Family Law Solicitors Cardiff

At Robertsons Solicitors, our team of experienced family law specialists in Cardiff is dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of family-related matters. We understand that every family situation is unique and provide compassionate, practical legal support tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with the divorce process and separation, child arrangement orders, or issues related to civil partnerships and unmarried couples, we aim to help you achieve the best possible outcome with minimal stress. Our family law solicitors have a proven track record of success in handling high-net-worth divorces and complex financial matters.

Our Family Law Solicitors 

Our family solicitors have extensive experience in managing a wide range of cases, including divorce proceedings, child arrangements disputes, paternity rights, pre-and post-nuptial agreements, and more. We are here to protect your interests, whether you’re dealing with financial settlements, arrangements concerning children, or international issues involving non-UK nationals.

We understand that navigating the complexities of divorce is a sensitive journey. Our dedicated team of divorce solicitors is here to guide you through these difficult times, offering compassionate and expert legal assistance. We approach every case with sensitivity and professionalism, prioritising your family’s well-being.

family law solicitors Cardiff

What is the Best Way to Settle a Family Dispute?

There are various ways to go about it. At Robertsons Solicitors, our family law specialists in Cardiff will look at your situation before giving advice, but here are a few tried and trusted methods:

  • Sit around the kitchen table: This is the least invasive way to settle a dispute. The parties come together and talk things out. It is essential, though, to put what you decide in writing and ensure everyone understands the agreement’s legal implications. Talk to one of our family lawyers if you are unsure.
  • Family therapy: A professional counsellor can help your family talk and resolve a dispute. But, again, make sure you cover all the legal bases.
  • Mediation or arbitration: A mediator is a neutral person with the skills to help manage and facilitate discussions. Arbitration is more formal and is a substitute for the court system. An arbitrator acts like a judge, and his decision about your dispute will be binding. Our experienced team can help support and represent you through such a process.
  • Getting a family solicitor to help: One can use the collaborative process where the parties to the dispute, together with their solicitors, have round-table meetings to address issues one by one. A solicitor can also negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
  • Going to court: Sometimes going to court can be the only option to settle a dispute. Robertsons Solicitors can help make this process as pain-free as possible.

How Do I Choose the Right Family Law Solicitor?

Choosing the right solicitor involves finding someone with experience relevant to your case and with whom you feel comfortable. At Robertsons, our family law solicitors in Cardiff have a strong track record of successfully managing complex cases, particularly those involving children and international elements. Transparency regarding costs and case management is also crucial. Contact us today for a consultation and to see how we can help you.

It's always best to seek legal advice from a family lawyer sooner rather than later when facing a family-related legal issue. Here are some situations where consulting a family lawyer is particularly important:

  • Considering divorce or separation: A solicitor can advise you on the divorce process, your rights and obligations, and the best way to protect your interests.
  • Facing child custody disputes: A solicitor can help you negotiate child arrangements that are in the best interests of your children and ensure your rights as a parent are protected.
  • Entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement: A solicitor can draft a legally sound agreement that reflects your wishes and protects your assets.
  • Experiencing domestic violence: A solicitor can help you obtain a restraining order, advise you on your legal options, and connect you with support services.
  • Planning for the future of your children: A solicitor can help you with matters such as adoption, guardianship, and child arrangements in the event of separation or divorce.
  • Dealing with the death of a loved one: A solicitor can assist with probate, inheritance disputes, and estate administration.

Early intervention by a family lawyer can often lead to better outcomes, minimise conflict, and help you achieve a more amicable resolution. Don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

We understand that family disputes can be emotionally charged and stressful. Whenever possible, we encourage our clients to explore amicable solutions to minimise conflict and reach agreements that benefit all parties involved, especially children. Here are some options for resolving family disputes amicably:

  • Mediation: A neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates discussions between the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
  • Collaborative law: Both parties and their solicitors work together in a series of meetings to find a solution without going to court.
  • Negotiation: Solicitors can represent their clients and negotiate on their behalf to reach a settlement.

Our solicitors can guide you through these processes, provide legal advice, and help you achieve a positive resolution that protects your interests and preserves your family relationships.

Check out our dedicated mediation page.

While the sole ground for divorce in the UK is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, you must prove this by establishing one of five facts:

  • Adultery: Your spouse has had sexual intercourse with someone else.
  • Unreasonable behaviour: Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.
  • Desertion: Your spouse has deserted you for at least two years.   
  • Two years' separation with consent: You have lived apart for at least two years, and both parties consent to the divorce.   
  • Five years' separation: You have lived apart for at least five years, and your spouse's consent is not required.

