What is Family Law?

Family law covers a large range of situations, whether you have been married for a number of years, just cohabiting or need assistance with access to see your children Wayman & Loing are here to help.

Mediation and Negotiation

Where the issues concern only family members, the normal course of action is for all parties to be brought together to discuss the case, a mediator helping to guide all to a conclusion. Hopefully it will be possible to come to an agreement, but if not then it would be necessary to argue the case before the courts, and for that, you may need legal representation.

Our team of Family Law solicitors represent clients in all types of family matters including divorce, co-habitee disputes, residence and contact, child care, financial matters and ownership of property, ancillary relief, non-molestation orders and occupation orders.

Legal Separation Agreements

Not all couples opt to divorce, instead deciding to live separately. Judicial separation (using formal Court proceedings) is one avenue, the other being a separation agreement. This needs to be prepared by a legal adviser, as it needs to set out the terms of their financial agreements and all living arrangements, access to children etc. Such agreements are not always fully legally binding, but they do provide as much security and certainty as is possible.

Divorce Proceedings

This is the route most often taken when marriages break down. Despite what you see on TV, the divorce process does not need to be hostile or aggressive. If both parties are willing to enter into civilised discussions on such matters of the division of property, child custody,guardianship, how any debts are to be dealt with. Our aim is to help parting couples, offering supportive solution and a civilised end to an unhappy situation.

Children and Family Law

Whenever there is a marital or family breakdown, it is the children that are most always badly affected. This is where a family lawyer is often needed to ensure that the necessary advice on such subjects as, where any children live, who a child sees and when (Child Arrangement Orders - formerly residence and contact orders). In fact any matter that relate to a child’s upbringing.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is something that no one should be subject too. It does not matter whether the abuse is verbal, physical or simply falls into the category of harassment, it can blight lives. We offer support to any party, and where necessary will help you seek the protection of the Courts.

Cohabitation

Many couples decide to live together without the legal tie of marriage. However, this does not mean that the breakdown of these relationships will be straightforward. There are still liable to be legal issues, particularly over money and property rights.

This fact is unknown to many cohabiting couples. We help in two ways, one by advising couples to set up any necessary wills and agreements whilst all parties are happy, and when things break down, by helping any party obtain what they believe they are due.

Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Partnerships

We offer full support for same sex couples, and those in civil partnerships, emphasising equal opportunities laws. Whether you need help on pre-registration agreements, the effect of registering a civil partnership, any issues regarding children, or dissolving a partnership, we can offer understanding as well as sympathetic advice.