Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get a divorce?

    Divorce and dissolution of a civil partnership are essentially administrative procedures. If you and your husband, wife or civil partner have agreed to divorce or end the partnership, then all dealings with the court can be by post. You can agree on ...

  • What is a civil partnership?

    Civil partnership is available to people in same sex relationships who are not married or already in a civil partnership . It is fundamentally the same as marriage in terms of the rights and responsibilities it creates, and can only be ended by a legal...

  • What is mediation?

    When you are considering divorce or separation it is generally better if you can sort out arrangements for the future by agreement. The aim of mediation is to help you, as a couple, find a sensible and practical solution that you both agree is fair. ...

  • What is collaborative family law?

    Collaborative family law can enable separating couples to reach their own, tailored solutions. This is done through face to face meetings conducted by specially trained lawyers. Other professionals (such as therapists, accountants, etc) can be brought in...

  • How can I sort out family money and finances if my relationship breaks down?

    If you are married or in a civil partnership , then there is a clear legal framework for resolving financial disputes . Mediation or a collaborative approach can help to settle any disputes. Even if you have to go to court, the judge and the lawyers...

  • What are judicial separation and separation deeds?

    Judicial separation is a legal procedure very similar to divorce. The one big difference is that you are not entitled to re-marry at the end of it, and you might not be able to sort out all financial issues. However, this can be a good solution if you do not...

  • How does child support work?

    Whether you are married, or in a civil partnership , or co-habiting, you can claim child support for any dependent children through the Child Support Agency .This is calculated by using a formula. There are some exceptions to this, but they are very...

  • If we spilt up, what happens about our children?

    Parents sometimes cannot agree about who the child should live with (" residence "); or - if they can agree on where the child should live - what should happen about the child seeing the other parent ("contact"). It is usually best if...

  • What happens about the children if my partner has been violent or threatening?

    Children can be damaged by domestic violence both directly (e.g. they are being attacked or threatened) or indirectly (they see attacks or threats directed at you or someone else close to them). The effects can last a lifetime, but it is possible to...

  • What happens if we cannot agree on decisions about children after we split up?

    If there are any disagreements, the first thing to check is who has parental responsibility. "Parental responsibility" is about legal status with regard to a child. Whoever has parental responsibility is entitled to make major decisions about a...

  • What if my ex wants to take our child abroad on holiday, or go abroad to live permanently?

    If you have parental responsibility, then normally your permission is needed for any trips abroad (although there are some exceptions to this). If you cannot agree on this, then you can apply to the family court to decide the matter. If the plan is to move...

  • What can I do if I am worried that my child might be abducted by my ex?

    This is an emergency, and you will need specialist family legal advice immediately, especially if your child might be taken abroad. You can apply to the family courts for an order to stop a child being taken from your care in the first place. You can also...

  • I have been put into foster care and want to know my rights - what can I do?

    We have particular expertise in representing children and young people in the family courts, and work closely with children's guardians (independent people appointed by the court to say what a young person wants and/or what would be best for them). We aim to...

  • What happens if social services get involved with my family?

    Social services are meant to help keep families together, and sort out problems that may have cropped up by offering support. Before there is any mention of going to court, you may have been told that social services are considering putting your child's...

  • I am not the parent, but a child from my family has been taken into social services care - what can I do about this?

    If you are a relative other than a parent, such as an aunt or uncle, or grandparent, you may still be able to take part in a case (although you would not be automatically entitled to free legal representation). We can advise you on your position, and what...

  • I am a foster carer and I am worried about social services' plans for the children I am looking after.

    If you are a foster carer and you find yourself uncertain about social services' plans for a child, we may be able to help. Normally, a foster carer is not entitled to make any applications in respect of a child fostered with them, but there can be...

  • I want to complain about social services

    If you have a complaint about social services, we can give you initial advice, to help you decide what you want to do....

  • I want to adopt a child - where do I start?

    You will need to be assessed to check that you are able to care for a child. Social services will usually do this assessment. Once you have been assessed and approved as a possible adopter, you have to be “matched” with a particular child. This...

  • How do I know whether I am eligible for public funding?

    The quickest and easiest way to check you financial eligibilty is to use the  eligibility calculator on the LSC website....
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