Legal matters involving your family have the potential to be extremely distressing, especially as the decisions you make could have a significant impact on the lives of you and your loved ones.
Finding a swift resolution that is sensitive to your needs is essential. That’s where the advice of our expert solicitors can help to ensure that you are able to resolve any issues you are facing with as little disruption to your life as possible.
At Sharp Family Law, we have a team of solicitors who have specialised in the field of Family Law and Divorce Court Litigation for over 30 years, we have advised and assisted thousands of individuals on the legal issues and complexities affecting their personal relationships.
When you work with us, you will have access to a broad range of expertise. We will always seek to take a constructive and sensitive approach that is tailored to your unique requirements and circumstances.
Our family law solicitors can provide expert assistance with a range of matters, including:
- Divorce and separation
- Divorce and finance
- Children and parenting
- Cohabiting and unmarried couples
- Prenuptial agreements
We are able to handle these matters and more using a variety of approaches, including:
- Constructive negotiation
- Family mediation
- Collaborative law
- Court litigation
Speak to our family law solicitors in Bristol and Bath
For pragmatic, constructive and sensible advice on divorce or any of our other specialist areas of expertise, please contact your local team in Bath or Bristol.
Bath 01225 448955 Bristol 0117 9055 055
Our family law services
Our family lawyers in Bath and Bristol can help you with:
Divorce & Separation
The decision to divorce, separate or end a relationship is major life event that can lead to emotional fallout and difficult practical decisions. Our expert divorce and separation solicitors will be by your side to help you navigate through this time, lending their support and expertise to ensure that reach an outcome that sets you up for the future.
Divorce & Finance
Dealing with finances in the wake of a divorce is often one of the most contentious issues to resolve and can often prove to be extremely complex. The arrangements you make now are likely to have major implications for the future, so the importance of achieving a suitable settlement is paramount. Our divorce and finance specialists can help you to solve any disagreements you may have and ensure the financial settlement you reach is right for your circumstances.
Children & Parenting
Parents will naturally wish to prioritise the wellbeing of their children during any major life event, including divorce and separation. However, when both parents find it difficult to come to an agreement over what should happen to their children, a range of emotional and legal complications can arise. Our solicitors specialising in children and parenting can support you in finding an outcome that is right for your children while upholding your parental rights.
Cohabiting & Unmarried Couples
It is more common than ever for couples to live together without being married. Contrary to popular belief, couples that cohabit do not have the same legal rights as married couples, which can potentially create a number of complications. Our cohabitation solicitors can advise you on your position and the steps that need to be taken to deal with any disagreements.
Prenuptial Agreements
There are a range of reasons why signing a prenuptial agreement will be beneficial for you and your partner, especially if you were to separate in the future. Our specialist prenuptial agreement solicitors have extensive experience in working with couples to draft and respond to prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements where required.
Our approaches to family law
We offer various approaches to achieve the outcome you need in the right way for you, including:
Constructive Negotiation
It’s common for separating couples to have contrasting views on what the best outcome is likely to be in both the short and long-term. Constructive negotiation is a method of dispute resolution that brings the couple together with their solicitors to engage in round-the-table discussions to agree on a suitable settlement.
Family Mediation
Family mediation involves you and your former partner meeting together alongside a neutral mediator to discuss any disagreements which may be preventing you from coming to an agreement. With the support of the mediator, a constructive dialogue can be held which guides both parties towards an agreement.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law sees both parties meeting with their respective solicitors and acts as a direct alternative to court proceedings. The Collaborative Agreement that underpins collaborative law ensures that both parties and their lawyers are committed to reaching a settlement at their own pace without the threat of court intervention.
Court Litigation
There may be a scenario where court intervention is required to secure the outcome you and your family need. Whether this is due to the ongoing conflict between you and your former partner, or because other forms of alternative dispute resolution have proved unsuccessful, our solicitors will be on hand to provide tailored advice and robust representation during any court proceedings that take place.
Frequently asked questions about family law
What is mediation?
Mediation (or family mediation) is a form of alternative dispute resolution. The process involves both parties meeting with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, to navigate a family law dispute and to come to a mutual agreement.
The mediator’s role is just that – to mediate. They are present to facilitate the conversation and support both parties to reach a resolution. They do not offer any specific legal advice or take sides.
Mediation can be used to resolve a range of family law matters, such as divorce financial settlements, child arrangements and cohabitation disputes, acting as a viable alternative to court litigation.
How can we avoid going to court?
There are a number of alternatives to court proceedings for family law matters. In fact, in many cases, attending court is likely to be the final option that is explored when seeking a resolution.
Our family law solicitors specialise in various forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, collaborative law and constructive negotiation, all of which may be useful for you and your personal circumstances.
How can I make my ex-partner pay for our child?
If you are making arrangements for child maintenance payments to be made by your former partner, you will likely have a number of options at your disposal. In some cases, it may be possible to come to an informal or family based agreement after negotiation, while in more contentious cases it may be necessary to use the Child Maintenance Service or to apply for a formal court order.
Can child arrangement orders be changed?
A child arrangement order can be changed, but doing so will typically require the approval of anyone with parental responsibility, as well as the courts.
If you are not able to come to an agreement with your former partner, it may be necessary to engage in alternative dispute resolution, or to make an application to the court.
What is collaboration?
Collaboration (or collaborative law) is a cooperative approach where the parties involved in a family law dispute work with their respective legal team to reach a mutually beneficial agreement out of court. Both parties are committed to making the process a success through a collaborative agreement, which prevents each legal team from representing their clients if court proceedings are required in the future.
Why choose Sharp Family Law?
Sharp Family Law is one of the largest dedicated family law firms in the Bath and Bristol area. With our wealth of combined expertise and experience, we have a firm reputation for delivering constructive and tailored support to each and every one of our clients.
No matter the situation you are facing, our team will provide a completely bespoke service, making sure that your needs and circumstances are always prioritised. As a firm, we do not adopt a ‘one-size fits all’ approach. We personalise our advice to best fit you.
Independent recognition for our family law expertise includes:
- We are ranked by leading client guides the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners
- Several of our team are members of Resolution– the professional network for family lawyers committed to taking a non-confrontational approach to family law
- Members of our team are trained collaborative lawyers and Richard Sharp is a trained family mediator in both the UK and USA.
To find out more about our expertise, please take a look at our family law team.
Speak to our family law solicitors in Bristol and Bath
For pragmatic, constructive and sensible advice on divorce or any of our other specialist areas of expertise, please contact your local team in Bath or Bristol.
Bath 01225 448955 Bristol 0117 9055 055