Family Law

Couchman Hanson has expertise across a wide range of Family Law matters. We offer a free initial consultation meeting with one of our specialist Family Law solicitors. In this meeting you can discuss your situation and then come to a decision on if you would like instruct us. We are able to do initial meetings remotely (by phone or video) or in person.

Our Family Law Solicitors are all members of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers who believe in a constructive approach to family law matters.

At Couchman Hanson, we know that every client situation is different and often complex requiring a personal and professional approach.

Get in touch with us

If we can help you with any of the Family Law areas listed below, please call us or email using our online enquiry form. We have a Family Law solicitor based in each of our offices.

Haslemere office: 01428 774756
Crowthorne office : 01344 203217
Camberley office: 01276 23211

Separation
Divorce
Specialist pension advice on divorce
Children Arrangements
Pre and Post Nuptial agreements
Co-habitation
Grandparents & Grandchildren
Resolving Financial issues

Divorce and Separation

For anyone considering a divorce or separation, or finding themselves in this situation, this is a very emotional and stressful time. There are often associated challenges with needing to look after children affected and rearrange finances to suit new arrangements. Having a supportive and competent solicitor can make the process smoother. We put special emphasis on being compassionate and understanding of all our clients’ needs as well as resolving issues as quickly as possible with as little stress as possible.

Children Arrangements

When a family unit breaks down this can cause immeasurable distress, anxiety and upset for children. Couchman Hanson has expertise in this specialist area of Family Law. Any arrangements put in place for your children need to be in their best interests and workable for all parties concerned. We work to put in place the best possible arrangements for children and seek to do this in as compassionate and non-confrontational a way as possible.

Co-habitation

Co-habitation, meaning couples living together who are not married or in a civil partnership, is an increasing trend in the UK. Co-habitating couples don’t enjoy the same rights as married couple, no matter how long they’ve been together. If you are already co-habitating, or considering doing this, then you need to think about protecting your rights. A co-habitation agreement can be used to capture the details of the arrangements between you and your partner.

Mediation

In family law, mediation is a process where two separating partners can talk about future arrangements for children and finances in a neutral setting with the help of a professional mediator. This would usually involve one mediator working with a couple in one room to help them make decisions for the future. The mediator is not there to judge or to tell either side what to do, only to facilitate communication.

There is also a style of mediation known as ‘hybrid mediation’. With hybrid mediation, the mediator can bring other family professionals and experts into the process. This can include the lawyers for both parties’ to offer help and advice. It can also include shuttle mediation, where the mediator spends time with each party on their own.

Agreements made during mediation are not legally binding. However, your solicitor can take what you agreed at mediation and use it to prepare a consent order, which formalises your arrangements.

Mediation has many benefits, and at Couchman Hanson, we often recommend it as a way of resolving your separation without going to court. We offer both traditional and hybrid mediation and can recommend experienced and knowledgeable mediators.