Family Law
LAWFRANCIS SOLICITORS LLP provides specialist advice on all aspects of family law. We represent clients in divorce proceedings, financial remedy applications, child arrangement disputes and domestic abuse matters across London.
Our solicitors combine detailed knowledge of family law with practical steps tailored to your circumstances. We identify the most effective route to resolution—through negotiation, mediation or, where necessary, court proceedings.
Our Services
Divorce and Separation
- Applying for divorce
- Responding to divorce proceedings
- No-fault divorce applications
- Judicial separation
- Financial settlement agreements
Financial Matters
- Division of property and assets
- Pension sharing orders
- Spousal maintenance
- Business asset division
- Consent orders
Children
- Child arrangements (living and contact)
- Child maintenance
- Parental responsibility
- Relocation disputes (UK and international)
- Specific issue and prohibited steps orders
Domestic Abuse Protection
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation orders
- Emergency protective measures
Agreements
- Prenuptial agreements
- Postnuptial agreements
- Cohabitation agreements
The Divorce Process
Recent reforms introduced no-fault divorce in April 2022. You now apply on the basis that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, without attributing blame.
Eligibility
You must have been married for at least one year. Either you or your spouse must be domiciled in England or Wales, or have lived here for at least 12 months.
Steps
Apply for divorce
Submit the application online or by post. You may apply jointly or alone.
Acknowledgement
The respondent has 14 days to confirm receipt.
20-week reflection period
This period allows time to consider the divorce and make arrangements for finances and children. During this time we negotiate settlements where possible.
Conditional order
After 20 weeks, apply for the conditional order (formerly decree nisi).
Final order
Six weeks later, apply for the final order (formerly decree absolute) to legally end the marriage.
Timeline
An uncontested divorce usually takes six to eight months. Disputes about finances or children will extend the timetable.
Financial Settlements
Dividing matrimonial assets
Dividing matrimonial assets is often the most complex element of divorce. Settlements may cover the family home, other property, savings, investments, pensions, businesses and liabilities.
What the court considers
- Each party's financial needs and resources
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Ages and length of the marriage
- Health and earning capacity
- Contributions (financial and non-financial)
- Welfare of any children
- Conduct (only in exceptional circumstances)
Reaching agreement
Many couples settle without court proceedings, reducing cost and delay while keeping control over outcomes. Our family law solicitors guide negotiations to ensure settlements reflect your needs and protect your position.
Where negotiation fails, we act in financial remedy proceedings requiring full financial disclosure, valuations and staged hearings before a judge determines division.
Making it legally binding
Even when you agree terms, you need a court order. Without a consent order, financial claims can remain open for years. Our divorce lawyers draft and lodge consent orders for approval.
Arrangements for Children
When parents separate, arrangements must address where children live, the time they spend with each parent, decision-making and financial support.
Child Arrangements Orders
If you cannot agree, the court can determine living arrangements and contact. Orders can also address specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment, name changes and travel abroad.
A child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration. Before most applications you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless an exemption applies.
Our solicitors help parents reach workable arrangements and provide representation where proceedings are necessary.
Child Maintenance
The non-resident parent usually pays maintenance. Amounts depend on the paying parent's income, the number of children and the time they spend with each parent. Payments typically continue until a child turns 16—or 20 if in approved education or training.
Alternatives to Court
Most disputes resolve without issuing proceedings. Alternative approaches can reduce cost and conflict, which is especially important where co-parenting must continue.
Mediation
A trained neutral mediator helps you identify issues and agree solutions for finances and children. Many cases resolve within three to five sessions.
Collaborative law
Both parties and their solicitors meet face-to-face to reach settlement. Everyone signs a participation agreement to resolve issues without court. If the process breaks down, you must instruct new representatives.
Arbitration
A qualified arbitrator makes a binding decision about finances or children. Arbitration offers flexibility and speed when court delays are significant.
These methods often produce faster outcomes, lower costs and better future relationships. They are not suitable where domestic abuse exists or where there is dishonest financial disclosure.
Domestic Abuse and Protection
Domestic abuse includes physical violence, emotional abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour and financial abuse. Protection is the priority.
Immediate protection
We act urgently to obtain:
- Non-molestation orders to prevent violence, threats, harassment, contact or proximity to your home or workplace
- Occupation orders to regulate who lives in the family home; the court can exclude an abusive partner even if they hold legal title
The court can grant orders without notice where there is immediate risk. We prioritise domestic abuse cases and act without delay.
Legal Aid and Funding Options
Legal aid availability
Legal aid remains available for certain family matters, including domestic abuse (with evidence), child abduction, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Eligibility depends on case type and financial circumstances.
We assess eligibility at your initial consultation and help gather supporting evidence (for example, police reports, protective orders, GP records or letters from support services).
Other Funding Options
Where legal aid does not apply, we offer:
- Hourly rates with regular cost updates
- Fixed fees for certain straightforward matters (such as uncontested divorces)
- Payment plans where appropriate
We discuss fees transparently from the outset and provide written estimates tailored to your case.
Speak to a Family Solicitor Today
For advice on divorce, financial orders, child arrangements or urgent protection, contact us.
Same-day appointments are available where deadlines are close. We offer a fixed-fee initial consultation and will confirm scope, timescales and any court fees in writing before work begins.
For urgent applications (non-molestation or occupation orders), mark your message URGENT.