Whether relationships are stretched to breaking point or there are concerns about the welfare of children, family matters are always the highest priority. That’s why at Evans & Greaves we place so much importance on developing relationships with our clients. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it’s vital that the legal solutions reflect that and are arrived at carefully, constructively and clearly. Our family team have considerable experience across the whole range of family law issues.
Legal Aid may be available for those eligible but if not our fees are always very competitive.
Adoption
Our family team is highly experienced in dealing with every form of adoption – by step-parent, by relatives and following care proceedings.
Going through the adoption process can be stressful and many that have been through it say that it can also be confusing. We see it as our responsibility to explain the process and requirements as clearly and simply as possible and we are always ready with a helping hand.
Children Law Overview
At Evans & Greaves we have extensive experience of issues relating to children, both from a public law and private law perspective. So, whether the problem involves social services or the proceedings are between two individuals, we can help.
Public Children Law
We have vast experience of representing parents, grandparents, children and extended family members in relation to Social Services involvement with children. This is endorsed by Director Christopher Greaves’s Children Law accreditation from The Law society.
We provide support throughout any Social Services involvement with families. For example, if the local authority is considering whether to issue proceedings, early intervention with the correct advice and actions can help avoid long and stressful court proceedings. If proceedings cannot be avoided then we can advise and represent you during the process, including Applications for Supervision or Care Orders.
Alternatively, if a child is being looked after by the local authority then we can represent family members seeking contact and also advise on applications for discharge of care orders.
Legal Aid is normally available for public children law matters; we can tell you about this when we meet.
Private Children Law
Private Children Law applies when there is a dispute between two individuals over, for example, relationship breakdown or contact with children. There are a number of ways to address such issues. A Child Arrangement Order clarifies the child’s living arrangements and the time spent with both parties.
A Prohibited Steps Order is where the Court prevents a certain action, while a Specific Issue Order gives directions for a specific question that has arisen, or that may arise, about any aspect of parental responsibility for a child, for example, decisions regarding education.
In certain circumstances, Legal Aid is available for private law children matters; we can advise on this when we meet.
Whatever the issue relating to legal issues for children, we are well placed to help.
Cohabitee agreements and disputes
We assist many unmarried couples that live together. Contrary to popular belief there is currently no law which recognises the needs of a cohabiting couple if their relationship breaks down, unlike there is with divorce.
For couples thinking of living together or already living together, it is highly advisable to draw up a Cohabitation Agreement to avoid disputes. This is particularly important where there are children involved, as the law makes no distinction between married and unmarried parents when deciding such issues as who the child will live with and how often they will see the other parent. It is also important when there is a jointly owned property and the financial aspects of disputes of this kind always require very careful handling.
Cohabitation law is complex and our Family team can advise on avoiding disputes as well as resolving them.
Divorce
When a marriage breaks down it can have profound implications for all family members. It is also a very stressful time. At Evans & Greaves we have considerable experience of helping families through these difficulties in a way that protects their interests and achieves their aims. Our clients tell us that we handle these difficult issues sensitively; this is born of experience.
We advise on the legal issues that need to be dealt with to bring the marriage to an end.
In the first instance, we always look to help clients resolve any dispute but if this is not possible we provide the specialist legal advice and representation needed if the case goes to court.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence takes many forms – physical, verbal, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse. If necessary, there are injunctions available that provide protection such as Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. We can assist victims when applying for these Orders and are very experienced in acting immediately and speedily. First priority is given to the protection of vulnerable adults and children.
We understand the damaging effects of abusive relationships and work with other professionals who provide support services to victims and their families; we also help clients to guard them from further abuse where necessary.
Financial disputes
At Evans & Greaves we are highly experienced in handling financial disputes across a wide range of issues.
Financial issues are at the heart of family law. Whether it is a relationship breakdown, the making of a will or a prenuptial agreement, money matters are invariably part of the problem. However, financial issues can be complex, so we make a point of guiding clients as clearly and simply as possible to resolve the problem.
Financial disputes can also occur as a result of cohabitee disputes and contentious probate work. Whichever area they occur in, we are well placed to help.
