Family Law

Family law matters are among the most significant — and often the most difficult — legal issues a person will face. At ABN Solicitors, we provide expert, practical advice combined with genuine sensitivity to the human realities of your situation.

We advise on all aspects of family law, from straightforward divorce proceedings to complex financial disputes and contested child arrangement matters. Whatever your circumstances, we will give you a clear, honest assessment of your position and work with you to reach the best possible outcome.

Divorce

We advise and represent clients in divorce proceedings, including proceedings under the no-fault divorce regime introduced in 2022. We guide clients through the procedural requirements of obtaining a divorce, explain the timeline and costs involved, and ensure that the legal process is handled efficiently and correctly.

We also advise on judicial separation and the dissolution of civil partnerships.

Financial Settlements

The financial aspects of a relationship breakdown are often among the most complex and contested. We advise clients on:

• Their rights in relation to the matrimonial home — whether owned jointly or in one party's sole name
• Division of savings, investments and other assets accumulated during the marriage
• Pension sharing orders, pension offsetting and pension attachment orders
• Spousal maintenance and child maintenance
• Consent orders — formalising agreed financial settlements to make them binding and enforceable
• Financial remedy proceedings before the Family Court where agreement cannot be reached

We take a clear-eyed approach to financial cases, helping clients understand their realistic range of outcomes and advising on the most cost-effective route to resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation or court proceedings.

Child Arrangements

Where parents separate, arrangements for children need to be handled with great care, with the welfare of the child always at the forefront. We advise on:

• Child arrangements orders — determining with whom children live and the time they spend with each parent
• Residence (where a child lives) and contact (time spent with the other parent)
• Prohibited steps orders — preventing a parent from taking certain actions, such as removing a child from England and Wales
• Specific issue orders — resolving disputes about a child's upbringing, such as schooling or medical treatment
• Parental responsibility and its implications

We encourage parents to reach agreed arrangements wherever possible, and we are experienced in advising on mediation and other collaborative approaches. Where court proceedings are unavoidable, we provide robust and focused representation.