Family

Child Contact Issues

We are conscious that at the heart of every divorce when children are involved you as a parent want to ensure that the child comes first. You do not wish to make it any harder for them. Sometimes you and your partner may come to an amicable arrangement but this is not always the case.

What can Walsh Do?

The first priority in relation to children is to listen to you and your wishes and concerns. After listening to your concerns we will then advise you on the best options available to you. In doing this we aim to resolve any contested issues.

If the issues in dispute are not able to be resolved amicably we will then take your matter to Court. We pride ourselves in having both solicitors and barristers who work in-house ensuring that your case is properly and carefully dealt with. Any Contact Order then made will clearly explain when and where contact will take place.

We will guide you through this process, as we are fully aware you do not want your children to be placed in a difficult position. Our solicitors and barristers are experienced and will be able to assist you.

Divorce

If you believe your relationship is going to end in divorce it is important that you realise you are not alone and it is not unusual. However, we at Walsh’s are aware that the prospect of divorce is a frightening experience due to potential financial insecurity and worries over children. Whether you are contemplating a divorce or have received a divorce petition we are here to help.

Here are a few facts that you may not be aware of in relation to divorce from the Office of National Statistics in 2012:

• There were 13 divorces an hour in England and Wales in 2012
• Women were granted 65% of all divorces
• 9,703 men and 6,026 women aged over 60 got divorced
• One in seven divorces were granted as a result of adultery
• 719 (less than 1%) divorces were granted because of desertion
• The average age at divorce was 45 for men and 42 for women
• 9% of couples divorcing had both been divorced before
• 48% of couples divorcing had at least one child aged under 16 living with the family
• It is expected that 42% of marriages will end in divorce

What can Walsh Do?

With our wealth of experience of both solicitors and in-house barristers, we can guide you through the steps of divorce. We can do this initially by formulating a unique bespoke planning strategy in order to steer you to ensure you gain the result that you deserve.

We pride ourselves on having both solicitors and barristers who work in-house ensuring that your case is properly and carefully dealt with. We build upon our reputation in the industry and more importantly with our clients to continually strive for excellence.

Call us today for a free 30-minute consultation with one of our solicitors.

Cohabitation Agreement

When you are considering moving in with a new partner or you and your partner are considering buying a home together it is important to consider an agreement to clarify the ownership of the shared assets.

We have experience of dealing with cases where the partners haven’t done an agreement beforehand and sometimes this can lead to disagreements over the assets.

What can Walsh Do?

We can assist you when you are buying a new property with a partner that the asset and ownership of that asset are agreed and reflected in an appropriate agreement.

Things that you should consider before buying a house are the following:

• Is one partner providing the majority of the deposit
• Are you both paying the same contribution to the mortgage
• What will happen if you eventually have children or adopt children?
• What would happen if one of you died

These are all factors that you need to consider. At Walsh Solicitors, we can ensure we will listen to your worries and concerns and ensure that they are addressed. This can save you time and money in the future.

Prenuptial Agreements

Recently a decision has been made in the Supreme Court that may have fundamentally changed the law on the issue of Prenuptial Agreements.

Since that case, the Law Commission has proposed making pre and post-nuptial agreements legally binding will make it easier for couples to manage their finances after a split. Prenuptial agreements are not binding in England and Wales. However, the Courts have begun to consider Prenuptial agreements if safeguards are in place.

Before making a prenuptial agreement the following criteria are some of the matters to be considered

• Full financial disclosure between parties
• Both parties have sought legal advice
• When you do the agreement.
• s pressure placed on one party to the agreement

We understand that when you get married it is a commitment for life but as a society, we have changed and this is not often the case. As you will see from statistics marriages do break down.

What can Walsh Do?

With both our in-house Solicitors and Barristers we can draft an agreement that could save you time and money in the future.

Trust of Land

Financial uncertainty is always one of the main issues when you consider separation. You are unsure whether you will lose your family home, be able to retire when you wanted and even if you will be able to maintain your lifestyle.

The Court can decide what your interest is within a property and can also order a sale of the property when an application is made under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

What the Court do, is decide on what share each party has and whether a sale should be made now or whether a lump sum payment should be made. The Court may consider whether the property should not be sold and postponed until children have obtained the age of 18 or finished full-time education.

What can Walsh do?

Firstly, we are straight talking, sympathetic and methodical in our approach.

We understand that no settlement is the same. We deal with settlements with varying from small estates to multi-million-pound estates. We offer a bespoke package to all our clients whereby a clear logical strategy is formulated. We do this for many reasons but primarily it is so you know what is happening. We appreciate that there is nothing worse for you than not knowing what is happening. At all times we aim to negotiate and mediate in order to prevent matters from going to Court.

Negotiating a settlement is one, which can be a complex and skilled task.

Should the matter go to Court you need not worry. With our in-house solicitors and barristers, we will be able to navigate you the correct and deserved result.