Divorce and Separation

Whether you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, separation can be an emotional and stressful process that can have a huge impact on your children and wider family.

The law surrounding separation and divorce is highly complex and ever-changing, which is why it is vital that you obtain advice and assistance from an expert Family Law solicitor. They will be able to explain your rights, which can differ depending on your marital status, as well as which of the various options available to separating couples, whether litigation or alternative dispute resolution, would best suit your personal circumstances.

The Private Wealth Law Firm

We have been providing private wealth legal advice to separating couples for hundreds of years, and have helped many clients to come to an agreement on the separation of their wealth and assets as fairly and amicably as possible. There are often a range of complicating factors to take care of, for example inherited wealth, business interests, offshore assets and second or additional properties. We can also provide advice on how to best ensure that due weight is given to pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements, if you have signed one.

Lawyers you can trust

We understand that our clients are coming to us at an extremely difficult time in their lives. They don’t know what their future or that of their children will look like, and the unpicking of finances and living arrangements can seem daunting. That’s why you need to be able to trust your solicitor and cultivate a relationship of mutual openness and confidence.

That’s why Attwaters Jameson Hill’s Family Law team is here

Our team takes pride in providing every single client with outstanding personal service and communication, no matter what their circumstances. Our unrivalled industry knowledge, private wealth expertise and proven track record of successfully resolving divorce and separation matters makes us the law firm of choice for hundreds of clients across Hertfordshire, Essex and London.

Our friendly solicitors adopt a proactive, constructive and conciliatory approach to separation, which helps to reduce much of the stress that can arise when relationships break down.

How we can help you

When you first come to us, we will explain all of the options available to you when you decide to part. While many couples believe that the only way to divorce is through the courts, for example, we’ll be able to draw your attention to the various alternative dispute resolution options you could also take, such as mediation, collaborative law and arbitration.

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill has introduced no-fault divorce. Couples no longer have to give reasons too get divorced. This fundamental change aims to reduce conflict. For some people (perhaps for moral or religious reasons), divorce may not be the best option, in which case a Separation Agreement (Deed of Separation) or a Judicial Separation might be preferable; we can help you with this. We can also advise you if you believe you have grounds for an annulment.

For unmarried couples, the rules can be complex and you will need expert legal advice on your rights and position, especially if you own a property or have children together. Many couples don’t realise that there is no such thing as common law marriage in English Law, meaning that it’s important for couples to understand their rights and what they’re entitled at as early a stage as possible. Obtaining clear, high-quality legal advice from a team that’s completely up-to-date with the ever-shifting legislative landscape will ensure the correct issues are identified and resolved, leaving you both to move on with your lives as smoothly as possible.

For a summary of the laws that apply to married couples and civil partners in England and Wales, both same sex and opposite sex, visit the GOV.UK website here.

For more information, please read our divorce and separation leaflet.