Family law solicitors

Family law solicitors who combine expertise with understanding

We have all the family law expertise you need, under one roof. Our large team of family law solicitors take the time to understand your personal circumstances, then take action to help resolve your problem.

Royds Withy King Family Department are highly recommended in the “The Times Best Law Firms” 2019 survey

The key areas that our team of specialist Family lawyers are able to help you with are listed below:

Separation and divorce

Separating and divorcing can be a legally complex process. All the financial assets to divide, as well as property and responsibilities involving children. Furthermore it can be exceptionally stressful time for all involved. Luckily, here at Royds Withy King we have an extensive amount of experience in dealing with divorce law, and will always fight for what is best for you, and what you want to get out of the situation. Find out more.

Family mediation

A forward-looking alternative to the courtroom. It gives you the opportunity to resolve issues together in an informal setting with the help of a specially trained mediator. Find out more. Find out more.

Finances in separation

If your relationship breaks down there are many issues to think about. How you will cope financially is often people’s greatest concern. Our specialist team of solicitors will look at the whole financial picture including the family home, maintenance and pensions to help you reach the best possible outcome for you so you can start to plan your future. Find out more about the financial consequences of a relationship breakdown. Find out more.

Arrangements for children

Our children law solicitors have many years’ experience of providing child contact advice, also known as child access advice, and successfully help parents to avoid unnecessary court action. Find out more.

These are just some of the ways in which we can provide family legal advice. Whatever your individual situation involves we have an experienced team of family solicitors on hand to support and guide you.

So if you’re in need of family law advice, then make sure that you get in contact with us today. Find out more.

Prenuptial agreements

A prenuptial agreement, or ‘Pre-nup’ is a quick and efficient way of protecting any assets that were acquired before the marriage. They are agreed upon just in case the relationship ends, and are designed to create peace of mind, and help both parties move forward and enjoy their futures together. A pre-nup agreement does not have to be a complicated process, and we have experience in writing these up quickly. Find out more.

Cohabitation agreements

Couples choosing to live together outside of marriage is becoming increasingly common, however it is important to understand that cohabitation does not provide the same level of legal protection. If for example there are disagreements around financial assets or children, a legally binding cohabitation agreement can help keep the peace if the relationship ends. Find out more.

Domestic violence

If you are the victim of domestic violence then we have the skills to immediately help you get away from an abusive situation, as well as protecting any other people, such as children, who may also be at risk. Do not hesitate to contact us today and we can begin to help you free yourself from domestic violence. Find out more.

Injunctions

Sometimes it is necessary to protect information or even finances from someone who may be trying to access it for their own gain, or pass it on to someone else. You may feel that the only way to protect yourself or your loved ones is to apply for an injunction. Contact us today for help with protecting or freezing your assets. Find out more.

Help with funding

When you are in a stressful situation involving family law, you should not have to worry about funding and how to pay for legal fees. We have many different options available to help you quickly resolve your situation, bring stability back to your life and manage payments in an affordable, manageable way. Find out more.

International family law

When family disputes span international borders the legal processes can become very complex. Fortunately here at Royds Withy King we have a team of family law solicitors who are experts in international family law. We are connected to lawyers around the globe and have proven experience in dealing with complex legal issues for families in many different countries and continents. Find out more.

Where you can find us

Our solicitors act for clients across England & Wales, however we have a number of offices in which you can come and see us:

We also have a consulting office in Bristol, which is available by appointment.

