Divorce & family law solicitors, Guildford
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Specialist advice from experts in divorce and family law in the Guildford area
We understand that when a marriage or relationship breaks down, it can be a very difficult time for all involved, including the wider family. There are important decisions that need to be made and it can be challenging to make clear choices at such a stressful time.
Our team of skilled family lawyers in Guildford have a wealth of experience and can assist with specialist legal advice to help protect your interests and give you the support needed to help you through the process.
Family law covers a variety of situations and disputes, from separation and divorce to issues surrounding children. Our Guildford family lawyers can provide you with the help and support you need, offering expert advice and sympathetic support.
What is family law?
Family law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. It encompasses the legal rights and responsibilities of individuals in regards to their spouses, children, and other family members.
What is divorce?
Divorce is a legal process that dissolves a marriage, ending the legal relationship between spouses. It involves the division of assets, determination of child custody and support, and the termination of any financial obligations between the parties. Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, requiring the assistance of a knowledgeable family law solicitor.
Why Moore Barlow?
Whatever your situation, it can be a difficult time both emotionally and practically for all involved, it is therefore important that you are able to make informed decisions about how to move forwards and find some resolution.
Our experienced family in Guildford can ensure you that have right legal advice when you need it, allowing you to make the best possible choices for the future.
Our Guildford-based family law team is recognised by leading legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for our expertise in family and divorce matters. We are accredited Resolution members, demonstrating our commitment to non-confrontational approaches to family disputes wherever possible. Unlike many firms, we also offer the services of collaboratively trained lawyers and family mediators who can support clients through alternative dispute resolution methods — often reducing stress, time and cost. We consistently deliver tailored advice with discretion, empathy and professionalism that reflects the sensitive nature of family law issues.
Our services
Our family solicitors in Guildford can help guide people through disputes relating to divorce, separation and issues surrounding children. Our services include:
- Divorce – whether you’re considering divorce, or your spouse has told you that they want to divorce, you’ll need expert divorce lawyers in Guildford to help look after your interests as you navigate the process.
- Family mediation – family mediation is a voluntary process parties can enter into which can help resolve the issues without needing to go to court. Our Guildford family law solicitors are trained as mediators if you so wish to use this option.
- Collaborative law – many of our family lawyers are collaborative practitioners who will work with you and commit to resolving matters for you and your family in meetings which mean you don’t need to go to court.
- Legal issues concerning your children – our child lawyers in Guildford can help you with matters such as child living arrangements after separation or divorce, and child abduction by a parent or another family member.
Our team of family law solicitors
Other family services we offer in Guildford
In some cases the legal assistance required is more complex. When dealing with particular disputes involving family law, it is extremely important to get the help of a specialist solicitor. Some of the more specific areas of expertise and services we offer are:
- Child abduction issues – our child law solicitors in Guildford can help if a child is taken by a parent or family member without permission.
- Surrogacy – there are many steps to surrogacy, and you can benefit from having expert legal advice along the way, which is where our surrogacy lawyers can help.
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements – a Moore Barlow family and divorce lawyer in Guildford can help you with pre-nup or post-nup agreements that are designed to help protect your interests if the marriage breaks down in the future.
- Same sex relationship issues – whether you are considering a divorce or civil partnership dissolution, wish to expand your family to include children or have any other legal concerns or disputes, our family lawyers in Guildford can help.
- Cohabitation agreements – A cohabitation agreement, for those living together who are not married, can help address any potential legal issues in event that the relationship breaks down at any point in the future.
Our international family services
There are some situations in which you may require the help of someone with knowledge of international family law aspects and how they could affect the outcome of your case. In some instances, if one of the parties involved in a divorce or family dispute lives in another country, this can make the legal process more complex.
Our family and divorce law solicitors in Guildford have extensive experience in international law.
Local expertise in Guildford family law matters
Our family lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the local courts, judges and procedural expectations in Guildford and the wider Surrey area, which enables us to provide strategic advice tailored to the local legal environment. Whether you’re navigating proceedings at the Guildford Family Court or seeking out-of-court resolution, our familiarity with local stakeholders allows us to guide clients efficiently through every step of the process.
