Divorce and Family Law Services

Divorce and Separation

Deciding to separate or divorce can feel daunting and may leave you uncertain about the future. Markham Family Law will explain your options in plain language, help protect your interests and those of your children, and guide you through each stage of the process. We focus on finding a practical and proportionate route towards the best available outcome for your circumstances.

Child Arrangements

When parents separate, agreeing where children will live and how they will spend time with each parent can be difficult. We help parents understand their options, keep the children’s welfare at the centre of discussions and work towards practical arrangements. Where agreement is not possible, we can advise and represent you in court proceedings.

Financial Settlement

Separating couples often need to decide what will happen to the family home, savings, pensions, investments, businesses and income. We provide clear advice about financial disclosure, negotiation and court orders, helping you work towards a fair and secure settlement that reflects your circumstances and future needs.

Breakdown of a Modern Family

We support families of every shape and size through relationship breakdown, including married couples, civil partners and unmarried couples. Your matter will be handled with compassion, confidentiality and care, with advice tailored to protect your position and the interests of your children.

Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements

At Markham Family Law, we don’t only deal with the breakdown of relationships, we are also experienced in advising on financial protection as part of your relationship, in order to put your mind at rest for the future ahead. Whether you are wanting to record your financial plans prior to, or after, marriage, we can advise you and draw up your agreements. These agreements can be complex, particularly where financial assets and family structures are untraditional, but they can form a vital part of financial planning for yourself and your family to ensure a secure future.

Cohabitation Agreements

At Markham Family Law we have a wealth of experience advising on and preparing Cohabitation Agreements to detail, not only what should happen in the event of a breakdown of a relationship, but also the financial arrangements throughout the relationship and what should happen financially, in the event of marriage. These documents form an invaluable part of an unmarried couple’s financial planning and can avoid the need for future, complex legal disputes should the relationship breakdown.

Deeds of Separation/Consent Orders

Once you have reached a financial agreement it is vital, for your financial security for the future, that you have the agreement recorded in either a Deed of Separation or a Consent Order, depending on your situation. Such a document will ensure that no further claims can be made against you and will protect your financial position for the future. In the absence of such an agreement financial claims remain open indefinitely, despite conclusion of the divorce application and these claims can be made many years later. Markham Family Law can advise you on what document is most suitable for your situation to ensure your financial security for the future.

Court Proceedings

At Markham Family Law we understand that court proceedings can be a daunting prospect. We have many years’ experience representing clients and providing support and guidance throughout the court process. We will explain each stage clearly and ensure that your case is presented effectively, with the appropriate level of advocacy for your needs.

Alternatives to Court proceedings

There are many alternatives to court available to you to assist with reaching a resolution in your dispute. At Markham Family Law we will advise on the options most appropriate to your circumstances to ensure that your case is settled in the most efficient and cost effective way. We will advise you on options, such as, Mediation, Collaboration, Arbitration and Early Evaluation. We can negotiate settlement on your behalf, conduct collaborative meetings or arrange private hearings for you. These options will always be quicker and often more cost effective, than using the court process.

Fees and funding options

As all family cases are unique in circumstances and complexity, without knowing the details of your case, it can be difficult to advise on what costs will be involved and how long your matter is likely to take. A lot will depend on the issues and/or assets involved. At Markham Family Law we will conduct our initial appointment on a fixed fee to establish the facts, provide initial advice, discuss the options available to you and formulate a way forward. We will then be able to advise on overall costs and discuss with you options for funding your case. It is important to us that you are kept informed about your costs and throughout your case we will provide you with a breakdown of costs incurred and keep you updated on future cost forecasts. We will work with you to ensure that your costs are kept proportionate and that matters are concluded as quickly as possible.