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Family Law, Divorce & Separation

Family Law Solicitors

We listen. We care. We know family law.

Experiencing problems in your family life can be challenging, but navigating these issues is much easier with the support of a specialist lawyer you can trust.

Our expert family law solicitors will be with you every step of the way, always listening, carefully guiding you through the legal process and offering tailored advice specific to you and your situation.

By providing exactly the right support you need, when you need it, we can help you to unpick and resolve even the most difficult, complex or sensitive family law issues.

Whether keen to avoid conflict or looking for robust representation, we have the legal expertise, determination and compassion to support you effectively throughout the process.

We’ll get you there.

Contact our family law solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire

If you’d like to discuss your legal needs with one of our family lawyers today, give us a call on 01606 48777 or email info@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk.

Our expertise in family law

Divorce proceedings

When you’re getting divorced, you’ll want to protect your rights and get the best outcome for your future. You may be unsure about the legal procedures and what you’re entitled to, which is where we can help.

Our Cheshire family lawyers can support you throughout every stage of the divorce proceedings. We’ll ensure that you understand the full implications of your decisions and that no matter is overlooked.

From completing a no-fault divorce application to legally arranging your finances and childcare, our specialist team can help you at every stage.

Getting divorced can be an emotionally draining time, but with our straightforward guidance you can experience a swift and less stressful process.

Learn more about our divorce and separation services.

Civil partnership dissolution

Before ending a civil partnership, both parties must understand their legal position and be aware of the potential repercussions for their future. Our family law solicitors can expertly guide you through the entire process, helping you to avoid unwanted setbacks.

We have extensive experience in supporting couples to dissolve civil partnerships. Our team are happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure.

Learn more about our civil partnership services.

Financial settlements

When you’re getting divorced, one of the most important tasks is reaching a financial settlement with your ex-partner. This gives you security for the future and allows you to make a clean break.

Our family law solicitors can assist separating couples to organise their finances, including splitting investments, savings and stocks. We can assist you to negotiate how to divide property and your pensions. If necessary, we can also help you to organise spousal maintenance payments.

Learn more about our divorce and finances services.

Child arrangement orders

When a couple separates or gets divorced, they may need to determine new living arrangements for their children. Our solicitors can offer specialist family legal advice, helping couples to negotiate the best outcome for their children.

Where couples cannot agree, we can support clients to apply for a Child Arrangements Order through the courts.

Learn more about our child arrangements services.

Mediation

Family mediation refers to a legal process used to negotiate financial settlements or child living arrangements. Mediation sessions allow both parties to express their needs and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.

To get the best outcome from family mediation, it is important to seek specialist advice beforehand. This can clarify your rights and what strategy you should adopt. You should also get a solicitor to review any agreement you reach through mediation to ensure it is fair.

Our family mediation experts can assist with preparing for mediation and advise on mediated terms of settlement. We can also provide mediation in-house as our team includes an experienced accredited mediator.

Learn more about our family mediation services.

Pre-marital and post-marital agreements

A pre-marital agreement is a type of agreement that a couple draws up before getting married. The document sets out how they’d like their finances to be split if they were to later get divorced. The term ‘pre-nuptial agreement’ is also sometimes used.

A post-marital agreement is used when a married couple wish to address what terms of settlement would be acceptable to them both should they ultimately divorce. This type of agreement is drafted once the couple have already entered into the marriage or civil partnership. It may also be called a ‘post-nuptial agreement’.

Our family lawyers can help with negotiating and drafting either type of agreement or advise on an agreement you have been asked to sign, advising further on the best way to present such an agreement that a court would be persuaded to approve.

Learn more about our pre-marital and post-marital agreements services.

Domestic violence and abuse

Experiencing domestic violence in a relationship can be incredibly traumatic. When people are in this situation, they may feel powerless and unsure of where to turn.

