Supporting military families

Children matters

We are highly experienced in helping parents and guardians resolve issues relating to children in a sensitive and cost-effective way.

We provide expert child law advice and assistance on all issues that can arise in relation to children after a relationship has broken down including:

• Child custody and determining where children should live if there are separate households
• Deciding who will be the primary carer of a child
• Arranging the amount of time children will spend with each parent
• Choosing the school the children will attend
• Handling permission for children to travel abroad on holiday
• Changing a child’s name
• Addressing issues concerning parental responsibility Making declarations of parentage

For parents in the military, particularly those who will spend periods of time deployed, the answers may not be clear cut.

Whether you are separated, deployed, or both, it is advisable that any arrangements regarding the children are recorded clearly. This will provide both certainty and structure on the issue of who will be having contact (which range from overnight stays to facetime calls) with the children and when.

We are very experienced in resolving child law matters through negotiation, mediation, and if necessary, via court proceedings and offer preferential rates for military personnel and veterans.

Divorce services

The breakdown of a marriage or partnership is always challenging, and it can be even more complex when one or both partners are veterans or active military members.

Our team of specialist family solicitors is here to support you through every step of the process, offering expert advice on all aspects of divorce and separation – from the financial division of assets to child-related matters. We are dedicated to protecting your best interests and resolving your case as swiftly as possible.

We offer special rates for military personnel and veterans for all aspects of family law. Please contact us to get our current rates.

It is important to be aware that the divorce alone does not sever the financial ties between you and your ex-partner. Financial claims on pensions, capital and income, together with liabilities for each other’s debts, may remain unless you secure a Financial Order.

“It’s an accessible and friendly family team. They’re down to earth and relatable.”

Chambers & Partners

Ending financial claims

A Financial Consent Order is essential to ensure you are not liable to future financial claims from your ex-partner or spouse.

We will advise you on managing your matrimonial finances and help you to achieve a ‘clean break’ and end any financial ties. We can advise and assist you to reach an equitable outcome, especially when dealing with military pensions and compensatory lump sums from personal injury claims.

Our services range from assisting you with an agreement you have already reached to ensure it is legally binding to negotiating a settlement on your behalf.

Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements

Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements are particularly important for military personnel due to the unique challenges and financial complexities associated with military life.

These agreements provide clarity and protection for both parties in the event of a divorce. They address the division of military benefits, pensions, compensatory awards and other assets accumulated during the marriage and in service. Additionally, they can help manage expectations and reduce conflict, offering peace of mind by ensuring that both spouses have a mutual understanding of their financial rights and responsibilities.

This legal protection is crucial given the potential for deployments, relocations, and other military-specific circumstances that can potentially place strains on a marriage.

We offer sensible costs for preparing these agreements to ensure your financial interests are secured, whether you are already married or planning to marry.

Cohabitation agreements

If you decide to live with a partner, it is wise to consider a cohabitation agreement, also known as a living together agreement.

This is especially important if you are funding a property purchase with funds provided by parents, personal funds or a compensation payment.

Whether the property is in joint names or your sole name, a cohabitation agreement can specify how the property will be handled if the relationship ends. It also outlines financial arrangements during your time living together, such as who will be responsible for paying the mortgage and any bills.

Legal claims for cohabiting partners are more limited and complex compared to matrimonial rights, making these agreements particularly important.

Cohabitation agreements are important as legal claims available to cohabiting partners upon separation are more limited and complex compared to married couples. Without an agreement, disputes over property can become costly and difficult to resolve. In military cases, disputes can become further complicated by one party being deployed and the other party continuing to reside in the property, potentially strengthening their claim if they are a non-owner.

Our team can assist you in preparing an agreement tailored to your circumstances, ensuring your interests are protected.