family & matrimonial

team expertise

At Clarke Willmott, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service to our family clients.  This service is provided by a team of specialists who offer expert assistance on all family law matters.

We are acclaimed as leaders in the field of family law in the South West with four team members identified as leading individuals in the Chambers 2008 legal directory.

The department has particular experience in acting for professionals, high net worth individuals, those with business interests and those in the sports and agricultural sectors, most notably acting in the landmark case of White v White heard in the House of Lords. 

services

We understand that the breakdown of a relationship can be one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. It is not simply the fact that the relationship is over and a partnership has come to an end, but also the immediate ramifications of that breakdown, be it on children, health, housing, business or personal finances.  We understand the implications for our clients and give tailored advice to each individual.  We aim to give advice which protects our clients but is also pragmatic and sensible. 

The team can also assist in mitigating against the consequences of a relationship breakdown by offering expert advice at the outset of a relationship.  We can prepare Prenuptial, Pre-registration or Cohabitation Agreements depending on our clients’ circumstances. 

As well as conventional representation, we have trained Collaborative Lawyers within our team to assist separating couples deal with issues concerning finances or children.   The primary feature of Collaborative Law is that both parties and their lawyers enter into an agreement not to go to Court and instead work together in face to face meetings to reach a settlement.

areas of work

divorce
We advise on the preparation of divorce proceedings, and the impact of those proceedings on finances, including jurisdiction issues where the cases have an international element.

ancillary relief
We advise on all issues relating to finances on divorce including complex company, property, trust and pension issues.  We also advise on Prenuptial Agreements.

children
We advise on issues concerning contact and residence, including applications for leave to remove from the jurisdiction.

cohabitation
We advise on all issues arising from the breakdown of an unmarried relationship, including in respect of claims for property, trusts and applications for financial support on behalf of children from such relationships.  We also provide advice on Cohabitation Agreements.

civil partnerships
We advise on the effect of Civil Partnerships and on Pre-registration Agreements.

collaborative law
An alternative to making an application through the court is to proceed under a Collaborative Agreement which involves both parties agreeing with their lawyers to work together as a team and to resolve issues without going to Court.  Our lawyers are trained in this approach.

For further information, please contact either Gareth Schofield (Bristol), Felicity Shakespear (Taunton) or Andrew Breakwell (Birmingham).