Family Law

We know that the breakdown of a relationship can be very painful for the entire family. Difficult decisions have to be made whether you are married or living together.

We are able to offer early morning appointments with Family Solicitors from 8am to assist you in making appointments which do not interfere with your working day.  We also offer appointments via Skype.

An Introduction to Machins Solicitors LLP Family Law Department

Some of the most common questions with which we can help include:

• Can I have or can I avoid a divorce?

• How are we going to look after the children?

• How do we deal with the financial arrangements?

• What will happen to the home?

• Who will pay the mortgage?

• How much maintenance am I entitled to?

• How much maintenance will I have to pay?

• Do I qualify for public funding?

We can look at the circumstances of you and your partner to help answer these questions. We can provide expert advise and assistance in order for you to reach an agreement with your partner. We can also put you in touch with other agencies who may be able to help you.

If agreement cannot be reached we have the expertise to guide you through the legal procedures involved and to work with you to obtain the best possible outcome for your family.

Meet the Team

Liz Oldham - Department Head (Partner)
Email: Liz.Oldham@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514315

Paul Owen - Partner
Email: Paul.Owen@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514301

Siobhan Brown - Assistant Solicitor
Email: Siobhan.Brown@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514305

Shelley Rolfe - Assistant Solicitor
Email: Shelley.Rolfe@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514326

Contact our Family Team on 01582 514315 or email us at family@machins.co.uk

Areas of Family Law

Divorce

The prospect of a divorce can be daunting and worrying even for the most resilient of people. It can involve the severance of both emotional and financial ties, which in many cases have been years in the making. Anyone using our family team to deal with their divorce can rest assured that it will be dealt with by an understanding and sympathetic lawyer.

Financial Arrangements.

When couples separate, there are often difficult financial arrangements to consider, whether they are married or not. These can relate to the home in which they originally lived, the effect of being left in debt, the amount of maintenance that may be payable, or the loss of a substantial asset as a result of the separation, such as a former partner's pension entitlement. If there are children of the relationship additional issues can arise, such as the payment of maintenance, school fees and the involvement of the Child Support Agency.

Children and Domestic Violence

If there has been violence or abuse in a relationship, or if there are problems involving children, you may need to involve a court on an emergency basis. It might be necessary to seek protection from a partner or former partner. We understand these problems and can help you get that protection quickly by way of an injunction or police assistance, often the very same day as the need arises.

Social Services

Both partners in the department are members of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel and have been for many years. They each have very extensive experience of representing both parents and children who are involved with social services.

Advice during Family Mediation

Family mediation is a process enabling couples at any stage of separation or divorce to reach a mutually acceptable settlement with the help of an impartial third person, the mediator.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders

There is now an Act which enables family courts to make Forced Marriage Protection Orders to protect someone from being forced into marriage. An order can also be made to protect someone who has already been forced into marriage, to help remove them from the situation.