At Simpkins & Co you will be assigned a dedicated lawyer to manage your case. You can be assured that we will adopt a sensitive and sympathetic approach, as we appreciate that the details and circumstances may be distressing to you.
Our Family Law team deals with all aspects of Family Law and TOLATA (where two individuals have lived together in a property and dispute an aspect of their cohabitation). Our services include divorce and finances of married and unmarried couples and children. Our friendly team will assist you every step of the way in these difficult times.
Simpkins & Co Solicitors can help with Divorce and Dividing Assets, Home and Finances, Children and Domestic Violence.
We will always treat you as an individual and offer you specialist advice and support.
Divorce and Dividing Assets
When relationships break down and divorce seems to be the only option, you need sound and clear advice and someone on your side.
We are here to help.
Divorce
Divorce or dissolution is the legal process of ending a marriage/civil partnership through a court procedure. This process rarely involves the necessity to attend court. Typically it takes 6-8 months to complete the divorce procedure, if not defended, and divorce proceedings can be issued after 1 year of marriage or forming a civil partnership.
Home and Finances
The family home is often the central point of argument and is likely to be the single biggest asset. Our team can help you reach the best possible settlement which could be a lump-sum payment, transfer of title or sale.
If your partner won’t agree to settle the financial matters out of court, we can issue court proceedings on your behalf which will reflect your views on your rights and your share in the family assets, including:
- How savings and capital will be divided
- Who is responsible for any debts
- What ongoing maintenance is payable, if any
- Issues such as pension sharing
- The Division of business assets.
Divorce or separation can be costly and we aim to make the costs as manageable and predictable as possible.
We will always keep you informed of costs in a clear and understandable way. You will be given an estimate of fees in advance and we will not begin any work until you are happy with our estimated costs.
Children
When relationships break down, children are often at the centre of the struggle. Who the children will live with is often an inflammatory point, therefore, you need an experienced legal team to advise you on this matter.
We will explore the options with you and will stay open to resolving the issues either by agreement or through court proceedings. Our Family Law team has substantial experience in dealing with these issues and also other issues relating to children. Our team can deal with:
- Passport issue without the consent of the other parties
- Preventing the partner from removing children from your care or UK jurisdiction without your consent
- Deciding on holiday, festive time, schooling, name change etc.
- Dealing with guardianship and parentage matters.
You will be given an estimate of fees in advance and we will not begin any work until you are happy with our estimated costs.
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, our services cannot be Legal Aid funded for abuse cases but we offer affordable hourly rates and also a range of fixed fees.
Domestic abuse does not always mean physical violence but may be together harassment, threats, bullying and verbal abuse from someone.
We are here to help you.
We can advise on a way forward, e.g. police involvement, warning letters to the abuser, an application for an injunction (also called a Non-Molestation Order) or defending one, or considering the signing of undertakings.
There are usually two types of injunctions often applied may be together, but it all depends on personal circumstances. We can apply for you for a Non-Molestation Order or Occupation Order, or both.