Our family solicitors have experience in the whole range of complications surrounding relationship breakdowns including divorce, separation, domestic violence, child access, child residence and international abduction. These are things we expect to happen to other people. These issues are a common occurrence.
The Office of National Statistics has said that divorce rates may become close to 1 in 2 if current patterns continue and for co habiting couples the risk of breakdown and separation is even greater.
Stephensons family solicitors offer free weekday early morning or evening appointments or free initial telephone advice calls. At Stephensons we offer our expertise to clients from all income levels and are one of the few firms in the country to offer a full range of funding that includes fixed fee divorces and legal aid.
We have one of the largest family teams in the North West, comprising more than 35 specialists across our five North West offices (Leigh, St Helens, Wigan, Bolton and Manchester). Our family specialists are members of Resolution, The Law Society’s Children Panel and The Law Society’s Family Law Panel.
We are one of the few law firms that have the strength in depth to handle every type of case from the most straightforward divorce to distressing situations involving children or complex financial affairs. We have close links with specialist barristers, forensic accountants, independent financial advisors, surveyors, actuaries and counsellors who can, where necessary, provide additional support and assistance.
Our specialist family solicitors are held in the highest regard by the Legal 500 and the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession. “The team gives it all, no matter how large or small the case” The Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession.
Areas of specialism
Our family solicitors have experience in all aspects of divorce law. Whether you are considering taking the difficult step of beginning divorce proceedings or your spouse has issued proceedings against you, we are here to help and advise you at this difficult time. Our solicitors can assist you with the whole divorce procedure Stephensons can take care of the divorce settlement including the personal and financial aspects that arise, such as dividing your house, belongings and business interests, and ensuring fair contact with your children.
Disputes concerning children
When children are involved, their welfare has to take priority. Our family solicitors can assist with child custody during a divorce, contact/access rights, residence and other disputes concerning children on behalf of parents or other family members. Also, we are firm believers in finding amicable resolutions where possible, to minimise the impact on children during a divorce or separation.
A marriage breakdown often leads to disputes over property and finance. Taking into consideration your overall financial situation, our family solicitors can fight for your share or defend your rights over your home and other important assets. We are experts in ancillary relief. We have vast experience in negotiating settlements in cases with limited assets and cases where the claims are substantial or complex, involving, for example, pensions and family-owned businesses.
Unmarried / Co-habitating couples (agreements & separation)
Our specialist solicitors can offer advice to couples planning to or already living together. We can prepare agreements setting out your rights and responsibilities early on in the relationship. Such arrangements not only ensure the greatest legal rights, they also help to minimise arguments and settle differences in the unfortunate event of relationship breakdown. In the event of an unmarried relationship breakdown we can help take care of the personal and financial aspects that arise.
Pre-nuptial agreements
Our family solicitors can provide you with specialist advice when preparing a pre-nuptial agreement. These agreements set out the interests of couples and their intentions as to how assets should be divided in the event of the marriage coming to an end. Whilst the agreements are not enforceable in English law the courts appear to be giving them greater acceptance and recent case law shows that the courts seem to be giving a lot of weight to the agreements reached between the parties prior to marriage.
Civil partnerships
Stephensons' family solicitors have acted for same sex couples and we are able to offer specialist advice. Whether you need advice prior to entering into a civil partnership or following the breakdown of your relationship, we are able to help you.
Relationship breakdowns can, on occasion, become hostile and involve violence or the threat of it to one of the parties or children involved. In this worst case scenario, our specialist solicitors can arrange emergency protection, by means of a Non-molestation order protecting your safety or an occupation order, banning your partner from your home.
Child abduction
Stephensons is one of the few firms with solicitors that specialises and can assist you with this complex and emotional area of law. We have experience of international child abductions.
Stephensons have specialist solicitors in collaborative practice. This is a new way of resolving family law matters in the most amicable way possible including divorce, separation and parenting disputes. It is a good option for people who want to avoid the uncertainties of the court based system and it allows clients to benefit from expert legal advice without risking the threat of court action during negotiations. Both partners and their lawyers work together to find the best solutions through discussion and face to face meetings.
Change of name deeds
We can offer a specialist service in this area. From the preparation of uncontested and straightforward change of name deeds to applications to the court to change the name of a child or, to oppose a change of name that has taken place without consent.
