FAMILY LAW

Family Litigation

Specialist support for resolving family disputes.

Even with the best will in the world, it is not always possible to resolve family disputes outside of court and it may become necessary to issue court proceedings. Our experienced family solicitors can assist you with resolving matters in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Our team has extensive experience in advising on family law matters and we assist clients in Sussex and beyond. Whether your dispute relates to financial matters, child arrangements, or property, our priority is to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Our approach to family litigation

Constructive Advocacy: We aim to minimise conflict while robustly protecting your interests.
Client-Centred Strategy: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your individual circumstances.
Transparent Communication: You will receive clear advice at every stage of the process, ensuring you are fully informed about your options and kept up to date.
Focus on resolution: While we are experienced litigators, we always seek opportunities to resolve disputes outside of court whenever possible, to save you time and expense.

“I cannot thank [Susan Knight] enough for everything you have done for me and the kids. I only wish is that I had met you sooner. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

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If you would like to speak with a member of our specialist family team, please contact us today.

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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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