A Family Solicitor In Ramsbottom
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Latest News & Advice
Who keeps the dog?
Pets are no doubt precious members of so many families but one of the issues that arises time and time again is couples disputing who gets to keep the dog in the event of a relationship breakdown.
Purchasing a property as an unmarried couple
If you are considering purchasing a property together as an unmarried couple, a Cohabitation agreement can protect your legal position if you and your partner were to separate.
What is TOLATA?
TOLATA stands for The Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Claims brought under this statutory provision are legal actions to resolve property disputes over the ownership of property or land.
What financial claims do unmarried parents have?
What financial claims do unmarried parents have? Unmarried couples who separate have no automatic right to make a claim for financial support for...
What is Parental Alienation?
The term “parental alienation” is not defined by statute however, it is an issue that is becoming increasingly common in Family Law proceedings. Click here to find out more…
Domestic abuse: Sharing ownership of the property we live in
Here are the legal options you may want to consider when you are living with an abusive partner and you share ownership of the property you live in.
Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders
Both of these orders aim to protect individuals from further harm and they promote the safety of the individual and/or any relevant child.
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse whereby the abuser gains complete control over their partners mind through emotional manipulation. If you think you are in an abusive relationship read our blog to help you recognise if you are in an abusive relationship.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
All applications made on or after the 6th April 2022 are applied for on a no-fault basis. This means neither party has to attribute blame to one another for the reason of their marriage breakdown. The timeline for getting a divorce finalised is a minimum of 26 weeks based upon the new legislation.
What is a Financial Order?
When you initiate divorce proceedings it is imperative to have a Financial Order so no claims can be made against you in the future.
Divorce and Cost of Living Pressures
Many people believe that financial pressures in marriages are one of the main reasons for divorce. However, this year research suggests financial pressures are the very thing keeping couples together.
How long after divorce can you claim pension?
In England and Wales, there is no time limit for making a claim against your ex-spouse’s pension following divorce, as long as a financial order has not already been made.
Protecting your retirement position on divorce
Pensions provide stability, consistency and support you financially during retirement. We believe it is vital to know and to share how you can make the initial steps for protecting your future retirement position on divorce.
Is Inheritance included in a divorce settlement?
Below we have provided some general guidance on how inheritance is treated in the event of a divorce.
What are Matrimonial and Non-Matrimonial Assets?
When couples divorce, it is commonly believed that all assets are split equally between parties however this is rarely the case. The reason behind this is when assets are put into the ‘matrimonial pot’ ready for dividing between parties it is important to distinguish between matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets.
Making Child Arrangements after Divorce – Parenting Plans and More
Here we discuss and advise divorcing couples the options that are available when making child arrangements.
What happens to property I owned before marriage?
The way in which property or properties are treated within a marriage ultimately determines how it will be dealt with in a divorce settlement.
Can I still get a divorce if my spouse doesn’t want to?
It is possible for you to obtain a divorce without the agreement of your spouse. Here is how it is possible…
Can I afford to Divorce my spouse?
Divorce is a major event that can have an impact upon all aspects of your life and more importantly it can alter your financial position which may leave you questioning yourself, can I afford a divorce?
Separation Solicitors
Separation can be a difficult and emotional time, and it is important to have someone who can help you navigate the legal and financial aspects of the process. A separation solicitor can provide you with the advice and representation you need to protect your rights and interests.
What is a Separation Agreement?
A Separation Agreement is useful if you have not determined whether to apply for a divorce or dissolve your civil partnership. It is a written agreement setting out the terms of your separation including how your assets, debts and responsibilities for their children will be divided between you both…
3 Things to consider before separating from your spouse
If you are considering separating it is important to be aware of the options available to you before making any decisions. There are many different things to consider when you are thinking of separating including finances, children and living arrangements. It is also important to understand your legal rights and options that are available to you.
