The breakdown of a relationship can be a very emotional and stressful situation to deal with. Aletta Shaw’s well regarded and highly experienced team offer expert advice and practical solutions to any problems you might encounter. We offer bespoke legal advice and support throughout the process which is tailored to your particular needs, objectives and situation.

We offer video or telephone appointments, so you can have a face to face meeting without having to leave work or home, if you prefer.

It is important to seek legal advice as early as possible to prevent you taking action that could later prejudice your position. We could give numerous examples of cases when a lack of proactive legal advice at the outset, has resulted in thousands of pounds being incurred trying to resolve the issues.

There is an understandable perception that a divorce is incredibly expensive. This can be off-putting and may discourage someone from taking legal advice at all. There will inevitably be some cost involved in obtaining legal advice and support; and some cases are more complex or contentious than others. But in our experience, it is the approach that is the key. There are many options available. Lawyers writing letters back and forth is not necessarily the best option. One size does not fit all and our lawyers know this.

The correct approach at the outset is fundamental to ensure that you don’t prejudice your interests and to avoid acrimony, delay and potentially much higher legal fees. Our team are experienced in all types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Court proceedings are notoriously costly, both financially and emotionally. These days they almost always involve considerable delay, sometimes for many months. ADR can provide tailored, flexible, cost-effective alternatives.

If court proceedings are necessary, then our expert team will guide you through the process continuing to be focussed on early settlement when that is possible and appropriate.

Child arrangements

When a relationship breaks down, ideally as parents you will be able to agree the future arrangements for co-parenting. You are after all, best placed to decide what is in your children’s best interests. We can point you in the direction of resources and support you with practical advice using the benefit of our considerable experience to assist you.

Sometimes some third-party input is needed to help with your discussions. It is important to avoid conflict which can be very damaging for children, both short and long-term.

There are a number of options available to support you. Correspondence back and forth through solicitors is almost always not the best way to try to resolve these issues. It can be polarising, costly and inefficient. Most importantly, it does not put the parents front and centre in the discussions. Our highly experienced team will discuss the available options with you.

Sometimes there are welfare issues that mean that the court’s intervention is required. These can include alcohol or substance misuse, domestic abuse or parental alienation. Our solicitors have considerable expertise of dealing with all of these issues.

Family lawyers don’t just focus on the end of relationships. They can provide valuable expertise before a marriage, civil partnership or before a couple move in together. A properly drafted pre or post-nuptial agreement (or cohabitation agreement for unmarried couples can save considerable heartache and thousands of pounds in legal fees down the line if the relationship does sadly break down.

Our areas of expertise

Why choose us?

Our family department is headed by the very experienced Rachel Duke. Our team offers a professional service tailored to your needs. Our solicitors understand that during a difficult time, clients need a solicitor they can trust and rely on. Our clients praise our family solicitors for their professionalism and accuracy, along with their compassionate and empathetic approach.