What Is Family Law?

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Family law, also known as domestic relations law, covers legal matters involving family relationships. This includes issues like:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Child custody and visitation rights
  • Adoption and guardianship
  • Financial settlements and distribution of assets
  • Domestic violence, child abuse, neglect
  • Wills, trusts, inheritance, pensions, and even insurance matters

This list doesn’t cover everything—if your concern overlaps with family or property matters, a family law solicitor can advise you

How Family Law Helps You

Family law professionals support clients by:

  1. Reviewing case details and evidence
  2. Negotiating for fair outcomes
  3. Filing legal actions when needed
  4. Representing you in courts—usually county courts for simpler matters, or the High Court’s Family Division for complex ones
  5. Working with social workers, psychologists, GPs, enforcement officials, and welfare specialists as needed

Common Family Law Areas – At a Glance

Issue How It Works
Divorce / Separation Ends marriage; takes 4–6 months if agreed; longer and costlier if contested.
Financial Settlements Courts consider assets, future needs, earnings, health, children, duration, etc.
Child Contact / Custody Aim for an amicable resolution; otherwise, legal advice or court orders apply.
Contact Orders Use Child Arrangements Orders when agreements fail.
Parental Responsibility Rights to decisions (school, name, medical); automatic if married, otherwise via birth certificate or court agreement.
Child Abduction Apply for an Emergency Prohibited Steps Order and a port alert if child removal is imminent.
Domestic Abuse Apply for injunctions: occupation order (removes abuser from home) or non-molestation order (prevents harassment).
Cohabitation Disputes No statutory rules; can use contracts (e.g., cohabitation/separation agreements).
Name Changes Legal via Change of Name Deed for yourself or your child.
Wealth & Will Disputes Often resolved by negotiating or through court mediation.
Special Guardianship Court-appointed guardianship for children not living with parents.

Why Contact a Family Law Solicitor?

  • Engaging with a qualified family law solicitor helps you:
  • Understand your legal rights and options
  • Protect your interests during emotionally charged disputes
  • Navigate complex proceedings and paperwork efficiently
  • Seek fair, enforceable resolutions—ideally without court, but with strong representation if necessary

Speak to a Specialist Family Law Solicitor Today

Whether you’re facing divorce, resolving financial matters, or need help with child arrangements, our experienced family law solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.

We understand how personal and emotional family issues can be. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation to discuss your situation and help you understand your legal options.

How to Get in Touch

Call us now: 01244 506 444

Email: info@fjsolicitors.co.uk

Prefer to request a callback? Use our simple online contact form — just tell us what you need help with, and a solicitor will respond within one working day.

We have conveniently located offices in Chester, Liverpool, Warrington, and Wrexham, so you can meet with a family law expert near you.

Your next step matters. Let Freeman Jones Solicitors help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and expert legal support.

 

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Author Colin Freeman View Profile
Colin qualified as a solicitor in 1998. He specialises predominantly in family law, litigation / dispute resolution, wills, probate and settlement agreements and has notable cases reported in the Court of Appeal and High Court.
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