Family and Children Law

Prenuptial Agreement

A Prenuptial Agreement is a written contract made between a couple before getting married.  A Prenuptial Agreement details how the parties’ finances and assets will be divided in the event of a divorce.  Couples usually consider a Prenuptial Agreement when one party has significantly more assets or wealth than the other.  The Agreement can also address any future wealth, such as, if one party is to receive a large inheritance.

A Pre-Nuptial Agreement must be signed at least 21 days before the wedding. Therefore, it is important to provide enough time for discussions and the drafting of the Agreement.

Both parties will be required to show that;

• They both entered into the Agreement freely and voluntarily;
• Both parties had independent legal advice;
• Full disclosure was exchanged as to the parties financial position.

We do offer a fixed fee of £850 + VAT for a Prenuptial Agreement (*subject to the complexity of matters)

Postnuptial Agreement

A Postnuptial Agreement records what would happen in the event of a divorce after the parties have married.

A Postnuptial Agreement can benefit couples where there has been a change in circumstances following their wedding.  Postnuptial Agreements are also helpful for couples who have had relationships difficulties previously and wish to continue with their marriage with financial peace of mind.

Please contact us for a confidential discussion to find out more.

A marriage breakdown can be a daunting and very emotional time and worry and anxiety are only natural. If you are looking to separate you want the best outcome for you and your family.

There are many things to consider when divorcing including child arrangements and financial settlements and our team bring a sensitive and practical approach to guide you through the process whether it is a straightforward non-contested divorce or involves more complex issues. We can make referrals to mediation if this is appropriate. Whatever your needs, our experienced, caring and highly rated solicitors are here to provide you with support and confidence to help you move forward with your life.

Please contact us as soon as possible to speak confidentially to a member of our team about your options. We recognise that calling us may be difficult, and it may be difficult for you to speak, hence you can notify us that there is difficulty in you calling by saying keyword ‘Home’ and we will ensure that our number is withheld on any further calls with you.  We will also understand if you have to finish the call urgently and will await your call back. Our priority is to be there for you.

If you are struggling to agree on issues arising from a separation or divorce, then that does not necessarily mean that these disputes have to end up in Court.  In fact, issuing court proceedings should always be a last resort and the court insists that all other options are pursued.

Family Mediation is one of these options and it is mandatory that you attend a Mediation Information and Assessment meeting (MIAM) before you can issue any Court proceedings in relation to children and financial matters.

Mediation can be an effective process involving both parties working with the mediator together to reach an agreement that can then be converted into a legally binding document which is issued at and approved by the Court.

Family Mediation is more cost effective, less stressful and overall a quicker process than Court proceedings.

If you think that mediation is a better way forward to resolving the disputes between you then please contact us for a confidential discussion on the options available to you.

Addressing your finances following a separation can be difficult.  There are a variety of aspects to address and to agree as to how the assets will be divided.  Our team of experts will advise you as to the best outcome for you and your family.

At Frodshams, we aim to guide all clients to reach an amicable agreement, to avoid having to issue an application to the Court for a Financial Order. Going to Court can increase delay, stress and cost.

The Court expect all parties to attempt mediation before issuing an application, in a further attempt to resolve matters. Mediation can be successful if both parties are prepared to compromise, however, if an agreement cannot be reached as to division of the assets, an application to the Court for a Financial Order will have to be made. Unfortunately, going to Court in some cases is the only option.

If, within proceedings, and upon receiving guidance from the Court, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the Court will make an Order on their behalf. This may produce an outcome that neither party are happy with, therefore it is important to seek legal advice and guidance in an attempt to see if an agreement can be reached before a final hearing.

Our team of experts will guide you through the process to ensure that you receive the best outcome to secure your current and future financial position.

Sadly, Domestic Abuse occurs in a large number of relationships, and can take many forms, to include emotional abuse, sexual harm, physical violence, psychological abuse.

Here at Frodshams Solicitors, we strive to assist all victims of domestic abuse and advise them as to the options available to them to provide the urgent required protection.

Victims of domestic abuse can apply to the Court for an injunction.  There are two available injunctions:-

• Non Molestation Order
• Occupation Order

There are also a variety of support organisations available to assist you 24 hours a day and their details are as follows:-

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

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile press 55 to have your call transferred to the police.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you are being subjected to domestic abuse and require protection and speak confidentially to a member of our team about your options.  We recognise that calling us may be difficult, and it may be difficult for you to speak, hence you can notify us when you call that this is a domestic abuse issue by saying keyword ‘Home’ and we will ensure that our number is withheld on any further calls with you. We will also understand if you have to finish the call urgently and will await your call back. Our priority is to ensure your safety.