Matrimonial and Family Law

Family Law Team

The Family Law team at Berry & Berry offers strength, depth and a broad range of experience in all aspects of Family Law.  We are committed to helping people sensitively resolve the issues arising out of relationship breakdown in a constructive, fair, reasonable and cost effective way.  We are conscious that the cost of legal advice can cause concern.  Our hourly rates are competitive for this area.

Divorce & Separation

When a relationship breaks down we can help by dealing with the administrative procedure of obtaining a divorce, judicial separation or dissolution of a civil partnership.  For couples who are not married we can advise on and draw up Separation Agreements.  We aim to ensure that any problems which arise are dealt with promptly and that proceedings are completed as quickly as possible. 

Financial Arrangements 

Whether you are married or not or in a civil partnership, when a relationship breaks down financial arrangements will be one of your main concerns.  We can provide expert advice on what is a reasonable outcome and how to achieve it, taking into account all the financial facts of your situation.  We can draw on the advice of our business, tax planning and property departments, where appropriate, to ensure that all aspects of your situation have been taken into account.  Wherever possible we will help you to reach an agreement through negotiation rather than through Court proceedings. 

You may be considering how to protect your financial situation before you marry or move in with your partner.  We can provide advice on Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Living Together Agreements. 

Children & Child Protection 

Children need to be protected from the difficulties their parents are having following relationship breakdown.  Experience suggests that agreements made between parents work much better than court-imposed orders.  Sometimes parents cannot agree on what is best for their children.  We are able to provide mediation which is often the best way to resolve disputes about children.  We can help with negotiations about arrangements for children.  Equally we can provide advice and assistance where it becomes necessary to involve the Court. 

Domestic Abuse 

If issues of domestic abuse arise within a relationship whether actual or threatened violence or abuse, we can advise and assist you in obtaining the protection of the Court by way of injunction orders.  We will do our best to ensure you feel safe in your own home by advising on the steps that can be taken to protect you.

Mediation 

Mediation is a process which aims to assist couples reach an agreement in a safe and non-confrontational environment.  Mediators act impartially for both parties to help them find their own solutions to satisfy their needs and those of any children.  The mediator does not provide legal advice and instead assists the couple to try and make their own decisions together, on an informed basis, so as to resolve any outstanding issues.   

Mediation can assist with both financial issues and the appropriate arrangements for the care of the children.  If successful, Mediation can avoid significant legal costs being incurred in having to resolve matters through the Court.

Both parties are also encouraged to consult independent solicitors during the Mediation process because of the importance of the Mediator acting impartially and hence not providing legal advice.  

Berry & Berry's Mediation team comprises two Resolution trained Mediators, Yashin Masoliver and Sharon Hawkins.  We will meet with parties so that they can decide whether mediation is right for them

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is an alternative way of resolving issues following the breakdown of a relationship.  The parties and their lawyers work together in meetings to reach a solution which is acceptable to both parties, the aim being to maintain communication and a good working relationship between the parties.  By signing up to the Collaborative process you are in control without the threat of court proceedings hanging over you.  Helen Noble is our Resolution trained Collaborative Lawyer.

Please turn to the Our Team section of the Home Page for the detailed information about the individual members of the Family Law Team.