Experts in all aspects of Family Law

What is Family Law?

A Family Law dispute can be a very challenging and emotionally-charged situation to find yourself in. Whether it relates to a divorce/separation, disagreements over child arrangements, arguments over the family finances upon separation, or concerns about prenuptial agreements, the scope for potential disputes is broad.

Why choose Pilgrim Hope?

At Pilgrim Hope Solicitors we have expertise in all areas of family law. Family breakdowns can be one of the hardest experiences you’ll ever have to go through.  The decisions you make now could determine your family’s future. Pilgrim Hope Solicitors, Standish, know that it is not always easy to think straight when it seems that everything around you is falling apart. We understand the issues and stresses you’ll experience.  We’ll help you work out the best way forward and negotiate calmly on your behalf.  No matter how hard it gets we’ll stand by you and keep our eyes on the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Areas of Family Law that we can help you with

Amicable separations and divorces

If you’ve already worked out a plan that is agreeable to both parties, then we can help make it legally binding.

Collaborative law

If you want to deal with the issues you’re facing in a non-confrontational way then we can help.

Contested Hearings

If negotiation and mediation isn’t going to work in your situation then we’ll stand up and fight for your rights in Court.

Financial Settlements

Your future depends on an equitable split of your finances so we will make sure that all of the assets are on the table and that the division is done fairly.

Cohabiting and Unmarried Couples

We can also help with disputes between cohabiting and unmarried couples.

Family Law FAQs

You’ll find some of the most frequently asked question about Family Law here in this section. Every situation is different. We offer a free 30 minute discussion with a qualified solicitor where we will be happy to answer your questions.

You cannot issue proceedings until you have been married for at least one year. The ground for divorce is always the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There are 5 alternative facts that can be used to establish that ground, the most common being two year separation with consent, adultery and behaviour.

If both parties agree that the marriage is over, then the process can take between 4-6 months. The negotiation in respect of the division of assets can however take much longer.

The legal system promotes a no order principle, so if the parents can agree the arrangements for where the children will live and when they will see the parent with whom they are not living then the court will generally not interfere.

Generally no, but conduct can be relevant in exceptional circumstances.

Generally a non-working spouse will have rights in respect of maintenance from the working spouse, and an application to the court for maintenance can be made.

No, not without a court order.

Yes, unless there is a court order preventing your return.

Yes, you can apply to the court for a contact order.

Yes, but see below ‘Are the courts bound by a pre-nuptial agreement?’

No, but it can be an important circumstance which the court can take into account in considering the division of assets on the breakdown of the marriage.

Don’t sign anything unless you have taken your own legal advice, don’t rely on what your partner says.

You can apply to the court for protection, to stop your partner coming anywhere near you or contacting you directly (on the telephone) or indirectly (by letter or through a third person). You could even ask the court to remove your violent spouse from your home and prevent them from returning.

You can apply to the court for a prohibited steps order, preventing them from taking the children. What the court decides depends on the individual circumstances.

Whilst there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England & Wales, and cohabitees do not have the same legal rights as spouses or civil partners on separation, you may have a beneficial interest. The beneficial owner is the person who is entitled to benefit from the property. You can have a beneficial interest without your name being on the title. A beneficial interest reflects fairness and contribution, not just whose name is on the paperwork. It is central to resolving property disputes between cohabiting couples.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE AREAS OF FAMILY LAW

Fixed fee divorce solicitors

FIXED FEE DIVORCE

We offer fixed fee divorce packages whether you are the petitioner (requesting the divorce) or the respondent.

Wills and probate soilcitors

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

Pre-nuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding. It’s essential to use an experienced solicitor to meet the demands of the Courts.

Fixed fee divorce solicitors Wigan

CHANGE OF NAME

We can help you through the complex process of legally changing your own or a child’s name. Click the button below to find out more.

Call us to arrange a free 30 minute initial consultation

Call 01257 422 500 8.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 7.00pm on weekends or use the button below to request a callback. You can also email us by using the form on our Contact page.

Call us to arrange a free 30 minute initial consultation

Call 01257 422 500 8.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 7.00pm on weekends or use the button below to request a callback. You can also email us using the form on our Contact page.