If you are facing family issues and need legal advice, our family law experts are among the best divorce solicitors in Leeds. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of a relationship breakdown.

At Winston Solicitors, we understand that every situation is unique. Our approach to family law is first to listen with a compassionate and sympathetic ear. We recognise that the consequences of relationship breakdown reach far beyond you and your partner. Your children, friends and extended family are also affected by these life-altering decisions. That's why we’re committed to helping you make the right decisions for the whole family.

Our team of experienced family law solicitors not only bring legal expertise to the table but also a deep commitment to offering the emotional support and service you need during these challenging times.

Divorce, Civil Partnership Dissolution, Nullity and Judicial Separation

Divorce Law: In a nutshell, this is the legal process to end a marriage. A divorce ends the marriage contract, and the parties are no longer legally bound as spouses. Our divorce law solicitors in Leeds can help you to navigate the complexities of a divorce.

Civil Partnership Dissolution: This is the equivalent of divorce for civil partnerships, legally ending the partnership and ending the legal obligations between the partners.

Nullity: Nullity is a legal declaration that a marriage or civil partnership was never valid in the first place. Our family law experts will help you to make it as though it never legally existed.

Judicial Separation: Judicial separation is a court order that allows married couples or civil partners to live separately without formally ending the marriage or partnership. This is different to getting a divorce or dissolution.

Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements

Prenuptial Agreement or Pre-Registration Agreement: This is also known as a prenup and is a legal contract made between a couple before marriage or civil partnership, outlining how assets and financial matters will be handled in case of divorce/dissolution or permanent separation. Our family law experts can help you to create a prenuptial agreement or pre-registration agreement that provides financial safeguards for both parties before marriage.

Post-nuptial Agreement: Similar to a prenuptial agreement, a post-nuptial agreement (or post-nup) sets terms for asset division and financial responsibilities if the marriage or civil partnership ends but is created after the marriage has taken place. This can be a solution for those that did not get advice on a prenup in sufficient time before the marriage/civil partnership took place.

Check out our prenuptial agreement calculator

Cohabitee rights and disputes

Unmarried couples living together generally have limited legal rights compared to married couples. They don't automatically have rights to each other's property or finances if the relationship ends, unless specific agreements or legal arrangements are made.

When cohabiting couples separate, disputes may arise over property ownership, financial support, and childcare arrangements. Without a formal agreement, resolving these disputes can be complex and often requires legal intervention. Which is why it’s advisable to seek advice from a family law expert if you are thinking of living together with your partner, or leaving a partner who is not your spouse.

Cohabitation Agreements and Separation Deeds

A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal document made by unmarried couples who are planning to live together, outlining their rights and responsibilities, including how assets, property, and finances will be managed during the relationship and in the event of separation. Our family law experts can help you to draw this up.

Similarly, a Separation Deed is legal agreement between a couple who have decided to live apart, whether married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting. It outlines the terms of their separation, including division of assets, financial arrangements, and child living arrangements, without formally ending the relationship.

Intervenor Disputes

Intervenor disputes occur in family law when a third party (the intervenor) becomes involved in a legal case because they have a stake in the outcome. For example, a parent to one party of a separating couple may legally own a property that one party claims the other has an interest in. In that case, the parent may join as an intervenor to ensure that they have a voice in the proceedings. The disputes typically revolve around whether the intervenor's involvement is necessary or appropriate, and how their interests should be considered/protected in the final decision.

Our team of divorce solicitors in Leeds can help you to come to an agreement that suits the whole family.

Children Law matters

Children law matters on separation or divorce involve legal issues concerning the care, with which parent the child will live, and welfare of children when parents separate or divorce.

Key aspects include:

Childcare Arrangements: Deciding where and with whom the child will live.

Visitation/Contact: Arranging time for the non-resident parent to spend with the child.

Child Support: Financial support from one parent to the other for the child's upbringing.

Parental Responsibility: Ensuring both parents contribute to decisions about the child's education, health, and welfare.

Our family law experts are on hand to give you the advice you need to provide the best care for your children.

Grandparents’ rights

When it comes to family law, grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to spend time with their grandchildren after the parents of their grandchildren divorce or separate.

However, if you are a grandparent of a member of a family unit that is separating, you can speak to one of our family law specialists who can apply to the court for permission to make an application for contact with the grandchild (known as "leave").

Financial Provision for Children (Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989)

This allows unmarried parents or guardians (or the child themselves if over 18 and in certain circumstances) to apply to the court for financial support from the child's other parent. The court can order various types of support, such as:

Lump sum payments: For specific needs like education or housing.

Property transfer or settlement: Providing a home for the child until they are 18.

Regular maintenance: For those who are above the threshold of the Child Maintenance Service calculator.

These provisions aim to ensure the child's financial needs are met, focusing on their welfare.

Family Law in Relation to Domestic Abuse

The law provides protections for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, including:

Non-Molestation Orders: Legal orders to prevent an abuser from harassing or threatening the victim.

Occupation Orders: Orders that regulate who can live in the family home, potentially removing the abuser.

Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Offers additional legal remedies against stalking and harassment.

These measures aim to protect victims and ensure their safety, especially in the context of family relationships.

Our divorce solicitors in Leeds understand the difficulties and uncertainties facing our family clients. Whether that is through a separation, disputes in relation to children, or through having experienced the trauma of domestic abuse or coercive behaviour.

We are committed to making your journey as smooth as possible. This includes offering the most appropriate advice for you, taking into account your personal circumstances and the stress and anxiety of the ordeal you are going through.

If you contact our family law team today, you can receive:

• Emotional support and a pathway to maintaining your mental wellbeing through specialist resources
• Access to up-to-date knowledge on family law legislation
• Sympathetic solutions tailored to your individual needs and circumstances
• Reliable and regular contact during the progress of your legal proceedings
• Effective legal support to achieve the best possible results in your case

With an experienced and compassionate team of family law experts, you can be confident in the legal advice you receive from some of the best divorce solicitors in Leeds and beyond. 

Contact our family law team at Winston Solicitors today, and we can get to work on helping you find a way forward that benefits the whole family.

To discuss a tailored solution for your situation, please call our specialist family lawyers in Leeds on 0113 320 5000. Alternatively, you can use our contact form, and we will call you back.