Legal rights as a Cohabiting parent
If you are an unmarried couple but are cohabiting it is important to know your legal rights and to protect your assets, property and especially your children with a Cohabitation Agreement.
Do I need a Cohabitation Agreement?
Cohabitating couples do not realise that they do not have the automatic right to claim a share in the family home or their partner’s finances if they were to end the relationship unless they have a Cohabitation Agreement…
Financial Abuse: What is it and what are the signs?
Our domestic abuse solicitors help you in being able to spot the signs and tactics used in financial abuse.
Domestic Abuse Solicitors
Our specialist solicitors help those who experience domestic abuse by offering professional tailored legal advice and presenting the legal options you have in order to protect yourself.
Signs of Coercive Control in Co-Parenting
Co-parenting with an abusive ex-partner is problematic and extremely draining as the abusive parent may perceive co-parenting as an opportunity for continuous abuse.
Coercive Control – Recognising the signs
Coercive behaviour is defined as: an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to frighten the victim.”
Successful Co-Parenting – 5 Essential Tips
1 in 3 children under the age 16 will experience their parents separating, it can be overwhelming for the family as a whole but here are some tips to guide you in co-parenting.
Co-parenting and Communication Advice
Communication is vital in achieving successful co-parenting following your separation. We understand in some cases communicating with your ex-partner can be challenging although when you have children together it is important to try to communicate the best you can and share equal responsibilities and duties for your children.
Can I stop Child Contact?
The other parent should not stop you from spending time with your child unless your child’s safety or welfare is at risk. No parent should be denied spending time with their child unless the other parent believes there is a risk to the child’s safety or welfare.
Child Arrangements Advice after Separation or Divorce
Child Arrangements Advice from Family Law Solicitors when going through a separation or divorce.
Rights to Property after Separation or Divorce
We provide solutions that are available to you regarding your rights to property after Separation or Divorce.
Your Divorce Questions Answered by Our Experts
Our straight-forward yet specialist answers to your most searched questions when considering getting a divorce.
No-Fault Divorce
Birkett and Co Solicitors provide you with a straightforward explanation of the amendments made and new procedure that applies in No-Fault Divorce.
Pension Sharing and Divorce explained
Pensions are a valuable matrimonial asset that are often overlooked in Financial Settlements. Here’s a useful explanation on understanding how Pensions in divorce are dealt with.
Helping you understand Financial Settlements in Divorce
It is vital to negotiate a financial settlement on the breakdown of a marriage. Such a settlement means both parties can move on into the future certain of their financial position.
How Do We Help?
We listen… we invest our time in giving you an initial free 30 minute consultation to establish your unique situation.
We care… we pride ourselves on working tirelessly on your behalf for the best outcome for you.
Our Services
Separation
You need professional experienced advice. We offer a free 30 minute consultation to establish your situation and outline your legal rights.
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Divorce
Sort out issues arising from the breakdown of your marriage including what will happen to your home, your finances and the care of your children.
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Civil Partnerships
Divorce ends marriage and dissolution ends Civil Partnership. However, both processes are fundamentally the same and should therefore be approached with care and due process.
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Prenuptial & Postnuptial
The complexities of preparing pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements cannot be underestimated.
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Cohabitation
No matter how long you have been cohabiting with your partner, you will not have the same protection / rights as a married couple upon separation.
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CHILDREN
Whilst a child’s wellbeing should always be paramount, it is not always possible to agree childcare arrangements amicably or outside court.
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ADOPTION
We offer legal advice, support and representation on all aspects of adoption. We are experienced in step-parent adoption
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GRANDPARENTS
The breaking down of family relationships not only affects the couple and their children – but also grandparents too.
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FERTILITY & PARENTING
We are here to assist and advise you upon surrogacy, assisted reproduction, donor conception and co-parenting.
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About Birkett & Co. Family Law
Our family law specialist, Jacquie Birkett, is a UK Law Society prize winner, a member of Resolution and a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.