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Family Law

Our dedicated Family Solicitors in Cheshire are on your side and by your side to ensure that you receive straightforward and effective legal advice, suited to the needs of your Family.

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  • No Obligation Telephone Call
  • Resolution Trained Family Mediators
  • Regional & National Award Winners
  • Family Law - Law Society Accreditation
  • Mediation and Collaborative Law Specialists

Family Solicitors in Cheshire

Our Family Law Solicitors have many years’ experience in helping families from all backgrounds to navigate a wide range of legal issues and are sympathetic to the situation in hand.

As a result, we are part of the few law firms able to provide advice on approaches to family issues, which means you can choose the option most suited to your family and circumstances.

In particular, the fact that we are trained in Collaborative Law and mediation means we are committed to deal with complex family disputes in a constructive, non-confrontational manner.

Our Family Law Solicitors are members of Resolution, and the Law Society's Family Law accreditation scheme, a mark of recognition of our expertise in Family Law. Our Head of Department is trained in Collaborative Law and mediation.

When dealing with family matters we also understand that it is important to have affordable options and value for money. That's why Rowlinsons offer different pricing structures that are tailored to your individual needs.

 

Our Family Law services

As a specialist firm of Family Solicitors in Cheshire, Rowlinsons has helped countless individuals to resolve complex family law matters. We provide legal advice and support for both married and unmarried couples, and all other types of families who may be facing legal proceedings for family law issues.

Divorce, Separation and Finances

Whether you are initiating or responding to divorce proceedings, it is important to seek legal advice at an early stage, particularly if there is likely to be a dispute over finances, property or children as this can add complexity.

Breakdown of unmarried relationships

Where you are not married or in a civil partnership and your relationship ends, it can cause a lot of issues, especially as you have no legal right to each other’s property or other assets. Obtaining legal advice is therefore essential, and we can help you prevent future issues with solutions such as cohabitation agreements.

Disputes involving children

Disputes involving children can be extremely sensitive and here at Rowlinsons we understand this.  We also understand the emotional impact on the children and hence their welfare is always at the forefront of our minds.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms and we know how difficult it can be to recognise and to make the decision to reach out for help. We are here to provide the sensitive, practical support you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements, or prenups, are increasingly used by a wide range of couples when getting married as a way to protect their assets and give certainty for the future.

Postnuptial Agreements

Ensuring your interests are protected in case of a relationship breakdown is vital, and you can draft a post nuptial agreement after you marry your spouse. Functionally similar to a prenup, a postnup can give you peace of mind about your finances in the future.

Alternative Family Dispute Resolution

A highly effective non-confrontational option for resolving financial settlements and child arrangements, especially where there are more complex issues to consider. Our team includes qualified family mediators, including Linda Hunter, who holds the highly respected Law Society Family Mediation accreditation.

Separation Agreements

Although not legally binding, separation agreements can be very helpful for couples who do not wish to commit to a divorce or dissolution, or unmarried couples looking to separate.

Financial Matters

During the breakdown of a relationship, the split of assets and finances can be very stressful and should always be approached with the support of specialist legal advice.

  • Lauren Power
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  • Linda Hunter
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What are the key principles of Family Law in the UK?

Family law can become very complex, so it is useful for people going through proceedings in this area to remember that all legislation is tied into a handful of core principles that guide all legal decisions. Both Family Lawyers and family courts will consider these ideals in their decisions and ruling.

Best interests of the child

In all cases involving children, their best interests will be a priority for courts when it comes to an official ruling. Their well-being, safety, and development will be considered when making decisions about custody or other child law matters, as well as their individual relationship with each parent and their emotional needs.

Equitable division of assets

In a relationship breakdown, the equitable division of assets, property, and debt is fundamental, and will not always be equal. Many factors are considered when making a fair decision, such as the duration of the marriage, and the contribution and needs of each spouse.

Promoting family stability

The courts will recognise the importance of maintaining a stable and nurturing family environment, especially in family law cases involving children. The minimisation of conflict and the promotion of healthy co-parenting are a common aim in rulings.

Non-discrimination

Family law strives to be inclusive and fair to all individuals. Regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or other characteristics.

Privacy

As many family law cases involve sensitive personal information, privacy is a principle that must be upheld and respected by all parties.

Legal remedies

Courts and legal professionals will always aim to offer legal remedies to individuals going through family law proceedings to be protected when necessary. These may include restraining orders, support to establish paternity, and the enforcement of court orders.

