Family Lawyers London

Family Lawyers in London

Family law matters often emerge during some of the most challenging and emotionally demanding times in a person’s life. Whether you are navigating the breakdown of a relationship, facing concerns about children, dealing with financial uncertainty after separation, or confronting issues involving domestic abuse, obtaining early and dependable legal advice can significantly impact both the outcome and your wellbeing.

Our family lawyers in London deliver clear, practical, and compassionate advice tailored to your unique circumstances. We recognise that family disputes are rarely simple and frequently involve deeply personal matters. For this reason, we invest time to listen attentively, explain your options in straightforward language, and help you make informed decisions about the way forward.

Makwanas Solicitors represent clients throughout London and the wider surrounding areas. From initial consultation through to resolution, our focus remains on protecting your interests, minimising conflict wherever possible, and helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

When Should You Contact a Family Lawyer?

Many individuals delay seeking legal advice, often hoping that issues will resolve themselves or worrying that contacting a lawyer will inevitably lead to court proceedings. In practice, early advice frequently prevents disputes from escalating and helps avoid costly or irreversible errors.

You should consider contacting a family lawyer as soon as you encounter uncertainty or disagreement within a family relationship. This may include the breakdown of a marriage or long-term partnership, disputes concerning children, worries about finances, or situations involving controlling or abusive behaviour. Even when court action is not anticipated, understanding your legal position early can provide reassurance and a clearer route forward.

Seeking advice promptly does not mean you are being confrontational or unreasonable. Rather, it demonstrates a responsible approach to managing difficult circumstances and protecting the interests of everyone involved, particularly children. Our London-based family lawyers are here to provide guidance without judgment, helping you understand your rights and responsibilities from the outset.

Divorce and Civil Partnership Dissolution

The end of a marriage or civil partnership can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. Alongside personal upheaval, there are significant legal steps that must be followed correctly to ensure that the process is handled efficiently and fairly.

Our London family lawyers guide clients through the divorce process from beginning to end. We advise on applications, timeframes, and the legal implications of separation, including matters relating to finances and children. Where possible, we encourage cooperation and constructive dialogue to minimise conflict, particularly where children are involved.

The divorce procedure itself has evolved in recent years, with reforms aimed at reducing conflict between separating couples. We stay current with all legislative changes and court procedures to ensure you receive accurate and up-to-date guidance. Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves complex financial arrangements and child arrangements, we provide the support and representation you need.

Where divorce proceedings become contested, we provide firm and focused representation to protect your position and ensure that your interests are properly advanced. Our approach is to resolve matters as efficiently as possible while maintaining a strong stance on the issues that matter most to you.

Separation for Unmarried Couples

Unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights as married couples, which can make separation particularly complicated. Disputes may arise over property ownership, financial contributions, or living arrangements, often leaving individuals uncertain about their entitlements.

We assist clients in London who are separating from a partner without being married. Our advice covers property disputes, trusts of land claims, and financial arrangements, helping clients understand their legal position and the options available to them. Early advice is especially crucial in these cases, as it can prevent prolonged disputes and unnecessary litigation.

Cohabiting couples may assume they have acquired “common law” rights after living together for a certain period, but this is a misconception. The legal framework governing unmarried couples is fundamentally different from that applying to married couples, and understanding these differences is essential to protecting your position during separation.

Children and Parenting Arrangements

Disputes involving children require careful and sensitive handling. Our priority in every case is the welfare and best interests of the child. We help parents reach practical arrangements concerning where children live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how key decisions about education, healthcare, and upbringing are made.

Where agreement can be reached, we assist with negotiating and formalising arrangements. Where disputes cannot be resolved amicably, we provide representation in Family Court proceedings, including applications for child arrangements orders, parental responsibility, and specific issue disputes. We also advise grandparents and other family members seeking contact with children.

The courts in London handle a significant volume of child arrangement cases, and we have extensive experience navigating local court procedures and working with judges, CAFCASS officers, and other professionals involved in family proceedings. Our knowledge of how the London Family Courts operate enables us to provide realistic advice about likely outcomes and timescales.

Children’s voices are increasingly heard within family proceedings, and we ensure that your child’s welfare remains at the forefront of any discussions or court applications. We work closely with parents to develop parenting plans that promote stability, consistency, and the ongoing involvement of both parents wherever safe and appropriate.

Financial Matters and Property Disputes

Financial issues following separation can be complex and stressful, particularly where property, pensions, savings, or business interests are involved. Our family lawyers assist clients in London with financial disclosure, negotiations, and settlements designed to achieve a fair and sustainable outcome.

We advise on the division of assets, maintenance arrangements, housing needs, and long-term financial security. Where agreement cannot be reached, we provide representation in court proceedings to ensure that your financial position is properly protected.

London’s property market presents unique challenges in financial settlement cases, with high property values and the prevalence of jointly owned homes requiring careful consideration. We understand the local property landscape and work with valuers, accountants, and financial advisers where necessary to ensure that settlements are based on accurate information and realistic valuations.

Our approach to financial matters is thorough and strategic. We ensure full financial disclosure is obtained, examine all relevant assets and liabilities, and advise on the range of potential outcomes based on established legal principles and recent case law. Whether you are seeking a fair share of matrimonial assets or defending against unreasonable claims, we provide clear guidance throughout.

Domestic Abuse and Urgent Protection

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, harassment, or controlling behaviour, immediate legal protection may be necessary. Our solicitors provide urgent advice on non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other protective measures designed to ensure your safety and that of your children.

We understand how difficult it can be to seek help in these circumstances. Our approach is discreet, supportive, and focused on taking swift action to protect you while explaining the legal process clearly and sensitively.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, and coercive behaviour. We recognise that leaving an abusive relationship requires courage and careful planning, and we are here to provide the legal support you need during this critical time.

Our London-based team can assist with urgent applications to the Family Court and can coordinate with support organisations, housing services, and other agencies to help you access the resources and protection you need.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Not every family dispute needs to be resolved through court proceedings. In many cases, negotiation or mediation can provide a quicker, less stressful, and more cost-effective solution.

We support clients throughout the mediation process and provide legal advice alongside negotiations to ensure that any agreement reached is fair and legally sound. Where alternative resolution is not appropriate, we will advise you clearly and prepare your case thoroughly for court.

Mediation is often mandatory before court proceedings can be commenced in family law matters, except in cases involving domestic abuse or other urgent situations. We help clients understand when mediation is suitable and attend Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings to ensure you are fully prepared.

How Our London Family Lawyers Can Help

• Clear advice on your legal rights and responsibilities
• Support with divorce and separation proceedings
• Guidance on child arrangements and parental disputes
• Assistance with financial settlements and property matters
• Urgent protection in cases involving domestic abuse
• Representation in Family Court where required

Local Experience Across London

Our family lawyers regularly represent clients across London and the surrounding areas. We understand local court procedures and the practical realities faced by families in the capital, allowing us to provide advice that is both legally robust and realistic.

London’s diverse communities mean that family law matters often involve additional considerations, such as international elements, different cultural backgrounds, and cross-border issues. We have experience handling cases with international dimensions and can advise on jurisdiction, enforcement of overseas orders, and relocation disputes.

Areas Around London We Serve

Our family lawyers assist clients throughout London and neighbouring areas.