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Family Law

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Family law deals primarily with the relationships between family members, and the issues that they may face over time.

Perhaps the most common subject matter for family lawyers is divorce. The divorce process can be relatively straightforward for some however it can be an extraordinarily difficult period for others, causing significant financial and emotional stress.

When it comes to dividing the family assets, this can sometimes take months or even years depending on the complexity of the case and the behaviour of the parties involved.

One commonly asked question is what constitutes a matrimonial asset. To sum it up, all assets owned by married parties, whether jointly or individually, will be classified as matrimonial assets, regardless of when they were obtained. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, assets acquired before marriage or after separation might be excluded from the pool of assets to be divided. However this is only after the basic needs of the parties are considered and this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to establish which assets will need to be divided.

The other major dispute many couples face is with regard to the children – especially if they are very young. Agreeing on child arrangements such as maintenance or contact can be challenging. There’s no hard and fast rule about which parent a child should live with, and more and more parents are reaching tailored arrangements that suit their specific family situations. At times, sensitive issues such as DNA testing or even child abduction may need to be addressed. A good family lawyer will understand this and seek to settle matters in a way that all parties can agree on. No one wants their divorce to end up going through the court system, but should the worst happen it is vital you are fully prepared, and armed with the knowledge you need to move forward and the confidence that your lawyer will represent you fairly.

Family law also covers many other subject matters. Perhaps you are just looking for advice on marriage or civil partnerships, or for someone to discuss the pros and cons of a prenuptial agreement with. From assistance with adoption and fostering, to co-habitation rights and property settlements, family law is a very wide area.

Family lawyers are a vital part of the legal system, often going far beyond their remit and straying into the realm of counsellors. They understand the importance of listening, and that sometimes just being a shoulder to cry on or a person to vent at can be just as essential as providing solid legal advice. Using ReviewSolicitors, you can find the right solicitor for your legal issue.

Still have questions? Why not ask them below or search for a solicitor at the top of this page.

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