We all hope that it won’t happen: your family set up falling apart. Whether you need to get divorced or there are disputes over financial matters or arrangements for children, family solicitors Emsworth are essential for resolving issues in a fair manner for all parties. The fact is that situations like these are highly emotional and stressful for the people involved and it is a solicitor’s goal to ensure that outcomes are fair, putting the needs of any children involved at the forefront of everything that is done. While it is possible to get divorced without the support of a solicitor, dealing with financial matters and sorting out access arrangements for minors is a legal minefield that you will need the best to support you through.

Financial matters

To get divorced, you can do this simply by completing various forms and paying court fees. When it comes to deciding what happens to the house and who gets the toaster, however, it is far less straightforward. The first step in trying to resolve these issues is to go to mediation, where you and your ex-partner will need to discuss what you each believe is fair. The role of the mediator who is present will be to help you to come to an agreement that is mutually agreeable and fair. If this process does not work or you are no longer on speaking terms with your ex, then a solicitor will be able to act on your behalf instead. When tensions are high, it can be invaluable to have a legal professional representing you who is able to think clearly for you.

Children

There are a number of different orders that can be applied for: child arrangement orders, specific issue orders, prohibited steps orders, and applications for parental responsibility. Whatever your needs, a family solicitor will be able to act on your behalf and support you through the relevant processes of your case. They will be able to advise on what is best, legally, for the children, which is what should be at the heart of everything that the adults involved are focussed on as well.

Other issues

Of course, you may not be married and need to settle affairs following a split. If there is no marital contract in place, cohabitants do not have the same rights as those who were married. They rely on Trusts Law to resolve matters related to property, if it is owned by both parties. The law will assume that both parties have an equal right to the property even if equal contributions weren’t made. This is why it may be wise to seek advice when buying a property together if you are not married. A family solicitor will also be able to advise on matters relating to a breakdown of a relationship under these circumstances and help to resolve matters as amicably as possible.

While there are other services such as wills or judicial separation, for example, the first thing you will need to do is contact a family solicitor to discuss your specific circumstances and find out how they will be able to help. It is important to seek guidance from a legal professional, where there are complex areas of law involved. As difficult as it may be to face, having a family solicitor to support you through will make the experience easier for you.