Family Law

Coole Bevis’s family law team are leading experts in their field, offering a wealth of experience and legal accreditations. Our family law solicitors are highly regarded for their attention to detail, dedication to meeting client needs, and their supportive approach, ensuring you receive the guidance and representation that is so important during what can be some of life’s most challenging times.

Whether dealing with divorce, child arrangements, or financial issues, we support clients navigating the complexities of family law with care, precision, and an understanding of the sensitive nature of these matters. Our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

How We Can Help

We understand that every family is unique, and our advice is specifically tailored to your personal situation.

We take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients, ensuring we fully understand the emotional and financial context surrounding your case.

Our practical, client-focused approach has proven invaluable in helping families resolve disputes as amicably as possible but with the ability to be robust when necessary.

Our family law services include:

Divorce and separation
Cohabitation and separation
Child arrangements
Financial settlements
Cohabitation agreements
Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
Domestic Abuse Support and Injunctions
Non-court options-
– Mediation
– Collaborative Law
– Round Table Meetings
– Arbitration

We do not carry out legal aid work, but we can sign-post to local firms that do.

Why choose Coole Bevis for your family law needs?

Expert Knowledge

Our accredited family law specialists have extensive experience in a range of family law areas, ensuring you receive accurate and strategic advice.

Tailored Solutions

We offer personalised legal solutions to meet the unique circumstances of your case, ensuring the best outcomes for you and your family.

Strong Client Relationships

We build personal, long-term relationships with our clients, providing empathetic and proactive legal support throughout your case.

Dedicated Point of Contact

You’ll have a single main point of contact who will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring clear communication and continuity.

Pragmatic and Cost-Effective

Our team is focused on achieving practical, results-driven solutions that are both time and cost-efficient.

“Thank you so very much for all your support and guidance. It has meant a lot to have you on my side. I couldn’t have got through any of this without you and thank you for getting me a fair deal under difficult circumstances.”

Recommended Lawyers

Our family law team has earned a reputation for excellence across a wide range of family law services for providing high-quality legal advice in Sussex and beyond. That’s why we are recommended as leaders in our field in legal directories, including Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

Contact us

Our experienced and approachable family law solicitors are ready to assist you with a range of family law matters. For compassionate, expert advice and guidance, contact our specialist team today.

Get in touch

Our Family Services FAQs

Here we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the services offered by our family team:

Why should you use a family solicitor?

When you are considering taking that next step in your relationship by marrying or cohabiting or sadly things have not worked out, legal advice and support can be vital.

Even where you and your former partner are on good terms, a matrimonial solicitor can help advise upon and finalise your agreement. You will often also have to think about such things as selling property and making sure that you have updated your Will. Your matrimonial solicitor will be able to refer you to the right person within the firm assuring professional assistance wherever necessary and providing a joined-up service from start to finish.

When is the best time to use a family solicitor?

The best time to use a family solicitor would be as early on in your legal process as possible. It can be helpful to speak with a solicitor to explore your options before taking the next steps. However, receiving legal advice can be valuable at any stage of the process, particularly when you are unsure what to do.

What are prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and why consider one?

A prenuptial agreement is made before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is created after the ceremony. Both are designed to provide security by protecting your assets in the event of a relationship breakdown. These agreements can safeguard business interests, family wealth such as inheritances or trusts, and protect you from financial risks, like your partner’s debts or bankruptcy.

By setting clear terms in advance, these agreements can reduce financial disputes, preserve assets, and potentially avoid costly legal proceedings in the event of a divorce.

How is dissolving a Civil Partnership different from divorce?

For Civil Partnerships, the process is the same as with a divorce except that this results in a Dissolution Order rather than a Final Order in a divorce.

What types of financial orders can the court make in a divorce or dissolution of a Civil Partnership?

The court can make various types of financial orders depending on your circumstances. These can include:

Lump Sum – Payment from one party to the other of assets or capital
Property – Sale or transfer of property, either immediately or at a future date.
Maintenance – Monthly payments to support a former spouse or in some cases the children if this falls outside of the Child Maintenance Service regime.
Pensions – Sharing pensions, which can often be one of the largest family assets.

Unmarried Couples: What happens when an unmarried couple separates?

Otherwise known as statutory rights, employee’s rights have been laid down to ensure all individuals are treated fairly in their place of work and have been put in place by the state (UK). Rights will differ depending on type of employment along with other variables and your employment contract.

Financial Settlements: How are financial settlements handled during divorce or separation?

We aim to resolve financial claims through constructive negotiations, always prioritising your future security. Settlements can be achieved through various methods, including solicitor-led negotiations, mediation, or collaborative law. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may need to commence proceedings in the family court.

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