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Family Law Solicitors in Newark

Legal issues affecting your family are often some of the hardest to deal with emotionally, as well as having the potential to become time consuming and expensive if not handled correctly.

Our highly experienced family law solicitors in Newark offer sympathetic but practical advice and support designed to make it as easy as possible to resolve your family law matters. Whether you are getting divorced, separating, need a pre-nuptial agreement or cohabitation agreement, or are experiencing any other issues related to family law, we have the expertise you need to achieve a positive result.

Chattertons’ family law team includes a number of solicitors with decades of experience across all areas of family law. Many of our team are members of Resolution, an organisation committed to promoting a non-confrontational approach to family law. We aim to minimise the conflict involved in resolving family disputes.

For help with any area of family law in Newark or throughout Lincolnshire, contact our family lawyers in Newark now by calling 01636 673731 or requesting a call back.

Our family law services in Newark

We offer a comprehensive legal service for families in Newark and throughout Lincolnshire. No matter what legal issues you are facing, we offer sensitive, practical advice and support, ensuring you and your loved ones’ interests stay protected at all times.

Our family law solicitors’ expertise includes:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Arrangements for children
  • Financial settlements
  • Divorce and business assets
  • Cohabitation agreements
  • Pre and post-nuptial agreements
  • Civil partnerships and dissolution
  • Independent financial advice via Chattertons Wealth Management

Clients often ask us……

Do I have to go to court to resolve my financial claims arising from divorce?

Most couples don’t need to go to court but mange to agree their financial settlement, leading to an Order by consent being submitted for the Court’s approval. Sometimes we will suggest mediation, which allows you to agree the details of your financial settlement with the help of a trained mediator.

Are pre-nuptial agreements legally binding?

While pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements are not currently legally binding in the UK, they will normally be accepted as carrying weight by the Court as long as they are prepared in a way that meets best practice guidelines. This includes both parties having had independent legal advice before signing and being under no pressure to sign.

What are the grounds for divorce?

There are 5 accepted facts on which a Petitioner in a divorce can rely:

  • Adultery (not currently applicable to same sex marriages)
  • Unreasonable behaviour
  • Desertion
  • Living apart for more than 2 years (if both partners agree to the divorce)
  • Living apart for more than 5 years (even if one partner does not agree to the divorce)

What counts as unreasonable behaviour?

Unreasonable behaviour is the most commonly cited reason for someone wanting to issue a divorce petition. It essentially means that your spouse has behaved in such a way as to mean you can no longer reasonably be expected to live with them.

Examples of unreasonable behaviour include physical or verbal abuse, drunkenness, refusing to contribute financially, refusing to have sex with you and failing to provide emotional support.

What rights do unmarried couples have during separation?

Many people believe unmarried couples have rights under “common law” if they have lived together for long enough. This is not true however, and unmarried couples have no automatic right to each other’s property or other assets if they separate. This is why creating a cohabitation agreement is strongly recommended as it can protect both parties in the event that you later separate.

Contact our family law solicitors in Newark

If you are going through a divorce or separation, need advice about cohabiting, are considering a pre-nuptial agreement, or need help with any other area of family law in Newark or throughout Lincolnshire, our experienced team can help.

Get in touch with our family lawyers in Newark now by calling 01636 673731 or requesting a call back.