Family law solicitors
Families change over time. We’re here to help you make the best arrangements possible to support your growing and changing family. Our solicitors can help with: pre-nups, adoption law, surrogacy and fertility law.
Family law services
Our team of expert family solicitors are available to support you when you need advice for your family. In 2023 the Legal 500 said The Family Law team 'goes above and beyond to fully understand every aspect of your case’.
If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
- Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
- Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, Royston and Saffron Walden
- Hertfordshire: Bishops Stortford
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
Call our specialist solicitors on 0808 231 1320
 |
Download our guide here |
Our specialist services include:
- Legal services for unmarried couples (cohabiting couples) - it’s important to know you don’t have the same legal rights as married couples
- Adoption law advice – all types of adoption including: step parents, foster parents and international adoption
- Post-nuptial agreements – to set out how assets will be split in the event of a divorce, if you’re already married
- Pre-nuptial agreements – describes, before you marry, how you will split your assets if you get divorced
- Fertility law – guidance on complex issues such as: consent, freezing eggs and sperm and pre-conception agreements
- Surrogacy law – a controversial and complex area, we can help resolve surrogacy disputes.
Family diversity and the law
Over recent years what makes up a family has changed. From single parents to surrogacy, a family is now a diverse range of people and circumstances.
This year marks ten years since legislation was passed to allow same-sex couples to marry, a significant milestone for many. We will also see in 2023 the introduction of legislation changing surrogacy laws and how families can develop.
Given what makes a family has changed, it is only natural the language surrounding the family has changed. From having the definitions of parents on birth certificates to using intended parents in surrogacy cases, the law is developing to reflect family diversity.
Language plays a key role in family lawyers day to day lives. Just last year the terminology surrounding divorce changed to ensure ease of access. Instead of petitioner we now have an applicant in a divorce, and we have a divorce application instead of a petition. Having accessible language in family cases can only make matters easier for all.
Read here for more information surrounding family language in the law.
Talk to an expert
-
Helen Midgley
Senior Associate, Families and Divorce
Bishop's Stortford office
Meet Helen -
Clare Pilsworth
Partner, Families and Divorce
Cambridge office
Meet Clare -
Joshua Coombe
Partner, Families and Divorce
Chelmsford office
Meet Joshua -
Sally Powell
Executive Partner, Families and Divorce
Bishop's Stortford office
Meet Sally
What our clients say
Legal 500 2023
"There is a great depth in the team as they work across all offices with great technology, so there is always someone available if required. The team offers a number of specialisms within family law and interact well across the firm."
Legal 500 UK 2021
‘The practice is large enough to have a good breadth of experience; although I am using the family department, they have been able to liaise with other members of staff in other specialist departments and therefore make the process simpler by keeping everything in-house.’
Legal 500 UK 2021
‘Solid, sensible, high quality work, committed to each case.’
Legal 500 UK 2021
‘Clare Pilsworth is a polished operator. She shows steely determination and does not take bad points.‘
Legal 500 UK 2021
‘I have experience of the Chelmsford, Brentwood and Bishop’s Stortford offices, and all the staff across the board are extremely efficient and provide an excellent service to their clients. As a well resourced firm they are always able to provide expert advice quickly and efficiently.'
Ms. D. C.
Leigh-on-Sea
Caroline Andrews has helped with my divorce and with two separate child arrangement orders. Her advice is easy to understand and she has been a tremendous support to our family during some very tough times. Thank you once again for all that you have done over the years, for me and my kids.
Mr G
Bishop's Stortford
You did a great job countering barristers engaged by my then wife, to conclude a reasonable settlement for me at the Court. Thanks very much for your help and advice all those years ago - it has proven to be excellent!
Mrs B.
Colchester
I was impressed by your prompt responses, your clarity and the way you all kept me on track. I couldn’t have asked for more from the team and I honestly believe I wouldn’t be in such a good place now if it hadn’t have been for you all as a team. A very big thank you.
Ms D
Bedfordshire
All in all, I still can’t thank you enough for all the help, advice and encouragement you gave me at the time of the divorce. I always felt really safe that you would get the best settlement in the nicest possible way.
Mr B
Cheshire
I have often thought back to some of our conversations in 2007 and your wise words on future possibilities. As I approach retirement, I will be left with some choices to make, but am in the fortunate position of being able to make those choices without financial pressure. Thank you.
