Familial relationships can be complicated, and unfortunately, issues can arise which require legal intervention. This is where family law services are required, which is a branch of law focused on family matters and domestic disputes.
The intention of family law is to ensure the rights and responsibilities of family members, especially when children are involved, are protected during relationship breakdowns or domestic disputes.
At Brown Turner Ross, we specialise in family law, and we have provided legal guidance for families facing domestic issues across Liverpool. Throughout the time we have offered our support, we have recognised just how important family law is.
We understand the unique challenges faced by those residing in Liverpool and have spent years ensuring that we are able to meet these challenges.
In this guide, we will provide you with a better understanding of what family law is and its importance. Read on to find out more.
Family Law Solicitors UK: What’s Covered?
Law firms offering specialist family law services cover a range of legal matters, including:
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Family law is instrumental in ensuring fairness, equal rights and peace of mind in marriages and civil partnerships. It covers important topics such as finances, property, inheritance tax and even parental rights to ensure that you and your family protect your interests.
If you are looking to get a prenuptial agreement before you get married, a family law solicitor will also provide support and help the two parties decide on terms and conditions that are favourable, beneficial and fair for all involved.
Divorce and Separation
Family law solicitors provide legal aid during difficult situations such as divorce and separation. They will help the party requesting the divorce complete the necessary documentation, or, if a joint application is filed, provide advice on the division of assets, property, pensions, and savings so that all parties receive what they are entitled to.
If you consult a family solicitor, they will negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive what you have a legal right to.
Child Arrangements and Custody
If you’ve gone through a breakup, want to take guardianship of a relative, or need help securing custody of your child, a family law solicitor can assist. They will handle arrangements and manage Child Arrangement Orders, focusing on the child’s welfare and ensuring they are placed in the best possible care.
Financial Settlements
Family lawyers are instrumental in encouraging fair results in financial settlements. They provide sound legal advice, help you negotiate asset division, and ensure full financial disclosure throughout the settlement. Once an agreement has been reached, they will draft legally binding documents, known as consent orders, to ensure the agreed settlement is met.
If an agreement cannot be met, family lawyers can also represent clients in court.
Domestic Abuse and Protective Orders
Family law solicitors will be there to offer you the support you need and guide you through the complex legal process of applying for injunctions against your abuser.
Family law professionals will help ensure your safety, address potential financial issues and legal separation, and guide you through collecting evidence and fighting for child custody, so you can focus on recovering from the ordeal and rebuilding your life.
How the Process of Consulting a Family Solicitor Works
If you feel you need support with any of the situations we have outlined above, it may be time to seek the help of an expert family lawyer. We always recommend taking the time to research solicitors before you work with them, as not all solicitors are the same. It is important to work with someone you think will represent you well.
As family law solicitors in Liverpool, we will always suggest that you work with a local solicitor who knows your area and has strong local legal connections, as they will offer the best representation.
Once you find the right solicitor for your case, you should expect the following process:
Initial Consultation
This meeting is a confidential discussion where you are able to outline your situation. The solicitor you meet with will be able to gather more information about your case, and once they have all the details, they will advise you on your rights and the possible outcomes of the case.
During your consultation, the solicitor will outline the expected timelines of your case and provide a clear breakdown of any fees you should expect. It is at this point that you can decide whether or not you wish to proceed with the case with that specific solicitor, and it is important to note that you are under no obligation to accept their counsel.
Non-Court Dispute Resolution
If you wish to proceed with the solicitor that you have initially consulted with, Non-Court Dispute Resolution will be considered. This is the stage where you are guided through the steps to take before starting family court proceedings, with the aim of reducing conflict, minimising costs, and determining whether a settlement can be reached through Alternative Dispute Resolution, such as family mediation.
Non-Court Dispute Resolution is based on cooperative problem-solving, hoping to resolve the issue without having to go to court.
Filing Court Documents
If a solution cannot be reached outside of court, court proceedings must begin, and this starts with filing applications. This could be a request for divorce, child arrangements or injunctions. A family solicitor will ensure that you file the correct documentation with accurate information and send out an official petition on your behalf.
Hearings and Orders
Once your case has been taken to court, you will then need to go through a series of hearings. These include:
First Appointment
This initial hearing is intended to introduce the case, identify the issues and set a timeline for evidence. The family law solicitor that you have chosen to work with will prepare you for this hearing, outlining everything you need to disclose to the courts and what you can expect from the first appointment.
Subsequent Hearings
The number of hearings you may have to attend following the first appointment is dependent on the complexity of your case and the cooperation of all involved parties. The aim is to ensure any evidence required to determine the issues has been obtained and to assist the parties in reaching a satisfactory conclusion.
Final Hearings
These hearings are crucial for fact-finding and piecing together the evidence presented, and a family law solicitor will work diligently to ensure they are representing their client well and protecting their client’s well-being throughout the case.
Once evidence has been examined, a judge will provide a judgment and make an order. This decision is full and final and must be followed by those involved in the case.
Enforcement of Orders
Once court proceedings have come to an end, your family law solicitor will clarify what the court has ordered, and these orders will then be enforced. Enforcement may take the form of seizing assets, removing custody, debt recovery, or even filing for bankruptcy; it all depends on the nature of your case.
How Brown Turner Ross Can Help With Your Family Law Matters
At Brown Turner Ross, we have over 100 years of experience in providing dedicated family law services in Liverpool, and we have the expertise and commitment to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Some of the reasons you should consider working with us include:
Expertise in Liverpool Family Law
We have been providing sound legal advice across Liverpool for 135 years, and in that time, many of our team members are from the area. This gives us an insight that many solicitors may lack, and we understand the complex socio- and economic circumstances experienced by those living in the city.
We maintain strong connections with local courts, which give us a deeper understanding of what our clients can expect during court proceedings.
Personalised Support
We understand no two cases are the same, and we do not take a sweeping approach to our cases; we tailor our services to every client to ensure they are getting the representation they deserve. This is why we are such a popular option for those in the Merseyside area, as we really do take the time to tailor our service to each case.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
We would rather our clients resolve cases before resorting to litigation, and we strongly advocate that all our clients participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution. We believe that Alternative Dispute Resolution is the best way to avoid unnecessary emotional distress, save money and find closure faster.
We have years of experience in providing Alternative Dispute Resolution with success and can mediate ADR for you.
Brown Turner Ross: Legal Aid Family Law Solicitors
We hope to have provided more insight into family law services in Liverpool, including how they can support you and what to expect if your case goes to court. We have years of experience in providing legal guidance and support in Liverpool and we are available to help new clients.
Contact the Brown Turner Ross team today if you have any legal questions or are looking for legal advice and assistance.