Family Law
Family Law
Mathew Solicitors provide clear, compassionate, and commercially astute advice across the full spectrum of family law.
Whether you are facing the breakdown of a marriage, navigating financial matters, or making arrangements for your children, our role is to protect your rights, secure your future, and guide you through complex legal issues with clarity and discretion.
Family matters are deeply personal, and the stakes — emotional, financial, and practical — are often high. Our experienced family law solicitors bring not only legal excellence but also a high degree of emotional intelligence to each case.
We act for a wide range of clients, including professionals, business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and parents in dispute. We work efficiently and constructively to resolve issues out of court where possible, but offer robust representation when litigation is required.
Our Services Include:
Divorce and separation, including international
Mathew Solicitors offer expert advice and representation for individuals navigating divorce or separation, including those with significant financial assets, business interests, or international elements.
Divorce and Separation in England and Wales
Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in the UK, the process has become more straightforward — removing the need to assign blame and allowing couples to separate more amicably.
We support clients with:
- Preparing and submitting divorce or dissolution applications (sole or joint)
- Advising on legal rights and obligations during separation
- Drafting separation agreements for those not yet ready to divorce
- Negotiating and finalising financial settlements
- Making child arrangements in line with the Children Act 1989
International Divorce – UK and India
At Mathew Solicitors we have particular expertise in international divorce cases involving the UK and India. Our team includes RFLs (registered foreign lawyers) fully qualified to practise law in India, enabling seamless, cross-border legal advice.
Our Divorce Services Include:
- Advising on where to initiate proceedings (forum selection)
- Filing divorce petitions in the UK under English law
- Liaising with trusted Indian family lawyers on cross-border issues
- Negotiating financial settlements across both countries
- Advising on child contact, residence, and safeguarding in international cases
Financial settlements and asset protection
Reaching a fair financial settlement is often one of the most important and complex aspects of divorce or separation. Mathew Solicitors provide strategic, pragmatic advice to help clients navigate financial claims under UK family law.
Financial Settlements on Divorce or Dissolution
Both parties have legal rights to claim financial relief under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. We assist in negotiating and securing fair and lasting financial settlements that may include:
- Division of matrimonial and non-matrimonial property
- Sale or transfer of the family home
- Lump-sum payments or property adjustment orders
- Spousal maintenance and pension sharing orders
- Child maintenance and additional child-related financial support
Children law, including child arrangements, relocation, and parental disputes
Mathew Solicitors understand that matters involving children are among the most sensitive and emotionally charged aspects of family breakdown. Our priority is to help you achieve outcomes that protect your child's best interests.
Child Arrangements (Custody and Contact)
- Where the child will live (residence)
- How and when they will spend time with each parent or other family members (contact)
Parental Disputes
- Day-to-day parenting decisions
- Education, healthcare, or religious upbringing
- Holiday and travel consent
- Allegations of parental alienation or safeguarding concerns
Relocation – Domestic and International
If one parent wishes to move with a child either within the UK or abroad it may require the other parent's consent or the court's permission. These applications can be complex and require careful legal planning.
Domestic abuse and Protective injunctions
Mathew Solicitors provide urgent and confidential legal assistance to those affected by domestic abuse. Our experienced family law solicitors act swiftly to protect the safety and wellbeing of individuals and children at risk.
1. Non-Molestation Order
Protects you and/or your children from harassment, threats, or violence by a current or former partner, spouse, or family member. Breach of such an order is a criminal offence.
2. Occupation Order
Regulates who can live in the family home. Used when someone needs to be excluded from a property for safety reasons, even if they have a legal right to live there.
3. Prohibited Steps Order
Prevents a parent or guardian from taking certain actions concerning a child without the court's consent — including taking a child abroad without permission.
If you are in danger
If you feel threatened or are in immediate danger, please contact the appropriate authorities or call 999.
Legal advice for unmarried couples and cohabiting partners
Unmarried couples and cohabiting partners do not have the same legal rights as married couples or those in civil partnerships. This can create significant vulnerabilities, particularly when relationships break down.
We assist with:
- Cohabitation agreements to clarify financial arrangements and property rights
- Property disputes and claims under TOLATA
- Child arrangements and parental responsibility for unmarried fathers
- Financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989
- Inheritance planning and protection for surviving partners
How We Can Help
Advise you confidentially and compassionately on your options.
Prepare urgent applications and represent you in court.
Work closely with domestic abuse support organisations, where appropriate.
Assist with related child arrangements, housing, and financial issues.