Family Law Solicitors

Family Law Solicitors in London

Relationship breakdown often brings with it difficult issues involving finances and children. We offer a very personal and tailored service to provide solutions and support.

Our family department, one of the largest in London, acts in High Net Worth divorce cases and specialises in complex disputes and those with an international element; the matrimonial finance team headed by Mark Freedman also offers expertise in pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and in alternative dispute resolution, where Lisa Pepper and David Leadercramer are top ranked lawyers.

We have built great depth and breadth across the spectrum of family law over the past 50 years, with one of the country’s leading international adoption units headed by standout lawyer Naomi Angel; the team also has strength in surrogacy and fertility law. Our children’s law team is known for its high-profile public law cases, private law children, and international child abduction work.

Or as the Legal 500 directory says: “Osbornes offers a unique service of high-quality advice and representation across a wide range of areas of law…this is a very strong team”.

We also come recommended by Chambers UK (High Net Worth section), the Spears HNW Guide and The Times Best Law Firms guide.

Our solicitors are all members of Resolution – the association for family lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of disputes. We understand the anxiety and distress involved and strive to be approachable and creative in working with you.

Our Family Law Services

Divorce and Separation

A divorce can be an emotional, worrying and incredibly difficult time. You need someone who is on your side and can be trusted to act on your behalf, and this is exactly what a good family law solicitor will do.  We can help with:

• Financial Settlement Agreements
• Divorce and Property
• Divorce and Pensions
• Divorce and Business Assets
• Divorce and Trusts

Your solicitor will discuss your options with you and listen to your needs. They will give you a realistic picture of where you stand, inform you of your rights and understand those of your ex-partner too. Our team at Osbornes Law will do all they can to make your divorce as simple and stress-free as possible.

Children Law

When a couple has children, their needs are always at the heart of every decision they make. When a relationship breaks down, the impact on the children is a primary cause of concern. Our child law experts have expertise in handling all types of cases involving children, including representing parents and children in difficult disputes. It takes great skill and experience to get the best outcome for families.

At Osbornes Law, we can offer support and advice on the following complex areas:

• Child Arrangement Orders
• Child Maintenance
• Child Protection
• Child Abduction
• Child Relocation
• Child Custody

Every case is handled with sensitivity and discretion where the interests of children are involved. As family lawyers, we offer emotional support and specialist legal advice to help you establish all the necessary arrangements, preferably without going to court.

Adoption Law & Fertility Law

Legal advice and representation from our leading adoption lawyers are available at every stage of the adoption process. As advances are made in fertility technology, the ways we grow families are changing. Issues including assisted reproduction, egg and sperm donation, surrogacy and adoption are alternatives for prospective parents who cannot conceive naturally. However, a biological connection to a child does not always mean a person automatically acquires parental rights by law.

When adopting or using donors/surrogates, there can be complex legal implications when you bring your new family member home. Acquiring quality fertility law advice early is important to help you successfully work through the process.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement, often simply called a “prenup,” is a legal document crafted by couples before they marry. They are more common when one partner already has more assets than the other. For example, those with a large inheritance, landowners, business owners or couples who are marrying in later life or who may be entering into a second marriage. At Osbornes Law, we understand the importance of securing your future and safeguarding your interests. Our expert family solicitors provide clear, compassionate advice to help you navigate the complexities of prenuptial agreements.

Civil Partnerships

Before legalising same-sex marriage in 2014, homosexual couples could only enter civil partnerships when wishing to register their relationship officially. Today, anyone aged 16 or over who is not already in a civil partnership or married can register a civil partnership. The process has certain requirements, including giving notice at your register office and presenting certain identification documents.

When a civil partnership breaks down, it is important to seek the services of a family law solicitor who understands the specialist legal considerations. At Osbornes Law, we can advise and assist in ensuring a complete, relevant financial disclosure to reach a satisfactory financial settlement. We can also assist you in dealing with arrangements regarding yours. Getting expert legal advice is essential to getting the right outcome.

Cohabitation & Unmarried Couples

Separation after cohabitation can cause unpleasant surprises for both parties as there is no such thing as ‘common law marriage’. The legal rights of couples who live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership are complicated and continually developing and changing. Our team at Osbornes Law contains specialist cohabitation lawyers, and we can offer genuine expertise in this highly complicated area of law.

Mediation

Mediation is all about maintaining communication and working to resolve disputes with the help of an impartial mediator. Mediation is not only quicker and less stressful than going to court but also provides a safe environment where parties can communicate even if they are not in the same room. Additionally, unlike the rigid structure of court proceedings, mediation is adaptable, allowing for a process that can be tailored to the needs of both parties.

Collaborative Law

Osbornes Law help families achieve the best collaborative outcomes possible using alternative dispute resolution. Our team is highly trained in collaborative family law. As part of this process, you should expect to attend collaborative meetings involving you, our lawyers, and the other party, along with their collaborative lawyer.

Parenting

Family Law FAQs

• What happens if you lie in a Family Court?
• My spouse is going bankrupt. Will it affect my divorce?
• Do I need permission to take my child abroad?
• Who can get divorced in England/Wales?
• How do you annul a marriage?
• Can I move with my children after divorce?

Talk to our specialist family lawyers

Whatever your family circumstances, if you need advice, please get in touch. We are here to help. To speak with one of our solicitors:

• Fill in our online enquiry form; or
• Call us on 020 7485 8811