Our divorce solicitors can help you understand the implications of each fact, gather the necessary evidence, and choose the most appropriate route for your circumstances. We will guide you through the entire divorce process, from filing the petition to obtaining the final decree.

When parents separate, it's essential to establish child arrangements that prioritize the child's welfare. The court's paramount consideration is always the child's best interests. Factors that are taken into account include:

  • The child's age and wishes: Older children may have a say in where they live and who they spend time with.
  • The child's physical, emotional, and educational needs: The arrangements should meet the child's needs in all areas.
  • The child's relationship with each parent: Maintaining a strong relationship with both parents is generally considered beneficial.
  • Each parent's ability to provide a safe and stable environment: The child's safety and well-being are paramount.
  • Any history of domestic violence or abuse: The court will take steps to protect the child from harm.

Our specialist child custody solicitors can help you negotiate child arrangements that are in your child's best interests. We can also represent you in court if necessary to ensure your rights as a parent are protected.

Cohabiting couples have different legal rights than married couples. It's crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities, especially regarding:

  • Property ownership: If you buy a property together, it's important to establish how ownership is divided, even if you're not married.
  • Financial responsibilities: There are no automatic financial obligations between cohabiting partners, unlike in marriage.
  • Children: Both parents have responsibilities towards their children, regardless of marital status.

Our solicitors can advise you on your legal position as a cohabiting partner and help you protect your interests. We can assist with:

  • Cohabitation agreements: These agreements can define your financial responsibilities, property ownership, and arrangements for children.
  • Property disputes: We can help you resolve disputes over property ownership if you separate.
  • Child arrangements and support: We can help you establish child arrangements and ensure both parents contribute to the child's upbringing.

Protecting your assets in a divorce is essential to ensure your financial security. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Understand your financial entitlements: Our solicitors can help you understand what you're entitled to in a divorce settlement.
  • Negotiate a fair settlement: We can represent you in negotiations with your spouse to achieve a fair division of assets.
  • Consider a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement: These agreements can define how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce.
  • Gather financial documentation: This includes bank statements, property valuations, and pension information.
  • Be transparent about your finances: Hiding assets can lead to legal complications and penalties.

Our experienced family law team can provide expert advice and representation to protect your financial interests during a divorce.

Domestic violence is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. It can encompass:   

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, or any other form of physical violence.
  • Emotional abuse: Controlling behaviour, intimidation, humiliation, threats, and isolation.
  • Financial abuse: Controlling access to money, preventing someone from working, or running up debts in their name.
  • Sexual abuse: Rape, sexual assault, or any other form of unwanted sexual activity.

If you're experiencing domestic violence, seeking legal protection is crucial. Our solicitors can help you:

  • Obtain a restraining order: This can prevent your abuser from contacting you or coming near your home.
  • Advise you on your legal options: We can explain your rights and help you make informed decisions.
  • Connect you with support services: We can refer you to organisations that offer emotional support, housing assistance, and other resources.

International family law cases can be complex, involving different legal systems and jurisdictions. These cases can arise when:

  • One or both spouses are foreign nationals.
  • The family has assets in different countries.
  • A child is abducted from one country to another.

Our solicitors have expertise in handling international family law matters, including:

  • International divorce: We can advise you on the legal requirements for divorce in different countries and help you navigate the complexities of international jurisdiction.
  • Child abduction: We can assist in recovering a child who has been abducted from the UK or bringing a child to the UK from another country.
  • International child arrangements: We can help you establish child arrangements that work across borders.
  • Enforcement of foreign court orders: We can help you enforce a court order from another country in the UK.

We understand that legal costs are a significant concern for many people. At Robertsons Solicitors, we strive to be transparent about our fees and offer flexible payment options. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of family law services:

  • The complexity of the case: More complex cases, such as those involving high-net-worth individuals or international elements, will generally cost more.
  • The level of conflict: Contested divorces and child custody disputes tend to be more expensive than amicable resolutions.
  • The time spent on the case: Hourly rates apply for the solicitor's time spent on your case.
  • Court fees: There are court fees payable for certain legal processes.

We provide clear cost estimates upfront and discuss all fees with you before proceeding with any work. We can also discuss alternative funding options, such as legal aid, if applicable.

Our Expert Team

Our expertise is how we maintain our strong reputation as a law firm.

Meet the Family Law Team