Family Law Services

Family Law Services

Family matters are often among the most emotionally demanding legal issues anyone will face. At MCR Solicitors in Manchester, our family law team advises individuals and families across Greater Manchester and England and Wales on divorce, separation, arrangements for children, and financial matters. We aim to give you clear, practical advice, protect your interests, and help you move forward with confidence.

Whether you are considering divorce, worried about arrangements for your children, or need to resolve finances after a relationship breakdown, we take the time to understand your circumstances and explain your options in plain English.

What Our Family Law Service Covers

Family law in England and Wales spans a wide range of situations. Our solicitors regularly advise on the following areas:

Divorce and Dissolution

Since the introduction of no-fault divorce under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, married couples and civil partners can apply to end their relationship without having to assign blame. We guide you through the divorce or dissolution process, including sole and joint applications, and help you understand how the timeline and required stages work. Divorce ends the marriage; financial matters and arrangements for children are dealt with separately.

Financial Settlements on Divorce

Dividing finances is often the most complex part of a separation. We advise on the fair division of property, pensions, savings, business interests, and other assets, as well as spousal maintenance where appropriate. Where agreement is reached, we can help you put in place a consent order approved by the court so that the settlement is legally binding. Where matters are disputed, we can represent you in financial remedy proceedings.

Arrangements for Children

Your children's welfare is the court's paramount concern. We help parents agree where children will live and how they will spend time with each parent. Where agreement cannot be reached, we can advise on applying to the court for a child arrangements order under the Children Act 1989. We can also advise on specific issue and prohibited steps orders, and on parental responsibility.

Cohabitation and Unmarried Couples

Unmarried couples do not have the same automatic legal protections as married couples, and there is no such thing in law as a "common law marriage". We advise cohabiting couples on property and financial disputes on separation, and can help you put a cohabitation agreement in place to set out how assets and responsibilities are shared.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

We prepare and advise on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. While such agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales, the courts are increasingly willing to give them significant weight where they are entered into fairly and with proper advice.

Domestic Abuse and Protective Orders

If you or your children are at risk, we can advise on protective measures, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Your safety is the priority, and we can act quickly where the situation is urgent.

How MCR Solicitors Can Help

We understand that behind every family law case is a person going through a difficult time. Our approach combines legal expertise with genuine care and discretion. We aim to:

• Listen carefully and explain your legal position clearly, without unnecessary jargon
• Set out your realistic options and the likely implications of each
• Encourage constructive, non-confrontational resolution wherever it is appropriate
• Protect your interests and those of your children
• Represent you firmly in negotiations or court proceedings when needed

Wherever possible, we encourage resolving matters through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative approaches, which can reduce cost, stress, and conflict. However, where court proceedings are necessary to protect you or your children, we will advise and represent you robustly.

The Process: What to Expect

Every case is different, but a typical family law matter with us follows these broad stages:

1. Initial consultation. We discuss your situation, answer your immediate questions, and explain the options available to you.
2. Advice and strategy. We provide tailored advice on the best way forward, whether that is negotiation, mediation, or an application to the court.
3. Taking action. This may involve preparing and filing a divorce application, negotiating a financial settlement, drafting agreements, or making an application for orders relating to children.
4. Resolution. We work towards a fair and durable outcome, and where a settlement is agreed, we help make it legally binding through the appropriate court order.
5. Ongoing support. We remain available to advise on any changes in your circumstances after your matter concludes.

The time a matter takes depends on its complexity and whether agreement can be reached. We will always try to give you a realistic idea of timescales and keep you informed of progress.

Why Choose MCR Solicitors

MCR Solicitors is a Manchester-based law firm serving clients across the region and throughout England and Wales. Our family law work is one part of a broader practice, which means we can also assist where your circumstances overlap with other legal issues, such as property, wills, or immigration matters.

Clients choose us because we offer:

• Clear, honest advice about your prospects and options, without false promises
• A sensitive, client-focused approach that recognises the emotional as well as the legal dimension of family matters
• Transparent information on costs so you understand what to expect before committing
• Accessible, local support from a team based in Manchester

We are committed to helping you reach the best possible outcome for you and your family in the circumstances. As with all legal matters, no solicitor can guarantee a particular result, but we will work hard to protect your position at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in England and Wales?

Under the current no-fault divorce process, there are minimum waiting periods built into the timeline, including a period between the start of the application and being able to apply for the conditional order, and a further period before the final order. In practice, a straightforward divorce often takes several months, and longer where finances or arrangements for children are contested. We can give you a clearer estimate once we understand your circumstances. For the current official position, see gov.uk.

Do I have to go to court to get divorced or sort out finances?

Many couples resolve their divorce and financial matters without a contested court hearing. The divorce itself is largely an administrative process, and financial arrangements are frequently agreed through negotiation or mediation and then confirmed by the court in a consent order. Court proceedings are usually a last resort where agreement cannot be reached.

How is property and money divided when we separate?

For married couples and civil partners, there is no fixed formula. The court considers all the circumstances, including the needs of any children, the length of the relationship, each party's financial resources and needs, and their contributions, guided by the factors set out in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. The aim is a fair outcome, which does not always mean an equal split. We can advise you on what is likely to be reasonable in your case.

What are my rights if I am not married to my partner?

Unmarried couples do not have the same rights as married couples, and "common law marriage" has no legal status in England and Wales. Disputes about property are generally decided under property and trust law rather than family law, which can be complex. Where children are involved, both parents have responsibilities regardless of marital status. We strongly recommend taking advice early if you are separating from an unmarried partner.

How much will my family law matter cost?

Costs depend on the nature and complexity of your matter and how much can be agreed without contested proceedings. We will discuss our fees with you at the outset and aim to be transparent about likely costs so you can make informed decisions. Please contact us for information relevant to your situation.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your individual circumstances, please contact our family law team.