Why are prenuptial agreements more relevant after the budget?
Nuptial agreements (prenuptial entered into prior to the marriage and post nuptial during the...
Here at Roythornes, we know that family life may not always go according to plan. Our experienced family law solicitors in Nottingham offer expert representation across a full range of issues, including divorce, financial settlements and arrangements for children. We also deal with non-contentious matters, including pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements.
Widely recognised as a leading provider of family law advice and services, you can count on our team to protect your interests. As well as exceptional legal understanding, we have a reputation for providing outstanding client care. We understand that you may be going through a difficult time and our team members will be sympathetic and helpful. We will stay in close contact throughout and make sure that we are available to answer your questions as needed.
We routinely take on complex and high-value cases, including divorces involving business interests, agricultural assets and estates and land. We also undertake work involving marriages which may have taken place overseas.
We always work to resolve matters with a minimum of conflict, including using alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation. Where necessary, we will prepare the strongest possible case for court and ensure you have robust representation from a specialist family law advocate.
If you need help with family law in Nottingham, please contact our Nottingham office.
Our Nottingham family lawyers assist with:
- Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
- Matrimonial finance
- Cohabitation agreements and disputes
- Asset protection and tax mitigation
- Parental responsibility
- Paternity disputes
- Separation and divorce
- Pension and property advice
- Inheritance Act claims
- Children Act proceedings
- Injunctions
- Civil partnership disputes
- Overseas divorce
- Overseas assets
Tailored advice from local family law solicitors in Nottingham
Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
If you are planning on marrying, a pre-nuptial agreement can help you and your partner enter into this new phase of your lives on an open and honest footing. The agreement can contain details of how financial and other matters will be dealt with between you, both during the marriage and if it should end.
You will both need to make full financial disclosure to each other before the document is drafted. You can decide how you would split your assets if this was ever necessary, meaning the situation could be less acrimonious if you were to divorce.
Making a pre-nuptial agreement can give you a level of financial reassurance and reduce conflict and misunderstandings. Our team can advise you of the clauses you could include and work to ensure that you have the security you need for the future.
If you are already married, you can consider a post-nuptial agreement. This is a similar agreement but it is made during a marriage.
Issues that can be included in a pre- or post-nuptial agreement include:
- How bills will be dealt with
- How property will be split if you separate
- How other assets will be shared
- Who will be responsible for debts, including debts incurred during the marriage
- What will happen if one party receives an inheritance
- What provisions will be made for children
- How business interests will be dealt with
If you have been offered a pre-nuptial agreement to sign, we can provide the independent advice you need before you sign it.
Separation and divorce
If you are separating or considering a divorce, we can advise you of your rights and take steps to protect your interests. If you intend to remain married but want to separate, we can draft a separation agreement to give you some financial certainty.
We can also support you through the divorce process and ensure that other issues are dealt with as necessary, including a financial agreement and arrangements for children.
Matrimonial finance
If you are divorcing or obtaining a civil partnership dissolution, it is essential to deal with financial matters at the same time. Without a financial order in place, your former spouse or civil partner could make a claim against you long into the future.
We can provide robust representation to ensure that you have the financial package you need to adequately support you.
We will negotiate on your behalf to try and agree on a separation of assets. Where necessary, we can support you through alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration.
If it is not possible to reach a resolution any other way, we can take your case to court, ensuring you are represented by an expert financial settlement advocate.
Children Act proceedings
The hardest part of dealing with a separation is often making arrangements for children. Our Nottingham family lawyers understand this and have many years of experience in helping couples deal with this difficult issue.
We can suggest solutions to help you put a new schedule in place and negotiate with your former spouse’s solicitors to try and agree on new arrangements.
Where necessary, we can guide you through the mediation process. It is generally a legal requirement to at least consider mediation before you approach the court unless domestic violence is an issue. A mediator will help you and your former partner explore different options and hopefully find the right solution for your family.
If mediation is not successful or you go to an initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) but decide not to pursue mediation, then we can ask the court to make a child arrangements order.
In deciding what order to make, the court will always prioritise the child’s best interests. It will take into account the criteria on the welfare checklist, as set out in the Children Act 1989, as follows:
- The wishes and feelings of the child in the light of their age and understanding
- Their physical, emotional and educational needs
- The likely effect on them of any change in their circumstances
- Their age, sex, background and any other relevant characteristics
- Any harm they have suffered or are at risk of suffering
- How capable each parent is of meeting the child’s needs
- The powers available to the court
In dealing with your case, the court is likely to ask the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) to advise it. Cafcass will work with you and your family to provide a report to the court to assist it in making a decision.
Our family law solicitors’ fees
We will always make sure that you have a clear idea of the costs from the outset, as well as regular updates throughout, and we will check that you are happy to go ahead before incurring any expenses.
For more information about fees or for a quote, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
Why choose Roythornes’ family law solicitors in Nottingham?
Our team of family law solicitors in Nottingham has garnered a reputation for delivering a first-class legal service time and time again.
We understand how challenging a family dispute can be, particularly where children are concerned. That’s why our priority will always be to secure a safe and comfortable future for your family, no matter what your circumstances.
If you are facing a breakdown in your relationship, it’s essential to obtain advice as early as possible to protect your interests. At Roythornes, our family lawyers are equipped with the expertise and experience necessary to provide advice tailored to your unique situation. When it comes to financial matters, we will ensure that disputes are resolved in a cost-proportionate manner and that a fair and reflective outcome is achieved.
When you instruct one of our family solicitors, we will always take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your individual needs. With a sensitive but determined approach, we will work to find a solution that suits you.
As well as divorce and separation, our Nottingham family lawyers proudly assist couples to plan ahead. Whether you are preparing for marriage or purchasing a property, our specialist team will ensure that your assets are safe and that you have the financial security you need for the future.
Get in touch with our family law solicitors in Nottingham
If you need help with family law in Nottingham and the local area, please contact our Nottingham office.
