Family Law.
For Hastings.

Our offices are in Rugeley and Dewsbury. We support clients in Hastings, East Sussex, by phone, email and video call. If an in-person appointment is needed, we will discuss the arrangements with you.

Yes. Our family law team supports clients in Hastings and surrounding communities including Old Town, St Leonards, Silverhill, Ore. Explain where your matter is based and whether you would prefer a phone, email or video discussion. We will confirm the relevant team and scope before you decide to instruct us.

Start with a brief outline of your family matter, any existing court orders or agreements and any deadlines. Explain your role in the matter and the decision you need to make. We will confirm any further information needed for your circumstances.

Contact us with a short outline of your Hastings matter. We will explain the proposed scope and likely costs, including any fixed-fee option that is available, before you decide whether to proceed.

Under the new no-fault divorce system, the minimum time from application to final order is about 6-7 months. However, this doesn't include resolving financial settlements or child arrangements, which can take longer. Contested divorces or those with complex financial issues may take 12-18 months or more to fully resolve.

Courts prioritize the child's welfare above all else. Key factors include the child's physical and emotional needs, likely effect of changes in circumstances, age and background, any harm suffered or risk of harm, capabilities of parents, and the range of powers available to the court. The child's own wishes may be considered depending on their age and maturity.

Courts consider various factors including marriage length, financial contributions, non-financial contributions (like childcare), each party's needs and earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, age and health, and conduct in exceptional cases. The starting point is often equal division, but this can vary significantly based on circumstances.

Legal aid is available for certain family law matters, particularly those involving domestic abuse, child abduction, or where you're at risk of homelessness. Financial eligibility criteria apply. Even without legal aid, we can discuss fixed fees, payment plans, or other funding options to make legal help accessible.

Under the new system, these are called 'conditional order' and 'final order'. The conditional order confirms the court is satisfied the marriage has broken down. The final order (available 6 weeks later) legally ends the marriage. You remain married until the final order is granted, which is important for inheritance and financial rights.

Prenuptial agreements set out how assets would be divided if the marriage ends. While not automatically binding in England and Wales, courts give them significant weight if properly drafted and both parties received independent legal advice. They're particularly valuable for protecting pre-marital assets, inherited wealth, or business interests.

A prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking certain actions regarding their child without court permission. Common examples include preventing a child being taken abroad, moved to a different area, or removed from school. These orders help protect children when there are concerns about a parent's intentions or judgment.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse, you can apply for protective injunctions including non-molestation orders (preventing harassment or violence) and occupation orders (relating to who can live in the family home). Emergency applications can often be heard within days. We can help you understand your options and obtain the protection you need.

The family home is often the most valuable asset and its treatment depends on various factors including children's needs, each party's housing requirements and financial resources. Options include one party buying out the other, selling and dividing proceeds, or deferred sale until children reach adulthood. Courts prioritize ensuring adequate housing for any children.

Grandparents don't have automatic rights to contact with grandchildren, but they can apply to court for contact orders. Courts consider the child's welfare, the quality of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, and impact on the child's family life. Applications are often successful where grandparents have had meaningful involvement in the child's life.