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Family & Divorce Law

Family Law Solicitors

We understand that your family is the most important thing to you.

We also understand that unfortunately family life isn’t always easy and doesn’t always work out how you would want.

When families breakdown, those issues can build up and evolve into bitter disputes, causing stress and upset for everyone involved.

If action isn’t taken early enough, these disputes could see you facing a costly court battle.

At Devonalds, our specialist team of family solicitors are here to provide straightforward legal advice throughout your case, to achieve a positive outcome for you and your family.

We can help with all kinds of problems that may be affecting your family, including:

We provide a full end-to-end family law service, from giving you initial advice about your options to representing you in court. No matter how ‘simple’ or complex your matter is, you’ll be advised by a family law specialist who has many years of experience.

Although we are skilled in court litigation, we prefer to help our clients resolve things with as little conflict as possible. We have a strong track record of working out amicable agreements without going to court, reducing the stress of the situation.

Book your 1-hour fixed fee consultation with our family solicitors

We can offer you a 1-hour fixed fee consultation to talk about what is going on and to provide some initial advice about your options. In some cases, we can accept clients on a legal aid basis to help pay for your legal costs if you are on a low income or benefits. Visit our family law pricing page for more information.

We have offices across Rhondda Cynon Taff in Bridgend, Caerphilly, Church VillagePontypridd, Talbot Green, Tonypandy, Treorchy and Tylorstown where you can come and meet us to discuss your matter. We’re also happy to speak to you in any way convenient to you, including using video link software.

So, if you are going through a difficult time in your life, then please get in touch with us today for compassionate and cost effective advice for you and your family.

Read more about our family law services here.

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Why choose Devonalds for family law?

Family problems can be highly emotional and distressing. For many of us, our family is our life, and we’d do anything to protect it. But sometimes, family members can hurt you, and the best thing to do is to seek advice for your own wellbeing and the welfare of your children.

When you need help with family issue – whether a relationship has broken down, you need help with an issue relating to your children, or any other problem – you need a family solicitor. You can trust to protect your interests.

That’s where we come in.

At Devonalds, we are passionate about solving problems for people. Each member of our dedicated team is an expert in family law, and our duty is to help you find solutions to the issues you are facing in a fast and efficient way. That way, you can focus on getting your life back on track.

Here are a few reasons to choose our family lawyers:

Legal experts who keep your best interests and your children’s welfare at heart

We have a large, specialist team of family lawyers who are experienced at representing individuals and families at all levels, from providing initial advice to representing clients in family court proceedings.

But choosing the right lawyer for you isn’t just about checking who has the right qualifications. After all, we know that an understanding of the law is the least you expect of us.

When you choose us, you can trust that we’ll always be there to support you and represent your best interests. Achieving the most positive outcome cost-effectively and without unnecessary conflict is our top priority.

When it comes to childcare issues, our team will always put your child’s needs first; be it through divorce or adoption. We are accredited by the Law Society in Children Law for our highly regarded practice in this area. Whatever the issue at hand, you can rely on our family solicitors to go above and beyond in protecting your children’s best interests.

A bespoke approach and a listening ear when things are tough

We understand that no two families are alike and that each unique problem will require a tailored approach. That’s why we will listen to you every step of the way, whether you simply need advice on cohabitation, or you’ve made the difficult decision to divorce.

Recognised across Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff for the care and dedication we give to our clients, our aim is to continue providing the local community with support through life’s legal issues.

Simple, straightforward advice about your options

Our family solicitors will keep things clear and simple from day one. You won’t have to decode any legal jargon, and you’ll have clarity about the costs as soon as you have your first appointment.

There’s no better outcome than helping a family on to the next stage in life with ease; be it marriage, divorce or adoption. If you have any questions or concerns, our family law experts will be available round the clock for advice, guidance and support.

Finding the least stressful solutions and avoiding court wherever we can

Problems at home are never easy, and things usually aren’t helped when disagreements and arguments arise. If things escalate, you may end up in court, which is stressful (not to mention expensive and time-consuming) for everyone. Conflict in families can be especially hard on children.

We help families find the best possible resolutions even where emotions are running high. We’re skilled at negotiating suitable settlements and communicating with the other parties (such as an ex-partner) on your behalf.

Our team includes members of Resolution, which is a family law organisation dedicated to helping families find non-combative resolutions to their problems, avoiding court wherever possible and reducing stress for everyone.

That being said, we understand a need to vent sometimes during family matters. We are always here to listen to your worries and will provide advice about how you can resolve any conflicts.

How can our family law solicitors help?

Our family solicitors are recognised for their experience. Our expertise includes:

No matter how complex your case, there is no challenge too great for our family law solicitors. Give us a call today to find out how we can help.

Divorce and civil partnership dissolution

Our divorce solicitors can provide all the advice you need about ending your marriage or civil partnership.

