Family Solicitors near Tower Bridge

We start with a free 15-minute consultation, by phone or at our Shad Thames office, whichever suits you. We listen to what has happened, ask a few questions and explain in plain English what your options look like and what sensible next steps might be. There is no pressure to instruct us afterwards. If you do decide to go ahead, we set out the likely stages and how our fees work before any chargeable work begins. It helps to note down key dates, bring any court papers or letters you have received, and think about what you want to achieve. To book, call 0203 345 2000 or use our contact page.

Every divorce is different, so we can only speak in general terms. The current no fault process includes minimum waiting periods set by law, so even a straightforward, uncontested divorce usually takes at least six months from application to final order. Where finances are complicated, or where you and your former partner disagree about money or children, matters can take considerably longer, and it is common to deal with financial arrangements alongside or after the divorce itself. We will give you a realistic view of timescales for your own situation at the outset and keep you updated. You can read more on our divorce and financial remedies pages.

Not necessarily. In our experience most family disputes settle without a contested final hearing. Many separating couples reach agreement through solicitor-led negotiation or mediation, and an agreement about money can then be turned into a binding court order by consent, usually without either of you attending a hearing. Court proceedings are sometimes the right course, for example where there is urgency, a safeguarding concern or genuine deadlock, and if that applies we will prepare your case thoroughly and represent you throughout. Wherever possible we look for the least confrontational route that still protects your position, particularly where children are involved. See our child arrangements page for how disputes about children are handled.

In most cases, before applying to court about children or finances, you are expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, known as a MIAM, to consider whether mediation could help. There are exemptions, including where there has been domestic abuse or where an application is urgent. Mediation itself is voluntary: a trained, neutral mediator helps you and your former partner talk through the issues and try to reach your own agreement, which can be quicker, less costly and less stressful than court. It does not suit every situation, and we will tell you honestly if we think another route would serve you better. We can advise alongside mediation and turn any agreement into a binding order.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 first. Once you are safe, the family court can act quickly. We can apply for a non-molestation order, which forbids an abuser from threatening, harassing or contacting you, and an occupation order, which can regulate who lives in the family home. In urgent cases these applications can be made at short notice, sometimes without the other person being told in advance, and breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. Our team at Shad Thames handles these matters with sensitivity and discretion, and we will talk you through the evidence needed and the practical steps to keep you and any children safe. Please contact us as soon as you can.

Clearly, in writing, before any chargeable work starts. At your free 15-minute consultation we will outline how we charge for your type of matter, and if you instruct us we set out our rates, the likely overall costs and anything that could change them in our client care letter. We give costs updates as your case progresses, so nothing comes as a surprise, and if the scope of work changes we tell you before carrying on. Funding options and payment arrangements are discussed openly at the start. Because family cases vary so much, we do not publish one-size-fits-all prices; please see our fees page for how our pricing works, or call 0203 345 2000.