior to the marriage. A Pre-Nuptial Agreement is a formal document which confirms what should happen to each party’s assets should the marriage come to an end. As with Pre-Cohabitation Agreements there is no guarantee that the Courts would agree to follow the Agreement should the parties to the marriage apply for a divorce. However, Pre-Nuptial Agreements are becoming more popular within the UK and weight will be given to it provided that its terms are fair.

Arrangements for children

Separation, divorce or the breakdown of a relationship for an unmarried couple all have the potential to cause considerable distress for any children involved. Wherever possible we help negotiate arrangements that not only meet the needs of the children but also provide both parents with the means to adjust to their new situation, without undue disturbance. If you and your ex partner are unable to reach an agreement and if the Courts have to become involved we can offer an initial appointment of £280 + VAT to assist you in completing the initial application to the Court.  This appointment would last for 60 minutes.

We can also provide advice and assistance. This could include providing advice on your prospects of success, assisting you in drafting a statement etc. If further advice and/or assistance is required we will discuss with you our hourly rates thereafter depending on your income. If you need to seek advice from members of our Family Team, please call us on 01623 624505 for more details.

Domestic Violence

Cases involving domestic violence can be highly emotive and require particularly sensitive handling as clients may have endured many years of abuse. We provide advice on options for criminal prosecution, personal protection and protection from harassment.

Legal Aid

We hold a legal aid franchise for family law and will apply for legal aid on your behalf where it is available and you are eligible. Email: jayne.sullivan@bryanandarmstrong.co.uk

Bryan & Armstrong can support you with all aspects of family law, from divorce, domestic abuse, legal aid, unmarried couple disputes, arrangements for children and starting a new relationship