We can:

  • Advise you on the process for legally ending your marriage or civil partnership.
  • Submit the divorce petition or dissolution application on your behalf.
  • Respond to divorce petitions or dissolution applications.
  • Apply for the decree nisi (conditional order).
  • Obtain the decree absolute (final order) which is the order that officially ends your relationship.
  • Resolve divorce or civil partnership dissolution disputes.

Divorce finances

Our divorce lawyers can help you sort out all financial matters when you are getting divorced or dissolving your civil partnership, including:

  • Negotiating divorce financial settlements to agree the split of assets, such as:
    • The family home
    • Second properties, such as buy-to-let portfolios and holiday homes
    • Savings
    • Investments, stocks and shares
    • Pensions
    • Personal belongings, such as cars and furniture
  • Agreeing spousal maintenance payments if necessary (such as one-off lump sums and recurring monthly payments).
  • Advice on financial provision for children

Arrangements for children after relationship breakdown

Break ups can be very hard on children. Making divorce, dissolution or separation easier for children is essential to protect their mental health and make the transition to co-parenting life smoother.

Our children law solicitors help families make arrangements for children after relationship breakdown. We’ll approach the matter with sensitivity, putting the welfare of your children first at all times. We can:

  • Help you make a co-parenting plan with your ex-partner to sort out where your children should live and how much time your children will spend with each parent.
  • Help you resolve questions about your children’s upbringing, such as where they should go to school.
  • Advise on financial provision for children, such as providing for lump sums and sorting out who should pay for school fees.
  • Advise on change of name deeds
  • Advise on children being taken abroad for long holidays or to live.
  • Apply to family court for decisions about children, including:
    • Child Arrangements Orders
    • Prohibited Steps Orders
    • Specific Issue Orders

We also advise grandparents about their options for spending time with their grandchildren.

Cohabitation

There is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’ in England and Wales. If you live with your unmarried partner, you don’t have as many legal rights as spouses or civil partners.

We help people resolve cohabitation disputes upon relationship breakdown, including:

  • Dividing your property and belongings.
  • Property ownership matters.
  • Arrangements for children.

Domestic violence

No one has the right to hurt you or make you feel scared, especially not your partner, ex-partner or family member. Domestic abuse takes all forms, from coercive control, to physical violence. If you have been made to feel scared, hopeless and abused by someone close to you, we can help you take legal action to protect yourself and your children.

We can help you get protective court orders, including:

  • Injunctions/non-molestation orders – to prevent someone from coming near you or doing certain things, such as contacting you.
  • Occupation orders – to exclude someone from your home, whether you rent or own, even if you live there together.

We’ll approach your matter with sensitivity and provide emotional support as well as legal advice. We share close links with various support services who often refer clients to us and are available to help you.

People experiencing domestic violence are often able to get legal aid to help pay for their legal advice. Get in touch with us for further information.

Adoption

Adopting a child is a huge life event and we love to support families through such happy and joyous times.

Whether you are privately adopting a new born baby, adopting a child from care, or adopting a step children, you need to be aware of the legal side of the process. It’s vital that you make sure you have all the parental rights and responsibilities you need to give them the best possible start in life.

Our adoption solicitors can handle all the legal aspects of your adoption on your behalf, so you can focus on your child.

Child care proceedings and social services, including adoption                                  

It can be very scary when social services get involved in your family. During this difficult time, you need advice from someone you can trust. We represent parents, children, family members and guardians and can provide clear advice about child care proceedings, including:

  • Care orders
  • Pre-proceedings
  • Supervision orders
  • Emergency protection orders
  • Placement orders
  • Adoption orders
  • Special guardianship
  • Child protection

Legal aid is often available for matters involving child care proceedings. Get in touch with us for further information.

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

When relationships break down, you and your partner will have to make some important decisions regarding the future of your family. Children, property and finances will usually be at the top of your list and reaching agreements about these matters isn’t always straightforward.

When you instruct one of our family solicitors, we will encourage you to resolve these disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR is an umbrella term which refers to various methods of resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively, outside of court.

This could be in the form of Mediation; a structured negotiation session involving you, your partner and a trained mediator whose role it is to referee the discussion.

Collaborative Law could also be beneficial depending on your circumstances; and involves both you and your partner along with each of your solicitors coming together to work towards resolution.

Alternative Dispute Resolution is only effective when both parties are willing to cooperate. However, if this is successful, you will save yourself a great deal of time, money and stress involved with court proceedings.

We recognise that ADR is not always a possibility, so if your dispute has already escalated beyond negotiation, rest assured that our family solicitors are equipped with the experience and expertise necessary to protect your interests, no matter how complex matters become.

Book your 1-hour fixed fee consultation with our family solicitors

For specialist advice on a range of family law issues from a team you can trust, get in touch with Devonalds family solicitors today at your local branch in Bridgend, Caerphilly, Church VillagePontypridd, Talbot Green, Tonypandy, Treorchy or Tylorstown.

Why Choose Devonalds Family Law Services?