Family Law
The practice has a specialised team with a detailed knowledge of this complicated area of the law. Simon Fairweather’s expertise is recognised by his membership of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.
Family law continues to evolve in response to a changing society. Today, it covers issues affecting co-habitees as well as married couples and is extending into new areas of pre-nuptial and living together agreements. At the same time, greater emphasis has been placed on counselling as a first step towards saving relationships.
Ilett & Clark has achieved a franchise for family work from the Legal Services Commission, so that assistance with legal expenses may be available to clients.
Divorce
Has your relationship reached a crisis? If so, you will probably have a multitude of concerns about the welfare of your children, what happens to your home and financial arrangements for the future.
By talking to a family law specialist you will have a clearer view of the available options. This, in itself, may help to reduce your anxieties. Sometimes a resolution can be achieved through counselling, but where this is not possible, Ilett & Clark can take the necessary legal action:
- Obtaining a decree absolute.
- Issues affecting the welfare of children, parental responsibility, residence and contact.
- Achieving full financial disclosure and moving to a satisfactory settlement.
- Where there is no agreement, expert representation before the Family Court, maintenance and child support.
Co-habitation
For many couples 'living together' has replaced the traditional marriage. But how does this affect your rights? For instance, there could be important legal implications if property is in a sole name. There could also be complications if assets need to be divided in the future. By seeking advice and creating either a Living Together Agreement or a Trust Deed, many of these problems can be avoided before they occur.
Pre-nuptial Agreements
This is an increasingly popular and practical way of reaching a clear agreement over the division of assets if the relationship fails.
The Children's Act
This Act has many complex provisions requiring interpretation by a legal specialist. For example, if a child is born outside marriage, parental responsibility is with the mother and father, but only if the father’s name appears on the birth certificate.
Emergency Injunctions
If circumstances demand, emergency injunctions can be sought to protect children and family members against the threat of violence or abduction.
Contact: Simon Fairweather