The Family team's credentials

“What the team is known for: Highly experienced at taking on financial remedy cases. Focuses on settling issues through collaboration or mediation where possible, and through litigation if necessary. Active representing guardians in public law care proceedings as well as private clients in complex children matters. Also handles domestic abuse cases and cases with cross-border elements. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): “They were prompt with responses, efficient in sharing information safely, helpful and always available.” Sources also note that the team houses “good people who know what they are doing and who provide a good service at a reasonable price.” Notable practitioners: Jon Toogood is a long-standing practitioner in the Somerset market, focusing on financial remedy litigation arising out of divorce proceedings. Sources characterise him as being “extremely sensible and pragmatic.” Department head Richard Ellis offers expertise in public and private children law cases. His experience covers matters such as adoption, living arrangements and third parties. Sharon MacDonald handles high-value financial disputes as well as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. She is also recognised for her mediation and collaborative work. “She is efficient and always responds to my questions and requests in good time and with full information,” notes a client.” Chambers 2019 South West

“What the team is known for: Well-regarded team in the Oxford market, and also gains recognition in Swindon. Substantial experience in divorce and financial remedy matters involving complex assets. Also advises on children matters, in particular relocation cases. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): “One client notes that the lawyers “provide good-quality, comprehensive advice and are very responsive.” Another source comments: “I have always received excellent service from the team.” Notable practitioners: Rebecca Stevens (Band 1) specialises in public and private children law, from child protection issues to contact arrangements. A client says: “I am not able to speak highly enough of Rebecca Stevens. She is absolutely fantastic. She has kept me fully informed on my case, even out of hours.” Simon Bassett (Band 2) advises on divorce-related financial disputes, including cases relating to family-owned business. He also assists with prenuptial agreements. One client highlights the “exceptional service,” provided by Bassett, noting: “He has always given sound advice with clear, concise information provided.” Another source adds: “He is quick to understand the bigger picture and is sensitive to the long-term relationship impacts of the proceedings.” Mark Phillips (Band 3) advises on financial disputes resulting from divorce or cohabitation breakdown, including those involving business and trust assets. He is described by a source as “very sensible and a safe pair of hands” with “an intellectual edge.” Another interviewee praises Phillips’s “good judgement.”” Chambers 2019 Oxford and Surrounds

“Royds Withy King has ‘one of the strongest and most experienced family teams in the South West’ and is ‘at the head of the pack of modernised family law firms.’ The team specialises in complex child care proceedings, with five ‘sympathetic and pragmatic’ partners leading the group. Sharon MacDonald ‘combines strong support for clients and has a pragmatic approach to negotiation’; she handles high-value finance matters, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation disputes. MacDonald also specialises in cases involving farming and agricultural families, and the armed forces. A recently made partner, the ‘outstanding’ Rebecca Stevens deals with family disputes relating to children, including child protection, contact, residence, removal from the jurisdiction and domestic violence issues, and ‘moves mountains to get results’. Among other changes to the team, senior associate Kit O’Brien moved to Stokes Partners LLP in January 2018, and Will MacFarlane joined from Withers LLP as partner in February 2018. MacFarlane has considerable experience acting for unmarried parents in financial claims on behalf of children, and recent Schedule 1 clients include two Premier League footballers. Senior associate Katherine Lauder is ‘exceptional’, and consultant Jon Toogood is also ‘an outstanding family lawyer’.” Legal 500 2018 South West

“Royds Withy King has ‘sensible, practical lawyers who represent their clients well’ and is noted for its advice in the financial remedy and private children law areas. ‘Excellent’ practice head Simon Bassett‘s expertise includes divorce, separation, financial matters, cohabitation and financial claims under the Children Act. Mark Phillips is strong for financial matters, and is recommended as ‘particularly knowledgeable and well-prepared; he is able to develop strong relationships with his clients’. Solicitor Monicka Rai (‘calm and measured; she represents her clients effectively and is a pleasure to deal with’) specialises in private children matters, including removal from jurisdiction and parental alienation cases. Andrew Nellist recently joined from Hedges Law and James Stonham retired from practice.” Legal 500 2018 South East

“Head of a ‘strong team’ at Royds Withy King is Patrick Hart who has ‘vast experience of representing HNW spouses often with international connections’. Vandana Chitroda is a ‘reassuring and supportive figure to her clients’.” Legal 500 2018 London

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