DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW

OUR PRACTICE

Divorce or the breakdown of a relationship can be a highly charged, emotionally draining and stressful time. Financial issues, or arrangements in relation to children, can be complex. Inevitably, there will be a significant financial impact on both parties. There will be many questions that need answering, from the divorce process itself to issues relating to resolving the matrimonial finances and dealing with contact with the child(ren) of the family.  As a family law firm, we recognise the importance of finding the right family law solicitor for you at such a time, be they based in London or elsewhere in the UK

Sensitive, understanding and cost aware

As a divorce law firm, our divorce and family law solicitors are sensitive to your needs and understand that your issues are unique to your set of circumstances. They are mindful that, whatever your situation, the legal costs of divorce can escalate. With many years’ experience advising a wide variety of clients, including high net worth individuals, our family law solicitors are able to negotiate favourable settlements, resolve disputes, and navigate through the complex and emotional process of drawing up child arrangements with unrivalled professionalism. Their reputation for achieving outstanding results, quickly and professionally, is second to none. To arrange a meeting with a family law solicitor in London or elsewhere in the UK to discuss your family law needs please contact us on 0330 100 0320 or by email at info@valemuslaw.com.

What they say about our Divorce and Family Lawyers:

Mark Goldstein represented me in my divorce case over the past year and a half. As an Italian citizen dealing with the British courts I required an attorney I could rely on completely. Mark was warm and personable and patient in walking me through the various steps required. He has a fine legal mind and is honest, hardworking and was consistently well prepared and innovative in his legal preparations. The outcome was very satisfactory to me and Mark ensured that the ultimate experience was, while painful, over quickly.MD

“It has been a long journey to get this far and I appreciate all your help along the way. Your support, advice and kindness made the whole process appear easy and painless. Many, many thanks for everything you have done, Manisha.” Ms M, Dubai

When my relationship ended I was terrified the children and I would not manage financially and were not entitled to anything. You were able to navigate me through a complex application for financial support for my children. Its an enormous relief to know they have financial security now. Thank you, Ginny for doing a great job.  The idea of going to court was petrifying for me but I felt you knew this and did everything you could to support me.” Miss R

I just want to say a huge thank you, Joanna, for the part you have played in supporting me, and to let you know that the court decided today that Jack will live with me and have contact with his mother. Thank you again ever so much as this will change Jacob’s life immensely for the better.ST

For more testimonials, please click ‘What they say about our Family and Divorce Lawyers’ in the right hand column.

Would you like to speak to a Divorce, Family or Matrimonial lawyer?

 

FAMILY LAW AT A GLANCE

  • All aspects of divorce, civil partnerships and judicial separation, to include dealing with all financial issues following the breakdown of the relationship
  • Pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements
  • Arrangements for children to include child arrangements orders, parental responsibility, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders
  • Mediation and non-confrontational dispute resolution

PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT OFFER LEGAL AID. If you are seeking legal aid to assist with your divorce or family matter, please check your eligibility here, and then refer to the Government’s ‘Find a legal aid adviser or family mediator‘ page.

LISTEN TO OUR FAMILY LAW PODCAST – THE SPLITTING HEADACHE.

BBC TWO – VICTORIA DERBYSHIRE SHOW – SHOULD PARENTAL ALIENATION BE ILLEGAL?

Family law firm london

What they say about our Family and Divorce lawyers

“Joanna has been dedicated, tenacious, thorough and compassionate. She has invoked legal processes of which unfortunately I was not aware before (my having been in child proceedings with two other separate lawyers since 2010) and ensured that justice has been done. In my case, the facts, evidence and law should always have stood but it is only now, with Joanna’s incredible support in navigating the law, that we were rightly successful yesterday. Now the hard work begins – ensuring my child is supported in unpicking the hideous alignment and emotional abuse inflicted in the last 10 years. The field is specialist and it is not something that any lawyer can assist with. It is also important to act swiftly to avoid the alienation embedding to the detriment of all concerned. It takes the experience, patience and empathy of someone like Joanna. I can’t thank her enough and recommend her without reservation to any parent whose child is experiencing any form of alienation or abuse.” SW

Thank you, we are so over the moon but it hasn’t fully sunk in yet. We appreciate you so much, Joanna, thank you for everything!A BS

Mark Goldstein represented me in my divorce case over the past year and a half. As an Italian citizen dealing with the British courts I required an attorney I could rely on completely. Mark was warm and personable and patient in walking me through the various steps required. He has a fine legal mind and is honest, hardworking and was consistently well prepared and innovative in his legal preparations. The outcome was very satisfactory to me and Mark ensured that the ultimate experience was, while painful, over quickly.MD