Our specialist family law solicitors appreciate the sensitivity of these situations and are able to offer discrete and empathetic legal assistance. This includes taking swift action where necessary to quickly protect you and your loved ones.

Learn more about our domestic violence and abuse services.

Cohabitation

The purpose of a cohabitation agreement is to determine the terms of living together and which partner owns what. The idea is to establish who has claim over which assets and finances if the relationship were to end.

Our family law solicitors in Northwich can assist clients to draw up cohabitation agreements that cover a range of financial matters, including:

  • Savings and bank accounts
  • Debts and household bills
  • Property rights and how a mortgage might be split
  • Future child arrangements
  • Inheritance

Learn more about our cohabitation services.

Frequently asked questions about family law

What does family mediation involve?

Family mediation is a process that families can use to plan and negotiate arrangements for their children and dividing their finances, with the assistance of an impartial third-party.

It is not the role of the mediator to try to influence or dictate to either party, only to help the individuals to communicate and to reach mutually acceptable terms in an amicable way.

Do I need a family solicitor to get divorced?

If you’re looking to get divorced or to dissolve a civil partnership, it is possible to complete the application forms yourself. However, it is advisable that both individuals seek legal advice regarding the overall legal implications of proceeding with the divorce application.

A solicitor can ensure that you do not make any mistakes on the legal paperwork and that you have a full understanding of your rights. Couples may also need assistance to organise their child arrangements and finances.

Can I get legal aid for family law matters?

If you are unable to pay for your legal costs, you may be eligible for legal aid to cover your family law matters. At Susan Howarth & Co Solicitors, we work with legal aid clients and can help you to assess your entitlement.

If you do not qualify for legal aid, we offer affordable fees for our clients. We may be able to offer fixed fee family law services, depending on your case.

Why Choose Susan Howarth & Co for family law advice?

We believe that everyone has the right to access justice and expert legal advice. Supporting clients to get things back on track is what’s most important to us. We are very proud of our family law department, with our high-calibre solicitors having built up a fantastic reputation in the community.

At Susan Howarth & Co, we approach every case with professionalism and commitment. No client’s needs are the same, which is why we always take the time to understand what every individual needs.

Our expertise is independently recognised, including:

  • Ranked as a Band 2 legal practice in the Chambers & Partners UK legal guide
  • Directors Susan Howarth and Victoria Poole are both also ranked as Notable Practitioners by Chambers & Partners UK
  • Ranked as a Band 3 Leading Family Law Firm in The Legal 500 directory
  • Susan Howarth has been ranked as a Leading Individual for 4 consecutive years by the Legal 500 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023
  • Accreditation by the Law Society for Family Law and Children Law
  • Many of our team are members of Resolution, the leading professional network for family lawyers
  • Year on year we gain Lexcel accreditation for excellence in practice management
  • We have been winners of the Best Family and Childcare Law firm 2022 and 2023 in the AI Legal Awards
  • We have been finalists of the Lexis Nexis Family Law Firm of the Year (North) for 2 consecutive years

A key benefit we can offer is our in-house family mediation service. We have a specialist Resolution-trained Family Mediator who is also a Resolution-accredited Specialist in Domestic Violence and Children Law (private) and an FMC-accredited Family Mediator (all issues).​

Contact our family law solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire

If you’d like to discuss your legal needs with one of our family lawyers today, give us a call on 01606 48777 or email info@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk.

For more information or to speak to one of our experts, please call us on 01606 48777

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  • "Feeling very vulnerable and emotional I was made to feel at ease by her caring and professional approach. In time her expertise, attention to detail and vast knowledge were invaluable to me."

    Anonymous
  • "Amazing attitude and caring towards its customers in life's most stressful situations."

    Anonymous
  • "Extremely fair, understanding, caring and knowledgeable in all aspects of family law."

    Mr P
  • "Always gave me realistic, sound advice and guided me through a very difficult period with her years of experience and a touch of sympathy."

    Karen Duggan