Understanding these key principles of family law helps individuals navigate the legal system effectively and make informed decisions regarding their family matters. It also highlights the importance of seeking qualified legal advice and representation to ensure their rights and interests are protected throughout the process. As specialist family court solicitors, Rowlinsons is renowned across the UK for their knowledge and experience in family law. Contact us today for an assessment of your case.

 

What pieces of UK law oversee Family Law?

In the United Kingdom, family law is primarily governed by several key pieces of legislation that outline the rights, responsibilities, and procedures related to family matters. The main bits of legislation that oversee family law in the UK include:

Children Act 1989

The Children Act is a fundamental piece of legislation governing child welfare and the rights of children in England and Wales. It emphasises the best interests of the child and provides guidelines for matters such as parental responsibility, child custody, visitation rights, and local authority intervention to protect children, such as social services.

Family Law Act 1996

This act introduced significant reforms to family law in England and Wales. It covers various aspects, including domestic violence, occupation orders (regulating occupation of the family home), non-molestation orders (protecting from harassment or threats), and the enforcement of child custody and access orders.

Civil Partnership Act 2004

This act legalised civil partnerships in the UK, offering legal recognition and rights to same-sex couples. It provides similar legal rights and protections as marriage, including financial matters, property rights, and dissolution procedures.

Adoption and Children Act 2002

This act modernised adoption laws in England and Wales, promoting greater consideration for the welfare of the child. It introduced changes to adoption procedures, including prioritising adoption by relatives and step-parents and recognising the rights of birth parents.

Family Procedure Rules 2010

The Family Procedure Rules establish the procedural framework for family law cases in England and Wales. They outline the processes, forms, and timelines for various family law matters, including relationship breakdowns and childcare arrangements.

It's important to note that family law is a dynamic field, and legislation can change over time as new acts are introduced or existing ones are amended. Therefore, it's crucial to consult up-to-date legal resources and qualified legal professionals for the most accurate and current information on family law in the UK.

 

Why Choose our Family Law Solicitors

We have set out some of the benefits of instructing our Family Department to act on your behalf.

Initial no obligation call

This enables you to understand the options available to you as well as the costs.

Legal advice with service quality guaranteed

We are proud to have achieved both the Law Society’s Lexcel and Family Law accreditations. These are only awarded to those firms who meet the highest management and client care standards and holding the Family Law accreditation recognises our expertise in this area.

Resolution accredited

We are members of Resolution, a national organisation of Family Law Professionals who follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems.

Mediation accredited

Our Head of Department is an accredited Mediator and is also trained in Collaborative Law which demonstrates our dedication to helping couples separate amicably. It means that we are committed to resolving family disputes in a constructive, non- confrontational manner which can be particularly beneficial where children are involved.

Full service Family Department

We are one of only a small number of law firms able to provide advice on either litigation, mediation, or collaborative law. This means we can explain the benefits of each option as well as the process involved and ultimately identify the most suitable option for you and your family. Court proceedings can often be avoided with the support of skilled family solicitors and mediators, saving both stress and money.

A dedicated and experienced Family Law Solicitor

We believe that all of our clients deserve great customer service and you will be advised by a solicitor with specialist knowledge.

Plain language

We will avoid using legal jargon and will communicate with you in a way that meets your individual requirements e.g. email, telephone etc.

 

Contact our Family Law Solicitors

At Rowlinsons we pride ourselves on being friendly, approachable, and passionate about providing the very highest standards of client service. Our extensive knowledge of family law, and hands-on experience on all matters relating to it, give us an outstanding reputation across the UK.

Our Family Law Solicitors in Cheshire have been acting for individuals across the North West and North Wales for years, ensuring amicable resolutions and great results.

By choosing our Family Law team in Frodsham or Runcorn, you will have a professional by your side who will fight to defend your interests in all situations, and always strive to maintain a friendly approach with all parties involved. We can often act for you on a fixed fee basis for family law services, so you are always aware of the costs involved from the outset.

We always aim to reach an amicable, quick resolution for all parties involved. However, you can rest assured that we will fight for you in any type of litigation when necessary. The Family Law team at Rowlinsons has years of hands-on experience in helping clients through complex court cases - and getting them the results they deserve.

We regularly help clients throughout the Northwest region including St Helens, Widnes, Warrington, Chester, and Northwich. We are able to act for clients right across England and Wales, so talk to our team today.

Contact us for an initial no obligation call or click here for a call back. We also have meeting facilities in North Wales for Family Law clients.