Family related legal matters are often particularly sensitive and emotionally complex.
DMH Stallard family law solicitors are expert legal professionals, experienced in dealing with family, child, relationship, divorce and separation cases. With the right mix of strategic and rational advice backed up by a measured and friendly approach we'll be by your side every step of the way.
"Their handling of my divorce case was outstanding. Their understanding of divorce law, empathy and excellent cost effective advice allowed me to negotiate a very fair and amicable settlement with my ex-wife. The team is incredibly responsive, compassionate and provide excellent value for money in the advice they provide."
Legal 500 2023
What our family law solicitors do
We cover the full range of family legal services, from pre-nuptial agreements to no-fault divorce and related financial disputes and settlements. We also help clients reach agreements about child arrangements. When needed we step in to provide urgent protection from harassment.
The highly personal nature of family law cases means you’ll work closely with us through what may occasionally be a stressful and uncertain time. But our team will always give you clear and objective advice to help you achieve the outcomes you need.
What they say
"I cannot recommend DMH highly enough. They have worked nothing short of a miracle for my family, and I am so grateful to have had their unfaltering support and guidance during the very trickiest of times."
Legal 500 UK 2022
Our core family law services are:
We advise on all aspects of no-fault divorce and separation law, including negotiation of financial settlements and enforcement of financial orders both in the UK and overseas. We also provide assistance to those who need protection from harassment, seeking occupation orders and non-molestation orders when the situation demands. Our solicitors are regarded as leading specialists in divorce, matrimonial and family proceedings domestically, for matters with international elements and for those individuals with high value and complex financial arrangements.
Following divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership questions about where your children will live, when they will spend team with each parent and the type of contact that can take place are all top of the agenda. If parents can’t agree matters, the family court will always put the welfare of children first when deciding appropriate arrangements.
Our child law work covers post-divorce living arrangements for children as well as securing maintenance and financial support for children whose parents are unmarried. Our international expertise means we can offer bespoke advice if a parent wishes to move abroad with the children. If appropriate we can pursue or defend international abduction proceedings on your behalf.
We take a pragmatic approach, encouraging agreement where possible but advising you on the steps needed to start court proceedings if necessary.
Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements are now commonplace in the UK and are a useful tool to help preserve personal and family wealth in the event of divorce or civil partnership dissolution. If you are considering an arrangement like this, it’s important to get advice at an early stage. Pre-nuptial agreements must be formalised well in advance of any marriage for example, and there are other requirements too such as ensuring that each side receives independent legal advice that you need to be aware of.
Our family lawyers have extensive experience in drafting and finalising pre-nuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements (where there has not been time to execute an agreement before marriage). We have particular expertise in advising clients with substantial business and personal assets in this country and overseas.
How we've helped
Advising high net worth individual on cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements
Our client had substantial capital assets and sought advice on what kind of financial claims could be made by a cohabitee on the one hand and a spouse on the other in the event of a relationship breakdown. He wanted to know if he should enter into a pre-nuptial agreement ahead of his marriage and needed specialist advice on the law surrounding nuptial agreements in England and Wales.
Because of the value of the assets, highly technical tax and trust law advice was required. This enabled us to suggest a number of different potential settlements and to give our client a thorough appraisal of the financial implications of each type of settlement. This meant the client could make informed choices as to proposals to put forward to his fiancée in negotiating the agreements.
Acting on our advice, the client agreed the terms of both a cohabitation agreement and pre-nuptial agreement, with DMH Stallard preparing both documents. The case was unusual given the value of the assets and need for careful and considered advice.
Family law teams in London & South East
Our London, Brighton, Gatwick, Guildford, and Horsham offices support clients throughout the South of England.
The family law team advises both domestic and international clients. We are specialists in jurisdiction disputes and cases where complex assets are located worldwide.
DMH Stallard's family law team has been recognised in the eprivateclient Top Family Law Firms rankings for the second year running - the rankings are a result of comprehensive analysis of the leading law firms providing family law advice in the UK.
Get in touch by completing our quick form. That way we can ensure the most appropriately qualified person calls you back for an exploratory discussion.
"I felt reassured that I was being taken care of and that my views were being listened to."
Chambers and Partners UK 2022