At HCB we offer specialist support across all areas of family law, including divorce and arrangements for children. We recognise that these situations can be among the most challenging and significant moments in life so our dedicated and experienced team is here to guide you with integrity and professionalism, ensuring you achieve a fair and just resolution.
Client care is central to the service we provide and is one of our greatest strengths. We offer clear and jargon free legal advice so you can understand your position and the options available to you. We will support you at every stage as you decide the best way forward for your case.
If you are facing divorce, we can help you every step of the way.
No fault divorce allows couples in England and Wales to bring a marriage to an end without placing blame on either party. Since the change in the law in April 2022 there is no need to give reasons for the separation. This has been a welcome development as it helps reduce conflict and keeps costs down.
The divorce process involves preparing and submitting the application, acknowledging the application where needed, applying for the Conditional Order and then applying for the Final Order.
We understand that this can be a very stressful stage in life. With many years of experience and a genuine commitment to supporting our clients, we will guide you through every step with professionalism and care.
Disagreements about where children live and how they spend their time can be deeply stressful. Our team provides calm and expert guidance to help parents reach practical arrangements that place the children’s welfare first. A constructive approach is vital, as most families will continue to communicate for many years, and our solicitors draw on their extensive experience to support you with empathy and clear professional advice.
We regularly assist with matters such as relocation within the UK or abroad, taking children overseas for holidays, and arrangements for grandparents. We also advise on Schedule 1 applications, which deal with financial provision for children whose parents are not married or in a civil partnership.
Our aim is always to minimise conflict, encourage positive communication and help you achieve a fair and workable outcome that supports your children’s long term wellbeing.
Financial matters are often the most detailed part of a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership. Expert advice is essential to protect your assets, income and pensions. We can negotiate a fair financial settlement on your behalf and advise on alternatives to court such as mediation or arbitration. In most cases a referral to mediation must be made before making a court application where it is safe and suitable to do so.
Our aim is always to resolve matters constructively without going to court. If this is not possible, our team will represent you with confidence and a clear strategy.
We have extensive experience with complex and high value financial arrangements. Every case is approached individually and we tailor our advice to your needs. Our work includes supporting business owners, clients with significant public sector pensions, high profile individuals and parents who have stepped away from work to care for their families.
Throughout the process we provide reassurance, clarity and practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Many couples wish to protect their assets, whether they are at the beginning of their relationship, have received a financial gift or inheritance, or have spent many years building their savings. These agreements provide clarity and reassurance should the relationship come to an end in the future.
We guide clients through these discussions in a calm and constructive way, helping you reach an arrangement that reflects your priorities while keeping communication positive. With our specialist knowledge and careful approach, we will support you in safeguarding your interests and achieving an agreement that gives you confidence for the future.
Our team provides clear and supportive advice on all aspects of Civil Partnerships. Whether you are considering entering into a Civil Partnership or are facing a separation, we are here to guide you with practical solutions and a steady approach.
If you are preparing to formalise your relationship, we can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, along with any financial considerations that may arise in the future. Many couples also choose to put an agreement in place that sets out how assets should be treated if the relationship ends. We can prepare this for you and ensure it reflects your wishes with clarity and fairness.
When a Civil Partnership comes to an end, we offer comprehensive advice on the process of dissolution, financial arrangements and any issues relating to children. Our aim is always to minimise conflict and help you reach a balanced outcome that supports your long term interests.
You will have the support of specialists who understand the emotional and practical challenges involved. With our combination of experience, care and professionalism, we will give you the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Facing domestic violence or controlling behaviour can be distressing and isolating. Our team is here to protect your safety and provide clear guidance at a time when support is essential. We handle every case with discretion, sensitivity and steady professional care.
We can act quickly to secure protection through the courts, including orders that prevent further harm or set out who can remain in the family home. We will explain your options in clear terms so you know what steps you can take and what to expect next.
Every situation is different, and we take the time to understand your concerns and the support you need. We can also help you connect with trusted agencies and services that offer additional assistance.
Our focus is your wellbeing. You will not face this alone, and we will guide you towards a safer and more secure future.
Mediation and arbitration provide constructive alternatives to court, helping resolve family issues with less conflict, more control and often lower cost.
Mediation creates a supported space for discussing arrangements for children or financial matters with the help of an independent mediator. It encourages open communication and can lead to practical and balanced agreements.
Arbitration is a more formal option where an independent arbitrator makes a binding decision on the matters you cannot resolve. It is usually faster, more flexible and more private than going to court.
We will explain each option clearly and help you decide which approach suits your situation. Working alongside trusted mediators and arbitrators, we guide you through the process with steady and practical advice, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
We provide clear cost estimates from the start and ensure you always know what you are paying for. Costs can include court fees, expert reports, barristers’ and Land Registry fees and we will agree all external charges with you before going ahead.
Our family law team brings together a wide range of expertise so you always have access to the right guidance at the right time. We work with a shared focus on providing a high quality service and clear support throughout your case.
Every member of our team has strong experience and training, allowing us to offer tailored advice that stands out for its clarity and depth.
Because England and Wales share the same legal system, we can advise confidently on any family law matter across either jurisdiction.
We have offices across the country and continue to expand. If visiting us is not convenient, we offer online meetings and telephone appointments so you can access advice wherever you are.
When children are involved we recognise the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between parents. We handle every matter with care to support positive future communication.
You will receive a realistic estimate of costs at the outset, based on many years of practical experience. Our work is tailored to your circumstances and what you need from us.
We place great value on building long term relationships with our clients. The better we understand you and your situation, the more effectively we can support you throughout the legal process.
