Family Law Department

Family problems can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you are separating, worried about arrangements for your children, dealing with financial issues or simply need to understand your options, our family lawyers will give you clear, practical advice and help you find the right way forward.

Our experienced Family Law team advises on divorce and separation, financial arrangements, children matters, domestic abuse and relationship planning. Wherever possible, we help clients find constructive solutions that reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary court proceedings.

Getting the right help from the outset

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to speak to the right person and understand what your options are. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to begin with a free separation pathways conversation, a free individual initial meeting or a more detailed fixed-fee appointment.

If you need advice about children or another public law family matter, you may be eligible for Legal Aid.

We can help you understand which option is right for you, how you can meet with us and what, if anything, you will need to pay. Find out about our meeting options and costs.

Our Family Law team

Our Family Law team is widely recognised as one of the most experienced and highly regarded in East Kent, with The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners directories listing us as a leading firm in this field.

The department includes two specialist teams:

Our Matrimonial Team, which advises on divorce, separation, financial arrangements and other issues arising from relationship breakdown.
Our Children Law Team, which specialises in Public Law Children matters, including cases involving local authorities and care proceedings.

Both teams also advise on Private Law Children matters and injunctions.

You can contact our Family Law Department in Margate on 01843 234000. We also have experienced family law specialists based in Canterbury.

How we can help

Divorce, separation and relationship breakdown

When a relationship breaks down, our focus is on finding practical, forward-looking solutions that minimise conflict and support long-term stability, particularly where children or finances are involved. We aim to help resolve matters constructively and respectfully so that you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Divorce and separation
Alternatives to court – approaches that can significantly reduce the time and cost involved
Collaborative law – where both parties commit to resolving matters without court proceedings
Resolution Together – a ‘one lawyer, two clients’ approach that allows one lawyer to work with and jointly advise a couple
Private Financial Dispute Resolution – a non-court service designed to help resolve family finance disputes efficiently
Financial issues including maintenance, property and pensions

Relationship planning

Private Law Children

We advise parents and other family members on arrangements for children following separation and on other disputes concerning a child's upbringing.

Where a child lives and who they spend time with
Parental Responsibility (legal rights and responsibilities as a parent)
Prohibited Steps Orders
Specific Issue Orders
Special Guardianship Orders

Public Law Children

Our specialist Children Law team advises parents, children and other family members where a local authority is involved with a child or family. Depending on the circumstances, Legal Aid may be available.