How our family law solicitors can help
Family law deals with the intricate rights and responsibilities within families. We know these matters can be sensitive and complex, which is why our team approaches each case with absolute care and empathy. Here are just a few of the ways our family law solicitors can help:
Pre-nuptial agreements | Our team can help draft prenup or postnup agreements and provide expert legal advice. They can also guide you and help negotiate any key disagreements. |
Divorce and separation | Get tailored support with the entire divorce process. Your specialist divorce solicitor can advise on financial settlement options, child arrangements, mediation and more. |
Child arrangements and custody | When it comes to child arrangements, every case is unique. Our team can give legal advice on things like access, child maintenance, financial claims, grandparent's rights, court proceedings and more. |
Surrogacy and adoption | Our surrogacy and adoption solicitors can talk you through all your options when starting a family. They can guide you on the full surrogacy process, single-parent adoption, stepparent options and more. |
Cohabitation | You can use our family solicitors to help create and review cohabitation agreements. They can give reputable advice on disputes, parental responsibility and your future arrangements. |
Civil partnerships | Our specialists can guide you on all aspects of The Civil Partnerships Act 2004. They can provide compassionate support on pre-nuptial agreements, child arrangements and the dissolution of partnerships. |
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services
Not every dispute has to go to court. Our family law specialists can review your case and provide you with the best course of action. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can help families try and resolve matters cost-effectively and peacefully. Below are some of the ADR services our lawyers might suggest:
Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both parties communicate and negotiate to reach agreements. It can be especially effective for child custody, visitation, and financial matters. In the UK, the Family Mediation Council (FMC) is a not-for-profit organisation that maintains a professional register of family mediators you can work with.
Negotiation
Negotiation can be used before and during court proceedings. Essentially, this is where the solicitor will negotiate on your behalf and act as a buffer. The aim is to create solution-based outcomes while shielding you from additional stress.
Arbitration
Family arbitration involves an arbitrator who makes a binding decision after hearing both sides. It can be used to resolve financial disputes or disputes concerning children. While less formal than court, the decision is legally enforceable.
Collaborative law
Collaborative law processes can be much quicker than going to court. You work things out face to face and each person has their own collaboratively trained lawyer. If the collaboration does not succeed, both parties will need new solicitors to proceed in court.
Why choose Lawhive for a family lawyer?
Getting expert legal advice shouldn't be a chore. With Lawhive, we'll quickly connect you to a family solicitor that's right for your case. Here are just a few reasons you might like Lawhive:
Family law experts: We partner with hundreds of solicitors all over the UK and match you with a family law expert. You'll get advice from someone who understands your case and the complexities you might come up against.
Upfront, fixed pricing: We don't think you should ever have to pay by the hour. We'll assess your case and give you a fixed fee quote upfront with no obligations to commit.
Fast legal help: We aim to connect you with a lawyer in as little as 48 hours. And sometimes we're even quicker than that.
More affordable family advice: On average, we're up to 50% cheaper than a high street law firm. You'll get the same level of expertise without the price hike.
How much does a family solicitor cost?
The cost of a family law solicitor can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case, the solicitor's experience, the region you're in, and the specific services required. Some law firms can charge a minimum of £700 (plus VAT) plus additional court fees if required for a fixed-fee case. Others might charge by the hour and upwards of £300.
With Lawhive, we'll assess your case and give you a personalised fixed fee quote. You won't pay by the hour and there's no obligation to commit. Plus, we can be up to 50% less expensive than a traditional law firm.
Additional costs
Each case will be unique, though you might expect some additional costs on top of standard solicitor legal fees. These are generally known as 'disbursements' - fees that are paid to a third party by your solicitor. Some common additional costs include:
Court fees: The fees to go to court will vary depending on your case. For example, the fee for a child arrangements order application is up to £255 and the fee for a financial order is up to £308.
Tracing agents: If a party can't be located or isn't engaging with the case proceedings, you may need to instruct a tracing agent. They can help find them and move the legal process along. Fees will vary based on things like any existing contact information and date of last contact.
Timescales for family law services
The length of a case will live and die on its complexity. There are lots of contributing factors like the type of case, how willing each party is to come to an agreement, witness availability and more. Below is a quick breakdown of the different family cases and how long they might take. For a clearer understanding, consult with one of our solicitors for a quote.
Service | Approximate cost | Approximate timescale |
Child arrangements | £££ | ⏳⏳⏳⏳ |
Child support agreement | ££ | ⏳⏳ |
Prenuptial agreement | £ | ⏳ |
Adoption | ££ | ⏳⏳⏳ |
Property and asset division | ££ | ⏳⏳⏳ |
Domestic violence protection order | £ | ⏳⏳⏳ |
Grandparent visitation rights | £ | ⏳⏳ |
Mediation services | £ | ⏳⏳ |
Cohabitation agreement | £ | ⏳ |
Our team of specialist family lawyers
We are committed to connecting you with only the most reliable, licensed solicitors. Every solicitor we work with has been thoroughly vetted by our Legal Assessment team, who check for key criteria such as years in practice, property law expertise, professional credentials, and recent client reviews. When you choose Lawhive, you can expect your solicitor to be, at a minimum:
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): The SRA oversees over 200,000 solicitors across England and Wales, ensuring they meet rigorous standards. Every single solicitor we recommend is fully regulated by the SRA, meeting its high standards of quality and ethics.
Fully qualified for family law: All solicitors we recommend have completed both stages of the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE) or equivalent, with at least two years of full-time experience. Many of our advisors are established practitioners with over 10 years of expertise in family law.
Caring and considerate: Family law often involves sensitive issues, so we ensure you work with solicitors who approach each case with empathy, respect, and understanding. They'll give you clear, level-headed advice that makes a difference.
What are my next steps?
While there are ways to resolve family issues beyond the courtroom, seeking the guidance of a family lawyer can provide the clarity and expertise you need to help you move forward. If you're ready to take the next step, Lawhive is here to help. Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a qualified solicitor in under 5 minutes who can offer fast, affordable legal assistance tailored to your unique needs.
Common questions
What does a family lawyer do?
Family solicitors act on matters relating to family relationships, particularly when disagreements arise. While some lawyers specialise in certain areas, others may practise across the whole family law spectrum and serve a wide range of clients. Common family law areas include divorce, child law, child arrangements, financial matters, cohabitation and more.
Do I need a specialist family law solicitor?
It's not a legal requirement, though it's recommended to have legal representation for more complex cases. Turning to a family law solicitor can provide essential knowledge, support, and guidance that you wouldn't have otherwise.
Will I have to go to family court?
Whether or not you have to go to family court depends on the specifics of your case. In the UK, there are alternatives to taking family matters to court, known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Many practising family law solicitors are trained in these methods, and they can sometimes help reach a solution quicker.
