Divorce and Family Matters

Bowens can help with:

• Divorce and  Separation
• Cohabitation issues
• Civil Partnership matters
• Issues concerning the matrimonial home
• Division of financial assets
• Residence, Contact and issues relating to children
• Maintenance payments for a spouse and children
• Making a new Will
• Change of Name Deed

Marriage and other relationship break-ups are often traumatic and upsetting for all the parties involved and also give rise to a number of legal problems. Even if you have reached a measure of agreement with your partner on relevant issues you should have separate legal advice to ensure what has been agreed is legally sensible and no important points have been omitted.

Separation and divorce can be an intimidating process at a difficult time. We will give you confidential advice and guide you through the process throughout, including dealing with the home, the finances and issues relating to the children.

We will assist in constructive discussion and negotiation with your partner or their solicitors to achieve agreement on outstanding disputes or unresolved issues. 'Mediation' may assist in this which we can help arrange for you. If however it becomes necessary to take matters to court then we will explain the procedures to you and continue to represent your interests firmly and fairly.

Please see our hot topics section for articles on this area of law.

Cohabitation

The law relating to Cohabitees, of any age, is very different to that relating to married couples or Civil Partners so far as property ownership and rights are concerned. Cohabitees here also include same-sex couples who have not entered into a civil partnership.

We can advise on your legal position and represent you in negotiations, and in court proceedings if necessary, should your relationship be coming to an end.

Many cohabiting couples choose to make a cohabitation agreement, particularly if they buy a house together, in order to protect their interests should they part company in the future. We can advise about making a cohabitation agreement for those contemplating living together.

Fees

A fixed fee for the divorce decree can be offered in most cases. Please also see the fees section.