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Relationships begin, change and unfortunately sometimes end, and during this time children’s needs evolve and financial responsibilities can shift. In all of this, a Family Solicitor is there to protect your interests and guide you through the legal next steps with clarity and care.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!If you’re wondering what a family solicitor actually covers, this guide sets out the main areas, so that you know when to seek help, what to expect and how Wayman & Long can support you every step of the way.
A core part of family law is arranging the end of a marriage or civil partnership in a way that’s legally binding but fairly implemented. Your solicitor will handle the divorce or dissolution application on your behalf (dissolution only applies if you’ve been married or in a civil partnership for under a year).
They will also manage deadlines and generally keep the process moving. However, the paperwork is only part of the story, and most of the important decisions will sit around finances and arrangements for your children (if applicable). A good solicitor will also keep matters focused and support with de-escalating heightened situations.
Financial arrangements are often the most time-consuming element of a divorce. A family solicitor will help you to gather disclosure (the full picture of assets, income and debts), advise on likely outcomes and negotiate terms that meets your needs and are fair in the eyes of the law.
Typical issues include: deciding on the sale of your family home, who will own joint buy-to-let properties, where to distribute savings and investments, separating business interests, whether pensions should be shared, and also provide advise on short or longer-term maintenance payments.
Once an agreement is reached, your solicitor will draft a consent order, which is vital for making the agreement binding and preventing future claims, and will deal with any necessary implementation steps.
When parents separate, decisions about children should be guided by their welfare. A family solicitor helps you to agree on where a child will live, the time they are going to spend with each parent and how major decisions (school, health, religion) are made.
If reaching an agreement proves to be difficult, your solicitor can mediate, or assist with arranging an external mediator. They can also advise on Specific Issue Orders (to resolve a particular decision, such as school choice) and Prohibited Steps Orders (to prevent certain actions such as relocation or changing the child’s name).
Where safety is a concern, swift protective action may be necessary. Your solicitor can apply for a Non-Molestation Order (to prevent harassment, threats or violence) and an Occupation Order (regulating who lives in the home).
Beyond the applications themselves, a solicitor will help with safety planning and co-ordinate with other agencies where appropriate, and set out next steps for longer-term stability.
Not married? The law treats cohabiting couples differently. A family solicitor can prepare a cohabitation agreement to record who owns what and how equity and belongings will be handled.
If you separate, a formal separation agreement can set out property and financial terms in a clear, practical way, which is particularly helpful if you’re not ready (or able) to sell immediately. In situations where a child lives primarily with one parent, your solicitor can advise on Schedule 1 matters, which cover a child’s housing or financial needs.
Disputes sometimes involve travel, relocation, holiday arrangements or moving abroad. A family solicitor can advise on permission with regards to relocation and how the court approaches international travel where consent is disputed.
Where urgent cross-border issues arise, your solicitor co-ordinates with specialists (for example, in cases engaging the Hague Convention) to protect children and make sure that any orders can be recognised and enforced.
This is for individuals and couples who are still together but are considering long-term options. Pre and postnuptial agreements don’t remove the court’s discretion, but they carry significant weight if: they are fair, both parties had disclosure and advice, and the agreement meets essential needs. A family law solicitor will ensure that the document is properly negotiated and carefully drafted so that it will improve the chances of it being honoured if you ever separate.
Some families choose to grow through adoption, which has its own legal framework. A family solicitor will guide you through consents, parental orders and the documentation that the court requires. They can also prepare change of name deeds where appropriate and advise on the practical implications.
If the local authority becomes involved due to safeguarding concerns, early legal advice is essential. A solicitor will help you to understand the process, prepare you for meetings (including child protection conferences), and support you through pre-proceedings or, if issued, care proceedings. The aim is to make sure that your voice is heard and that decisions remain focused on the child’s best interests.
At Wayman & Long, we understand that this can be a stressful and emotional time and we outline our way of working simply, so that you know what to expect:
The earlier that you understand your rights and options, the more choices that you will have, and the easier it will be to resolve matters constructively. Early advice can prevent small problems becoming unmanageable ones. Consider speaking to a solicitor if:
Family issues are personal and you need legal advice that is calm, clear and firmly on your side. At Wayman & Long we combine our practical expertise with a compassionate approach. We prioritise the route with the best outcome, act decisively where necessary, and adapt our service to your family’s needs; keeping the process as straightforward as the circumstances allow.
If you’re facing a family law issue, or simply want to protect your position before anything becomes contentious, get in touch with our team on 01787 277375 or book in a consultation here. Let us help you to take the right next step with confidence.
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