The purpose of this article is to explore the role of a Family Law Solicitor, what type of legal work they are involved in and what to look for when choosing the right Family Law Solicitor for you.

Family Law Solicitors are involved in all areas of law which concern family matters. More specifically, cases in which a Family Law Solicitor is required, include:

Cohabitation - Family Solicitors often deal with cases which have arisen as a result of cohabitation, advising their clients on their rights and what their options are if things don't work out.

Civil Partnerships - Following the Civil Partnerships Act of 2004, same sex couples can register as Civil Partners. Family Solicitors can advise couples on this process, the legal implications of it, and also in the event that the partnership doesn't work out.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements - Pre-nuptial agreements protect the financial interests of one or both partners within a marital agreement. Commonplace in the U.S, pre-nuptial agreements are less frequent in the U.K, where they are often difficult to enforce. A Family Solicitor will be able to advise you on whether or not your marriage is eligible for a pre-nuptial agreement, and whether or not it would stand up in court.

Separation and Divorce - When a marriage or partnership goes wrong, the first thing one should do is consult a specilaist Solicitor who will be able to advise you on the best course of action to take.

Residential and Contact Arrangements for Children - When a marriage ends, custody of the children is often a contentious issue. When applying for custody, a Family Solicitor is vital to ensure that your case is represented as effectively as possible.

What to look for in a Family Law Solicitor

Due to its very nature, family law is, both mentally and emotionally, one of the most demanding areas of the legal profession. It is of paramount importance, therefore, that the Solicitor you choose has the ability to remain impartial and fully detached from your case. Before choosing a Solicitor, you should check that they are fully accredited by the Law Society, and ask for examples of similar cases to yours, where they have had success in the past. A genuine Family Solicitor will be happy to provide this.

If you're having relationship problems, are considering a divorce, or want to know more about the legal implications of civil partnerships, see how a Family Law Solicitor could help you.