When my relationship ended I was terrified the children and I would not manage financially and were not entitled to anything. You were able to navigate me through a complex application for financial support for my children. Its an enormous relief to know they have financial security now. Thank you, Ginny for doing a great job.  The idea of going to court was petrifying for me but I felt you knew this and did everything you could to support me.” Miss R

I just want to say a huge thank you, Joanna, for the part you have played in supporting me, and to let you know that the court decided today that Jack will live with me and have contact with his mother. Thank you again ever so much as this will change Jacob’s life immensely for the better.ST

I would recommend Mark Goldstein to anyone that asked as I found the process so much easier to deal than I thought it would be. Mark was very helpful and the outcome was super. He responded to any communication and always answered all my questions.” AB

I came to Ginny when I felt my case was not going in the right direction. She quickly got on top of things and changed the course completely so that we were able to avoid the High Court and we settled. I think Ginny makes an exceptional negotiator.” Mr A

“When I went to Mark, I was nervous and in the dark as to how it all worked. I was nervous in regards of cost and how long it would take. Mark was reassuring, he explained everything so well and he was sympathetic. The value for money is good because of Mark’s vast experience and wealth of knowledge. He is attentive, thorough and quick on the ball. I would highly recommend Mark and his team.” Mr N

Areas in which we can assist you

Our family law firm in London has solicitors based not only in the City but also throughout England and Wales, who are ready to provide you with independent legal advice be it face to face, by telephone, online or via remote methods in the following areas: –

Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial agreements.

At a time when you are likely to be caught up in a whirlwind of romance and wedding arrangements (and quite rightly so!), it can be easy to overlook the often-sensitive issue of the assets which one or both of you might be bringing into the marriage as well as those which might be acquired going forward such as inheritances which you may seek to “ringfence”.  As a divorce law firm, we recognise the importance of having full and frank discussions about what would happen to these assets in the unfortunate breakdown of your marriage, as well as having a specialised family law solicitor to guide you through the process of reaching a realistic, pragmatic and sensible solution in advance.

Divorce and Finances.   

As a divorce law firm, we understand that whether you are contemplating divorce or are currently in divorce proceedings this is an incredibly stressful and worrying time in your life.  Although the introduction of the no-fault divorce in the UK on the 6th of April 2022, has assisted in reducing the previous acrimony in proceedings, you may still be faced with worries about finances and what will happen with the matrimonial assets.   With many years of experience, our family experts (some of whom are also able to represent you in court) are here to navigate and support you through your divorce and provide you with outstanding legal advice to reach the best solution for you, in the circumstances of your case.

Cohabitation and separation.

It’s easy to presume that as you’re not getting married your assets are not at risk from any claims by your partner should you start living together.  However, this is not necessarily the case, especially in circumstances where, for instance, your partner contributes to the mortgage over your property.  Just like a pre-nuptial agreement when a couple gets married, it can be a good idea to take independent legal advice from a family law solicitor about the potential risks that may arise should you be considering taking this step, and the steps that can be taken (such as entering into a cohabitation agreement and Trust deed) to prevent these pitfalls.

It may, however, be that you have already found yourself on the receiving end of a potential claim by your partner against your property in circumstances where your relationship has fallen apart.  Whatever your circumstances, as a family law firm our experts are here to assist, support and give you outstanding legal advice to navigate you through this time.

Non-molestation and occupation orders

As a family law firm our experts understand the fears, anxiety and sometimes shame, that accompanies domestic abuse, and the overwhelming concern not only about your (and possibly your child/ren’s) safety, but also about whether you will be able to remain in your home. You may also be worried about the financial implications of separating from your spouse or partner.  Our family solicitors are here to guide and support you through this time and give you sound legal advice to assist you in making the right decisions and, most of all, secure your safety.

Children Matters

Where possible, the English courts do not make orders in relation to children, unless this is completely necessary.  This is because the courts rightly believe that, as the children’s parents, you are best placed to make decisions in their best interests.  However, sadly, as a family law firm we understand that this is not always possible, and communication and trust can break down resulting in a parent (and often grandparents) losing contact with their child/ren and/or being alienated from them.  it can be the unfortunate result of children getting caught up in the middle of their parent’s pain and emotional turmoil following a difficult separation.  Whatever your circumstances, our experts have a wealth of expertise in all children matters, including step-parent’s rights and are ready to provide you with outstanding independent legal advice in relation to your case.

Meet the team

Mark Goldstein

MARK GOLDSTEIN
Commercial Litigation, Divorce and Family Law

GINNY COLMAN
Divorce and Family law

JOANNA ABRAHAMS
Family and Children

Manisha Hurchurn

MANISHA HURCHURN
Family and Children

Julia Cluley

JULIA CLULEY
Divorce and Family Law

Robyn Allardice

ROBYN ALLARDICE
Divorce and Family Law