Family Law Solicitors

Prenuptial Agreement

A Prenuptial Agreement, commonly known as a "Prenup", is a contract established between couples before they get married. Its primary purpose is to outline the distribution of assets and finances if the marriage ends in divorce.

Prenuptial agreements are often considered when there's a financial disparity between the partners. However, they can be a valuable tool for any couple to clearly define their financial expectations and protect their individual assets in the event of a divorce. Beyond just current assets, the agreement can also cater to future wealth, such as potential inheritances.

To ensure its validity:

• The Prenup should be signed no less than 28 days before the wedding, allowing ample time for thorough discussion and documentation.
• Both parties must willingly enter into the agreement.
• Both individuals must have independent legal counsel.
• Complete financial transparency, with full disclosure of assets, is a necessity.

For a streamlined experience, we offer a fixed fee of £850 + VAT for drafting a Prenuptial Agreement (*subject to the complexity of matters).

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Postnuptial Agreement

Much like its pre-marital counterpart, a Postnuptial Agreement is a formal agreement detailing the division of assets in the unfortunate event of a divorce, but it's crafted after the wedding vows. Such agreements are especially beneficial when there's a significant shift in financial circumstances or assets after marriage. Moreover, for couples who have weathered relationship problems and wish to proceed with an added layer of financial clarity, a Postnuptial Agreement offers peace of mind.

If you’d like personalised advice and a clear understanding of your options, we're here to chat with you in a confidential, no obligation consultation..

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Our Divorce and Separation Service

Navigating the dissolution of a marriage is both challenging and daunting. It brings up a host of emotions and questions about the road ahead. When considering separation or divorce, it's essential to ensure the best outcomes for both yourself and any family involved.

There are many things to consider when going through a divorce. From child arrangements to financial settlements; we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're facing a straightforward scenario (such as a non-contested divorce) or a more complex one, our approach is always practical and empathetic.

Should mediation prove beneficial, we're ready to guide you through the process with our experienced mediation team.

Reaching out can sometimes be a challenge

We understand that reaching out can be difficult, especially when your home environment might not be safe or private. To make communication easier, simply use the keyword 'Home' when contacting us.

This discreet signal lets us know to prioritise your safety and ensure discretion in all further communications. This includes withholding our number on caller ID for future calls.

You can always pause or end communication whenever you need. We'll be here when you're ready to continue. Your well-being and peace of mind are our top priorities.

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Our Mediation Service

When disagreements arise following a separation or divorce, the path to resolution doesn't always need to lead to the courtroom. In many situations, court proceedings are the last resort, and the legal system emphasises exploring alternative solutions first.

One effective alternative is Family Mediation. Before diving into court proceedings regarding children and financial disputes, it's mandatory to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

Mediation involves both parties collaborating with a neutral mediator to craft an agreement. Once reached, this consensus can be formalised into a legally binding document approved by the court.

Choosing Family Mediation often results in a process that's more cost-efficient, less stressful, and generally quicker than the traditional court route.

If you believe that mediation might offer a more harmonious way forward for your situation, we're here to help. Reach out for a confidential chat to explore mediation options suitable for your circumstances.

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Our Financial Settlement Service

Managing financial matters after a separation can be one of the more challenging aspects of the process. From shared assets to individual financial responsibilities, ensuring a fair and balanced division is crucial.

Our knowledgeable team at Frodshams is here to help you navigate this challenging situation, always keeping the well-being of you and your family in focus.

Our goal is to assist our clients in achieving a cooperative agreement without the necessity of court intervention. Opting for court proceedings can amplify delays, costs, and emotional toll.

Before heading to court, mediation is encouraged as a means of reaching mutual understanding. While mediation can prove effective when both parties are open to negotiation, there are instances where court intervention becomes inevitable.

Should the proceedings advance without reaching a consensus, even after court-guided negotiations, the court will make a decision on behalf of both parties. Court-imposed solutions might not meet everyone's expectations. That's why it's important to be well-prepared and get professional legal advice early on, aiming for a resolution before going to court.

Let our experienced Family Law Solicitors guide and support you, ensuring your present and future financial standing remains robust and secure.

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Our Domestic Abuse Service

Sadly, Domestic abuse is a reality for many relationships, taking the form of emotional, sexual, physical, or psychological harm.

At Frodshams Solicitors, we are dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse, providing guidance on the various legal protections available to them.

For those seeking legal protection, the Court offers two types of injunctions:

• Non-Molestation Order
• Occupation Order

Beyond legal measures, there are a variety of support organisations available to assist you 24 hours a day:

• Victim Support: 0808 1689 111
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

In situations of immediate danger, dial 999 and request the police.If you’re in a situation were you’re unable to speak, and you’re calling on a mobile phone, pressing 55 will transfer your call directly to the police.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse and need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We understand it can be difficult to talk about, so feel free to speak to our team in confidence. We're here to listen and discuss the best options for you.