Discreet support for High-Net-Worth divorce cases
We frequently advise clients with substantial assets including property portfolios, international investments, trusts and family businesses. Our approach ensures privacy and discretion, and we collaborate closely with tax advisors, forensic accountants and wealth managers to deliver comprehensive solutions aligned with your long-term financial interests.
Out-of-court solutions tailored to your needs
If you wish to avoid court proceedings, we’re highly experienced in alternative dispute resolution methods including mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. These pathways often result in more amicable outcomes, preserve co-parenting relationships and can be more cost-effective than traditional litigation.
How we can help
At Moore Barlow, our experienced team of divorce and family law solicitors in Guildford understands the challenges and complexities that arise during divorce proceedings. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and practical advice to support you through this difficult time. Our solicitors are well-versed in all aspects of family law, including child custody, financial settlements, and property division. We will work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Trust us to navigate the legal process with utmost skill and sensitivity, ensuring your interests are protected.
We offer comprehensive legal support across all aspects of family law including financial settlements involving business assets, pensions or trusts; complex child arrangement disputes including international relocation; and matters involving domestic abuse or protective injunctions. Additionally, we assist with pre- and post-nuptial agreements tailored to high-net-worth individuals, property ownership disputes between cohabiting couples, and Schedule 1 Children Act claims. Our team also has experience in advising on fertility law, surrogacy and adoption matters, ensuring all legal implications are carefully managed in these often emotionally complex situations.
Who we help
Our expert solicitors in Guildford specialise in divorce and family law, assisting individuals, couples, and families facing legal issues such as divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and domestic abuse. We provide compassionate support and tailored advice to help navigate the complexities of family law.
We work with a diverse range of clients from varying backgrounds, including professionals in finance, healthcare, technology, education and the creative industries. Many of our clients are business owners or entrepreneurs who require specialist advice on how separation or divorce may impact company structures, shareholdings or investments. We also support individuals with international connections, such as expats or those involved in cross-border disputes, where decisions around jurisdiction and enforcement are critical to achieving a fair outcome.
Why choose a Moore Barlow family lawyer in Guildford?
Whenever disputes arise within families or when a break-down of a marriage occurs, it can be a very tough period to navigate, especially when there are decisions to be made and you are not sure exactly what to expect or how to make sure your interests are protected. Our family law team in Guildford are ideally placed to offer all the specialist support that you need to help find a way forward.
Contact us
Contact our experienced divorce and family law solicitors in Guildford today. We are here to assist you with any legal matters concerning divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and more. Schedule a consultation by phone or email, and let us guide you through this challenging time. Confidentiality and professionalism are our utmost priorities.
As well as our team of UK and international family solicitors in Guildford, we also have teams working across our other offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Lymington and Woking. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the grounds for divorce in the UK?
As of April 2022, the UK follows a “no-fault” divorce system, meaning that couples no longer need to prove fault or wrongdoing by either party. One or both parties can simply state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, without assigning blame.
How long does the divorce process take?
The time it takes to get a divorce can vary depending on individual circumstances, but under the current system, the minimum time from application to final order is approximately six months. However, financial or child arrangements may take longer to resolve separately.
What happens to our finances during a divorce?
Finances are addressed through a financial settlement, which can cover property division, pensions, savings, debts and ongoing support. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each party’s financial needs, and any children involved. A consent order can make an agreement legally binding.
Do I need to go to court during a divorce?
Not necessarily. Many divorces are resolved without the need to attend court, especially when couples can reach an agreement through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law. Court involvement typically arises in contentious cases or where formal orders are required.
Can I get a divorce if my spouse doesn’t agree?
Yes, under the new no-fault divorce law, one partner can apply for a divorce alone and does not need the other’s agreement. The other spouse cannot contest the divorce except under limited circumstances such as jurisdictional issues or legal irregularities.
How are child arrangements decided?
Child arrangements refer to decisions about where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. These can be agreed voluntarily or through mediation. If agreement isn’t possible, either parent can apply for a court order to decide.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement is a written contract between partners who are planning to separate or have already done so. It outlines financial and childcare arrangements and can provide clarity and certainty without going through court, although it isn’t legally binding unless converted into a court order.
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