Family Law
At Edward Hands & Lewis we have an experienced family law team who can guide you sensitively through the legal processes and requirements connected with a range of issues: including pre- nuptial agreements to safeguard your assets, co-habitation disputes, and adoption. We offer a discreet and professional service, keeping the best interests of you and your family firmly at the heart of all legal and financial matters.
Separation agreements
We all hope it won’t happen to us, but unfortunately it can do – and in apparently increasing numbers. If your marriage breaks down, it is important to seek legal advice immediately to ensure that you and your assets are protected. Even if you don’t want a divorce, we can offer peace of mind by organising your financial matters through a formal Separation Agreement. With instruction from you, we negotiate financial issues and, once agreement has been reached, prepare a formal Separation Agreement to legally record the terms of the settlement. As specialists in financial cases, we can help you to plan positively for the future, no matter how complex your situation.
Divorce / Finances / Children
In the aftermath of a separation, divorce is something that many people prefer not to contemplate, but if this is the step that you wish to take, we can advise you through every stage of the legal process. We appreciate that divorce is a painful process and our highly trained staff are sensitive to the stresses and problems involved. If children are involved we make their welfare and yours an absolute priority. As a parent, you naturally want to protect your children and so, in order to safeguard their interests, any financial and emotional issues involving children need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. At Edward Hands & Lewis we have extensive experience in dealing with residence and contact issues (including international relocation), keeping the best interests of your children at the heart of everything we do.
Co-habitation disputes
Co-habitation is becoming increasingly popular in today’s society, but how many people are aware of their legal rights should the relationship break down? There is a popular misconception that ‘common law marriage’ (which, in legal terms, doesn’t actually exist) offers protection in commercial, legal and financial matters – but this is may well not be the case. So, even if you are living together happily, it makes sense to clarify your legal rights by consulting our experienced team.
Pre-nuptial agreements
We all hope a marriage breakdown will never happen to us, but the reality is that it could. Once considered the preserve of the rich and famous, these agreements are increasingly being recognised for the courts of England and Wales. A comprehensive pre-nuptial agreement can protect you from the financial and commercial consequences of divorce and help to safeguard any wealth accumulated prior to the marriage.
Adoption
The laws surrounding adoption can be confusing as they are constantly evolving and complex in nature. If you are considering adoption, it is highly advisable to seek the specialist legal advice you need to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Our family law team are up to date on all the latest legislation and will provide you with information on any developments and changes in the law as well as the guidance you need to ensure your application is successful.