Reaching out can sometimes be a challenge

We understand that reaching out can be difficult, especially when your home environment might not be safe or private. To make communication easier, simply use the keyword 'Home' when contacting us.

This discreet signal lets us know to prioritise your safety and ensure discretion in all further communications. This includes withholding our number on caller ID for future calls.

You can always pause or end communication whenever you need. We'll be here when you're ready to continue. Your well-being and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Read more about Domestic Abuse >

Our Co-habitation and Separation Agreement Services

Life together isn't always smooth sailing, and sometimes couples need legal guidance to protect their interests and plan for the future. Whether you're starting a life together or considering separation, cohabitation and separation agreements can be valuable tools.

At Frodshams Solicitors, we understand the complexities involved and are here to provide expert advice and compassionate support throughout the process.

If you are looking for legal advice about drafting a cohabitation or separation agreement, get in touch with us now

Co-habitiation Agreement

Unmarried couples do not have the same financial rights as married couples. If you and your partner are looking to take the next step and move in together, we strongly advise the drafting of a cohabitation agreement.

A cohabitation agreement sets out how finances concerning the property will be handled while living together, as well as setting out the ownership of certain assets. It will also outline any obligations a person has to the shared property in the unfortunate event of separation.

More importantly though, cohabitation agreements can give both parties peace of mind. Both will know exactly what financial responsibilities they each have. This can help to avoid any disagreements that might occur if a separation does happen in the future.

A cohabitation agreement does not have to be drawn up between two romantically involved people either. It is a good idea to seek legal counsel concerning a cohabitation agreement if you are moving in with family, friends or roommates.

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Separation Agreement

A separation agreement is typically drafted to address temporary arrangements when couples who have separated are contemplating divorce, wish to live apart, or cannot immediately obtain a divorce. Its primary function is to establish each party's obligations regarding finances (Such as: asset division, alimony, child support etc.), property, and the care of any shared children.

If you don’t intend to reconcile with your partner or start any divorce proceedings in the near future, then applying for a separation agreement could help to protect your financial position. More importantly, it can also provide a sense of closure to the process of separating from a partner/spouse, as it gives both parties a legally binding agreement that protects their rights and interests. This allows them to begin moving on with confidence and peace of mind.

While cohabitation and separation agreements aren't legally binding, the Court will strongly consider the document when making any final determination as it highlights the parties’ intentions at the time of separation.

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Our Co-habitation Dispute Service

Living with others can sometimes lead to disagreements, and cohabitation disputes can arise regardless of your relationship with the other person – be it family, friends, spouses or partners, or roommates.

There are lots of common areas of contention between cohabiters. This includes, but not limited to:

• Financial disagreements
• Major life changes
• Household responsibilities
• Miscommunication

However, the resolution of cohabitation disputes often depends on the unique circumstances of each conflict.

Unfortunately, it is irrelevant how long parties have been living together. Many couples believe that, after a certain amount of time, they acquire ‘common law’ rights. This is not the case. Unmarried couples do not have any legal right over their partner’s assets, unless they can evidence that they have made a significant financial contribution.

At Frodshams, our experienced team provides advice and guidance, tailored to your individual circumstances, whether that be through negotiation or whether an application is required to be made to the Court.

Litigation can be extremely lengthy and expensive. Ideally, this should be the last case resort.

Cohabitation disputes can be stressful. If you have recently separated, or are thinking of separating from your partner and are unsure of your rights, our Family Law Solicitors are ready to offer guidance and support – Call our family law specialists for a no-obligation discussion.

It is important that you seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity to determine what your rights are.

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Our Change of Name Service

There are many reasons why someone might want to change their name, including:

• Marriage or divorce
• Gender reassignment
• Personal preference

Any reason is valid, as long as the change is not made with fraudulent intent.

How to Change Your Name in the UK

While it's possible to change your name independently through a deed poll, this process can be complex and time-consuming. If you're changing your name due to marriage or civil partnership, a marriage certificate is usually sufficient. However, in other cases, a deed poll is required, and there are specific legal requirements to ensure its validity.

Supporting you through your change of name

At Frodshams, we understand that changing your name is a personal and sometimes sensitive decision. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process. We ensure that your Change Of Name is handled correctly and efficiently, saving you time and potential complications.

Our Change of Name Services:

• Preparation of Change of Name Deed: We'll handle the legal drafting of your deed poll, ensuring it meets all necessary requirements and is legally sound.
• Witnessing: We can act as witnesses when you sign the deed poll, adding an extra layer of validity and ensuring proper execution.
• Guidance: We'll provide comprehensive advice on notifying relevant organisations (banks, passport office, DVLA, etc.) of your name change, simplifying the administrative process.

We offer a fixed fee of £250 + VAT to prepare a Change of Name Deed. If you'd like to discuss your specific situation and learn more about our services, don't hesitate to contact our team on 01744 626600. We're here to help make your name change as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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