Breaking upA useful guide to safeguarding your future in the event of a relationship breakdown

Your family law specialist

www.purcellsolicitors.co.uk Call us now on 01908 693000

introductionPurcell Solicitors are leading family law specialists located in Milton Keynes. The firm was established in 2005 by Pauline Purcell who heads a team of highly experienced family lawyers advising on all aspects of family law. We are all members of Resolution and committed to resolving family disputes in a constructive way. We strive to provide the highest quality service to our clients and to look after them in the best possible way. We deliver a highly personalised and tailored service. We are experienced and skilled in all aspects of family law and combine our legal experience with a supportive and collaborative atmosphere to help our clients though what will often be difficult circumstances. We are skilled at dealing with the often complex problems that can arise from family breakdown, whether financial or child related. We have experience in handling complicated company affairs, property, trusts and pensions. We aim to guide clients sympathetically and discreetly through this complex and rapidly changing area of law. We provide strategic and pragmatic advice in a supportive environment. We focus on practical and workable solutions rather than litigation. However, where litigation is necessary, we robustly protect our client’s interests. Purcell Solicitors was specifically established to provide this level and breadth of service. We are a niche practice dedicated to client service and to getting the very best results for our clients.

The material contained within this booklet is for information purposes only and was correct as of April 2013, although it may be subject to change. Nothing contained in these pages constitutes legal advice.

• Separation & Divorce

• The Finances & Assets

• Living Together & Pre-Nuptials

• Children & Child Support

• Overseas Divorce

• International Family Law

• Arbitration

• Mediation & Collaborative Law

• Wills, Trusts & Probate

• Powers of Attorney

our services

separation

divorce

finances and assets

Some couples need time apart before deciding on a course of action. The law adopts a different approach to couples who are married and couples who are not married. If you are not married, resolving your affairs when separating can often be a complex and difficult area of the law.

We can advise you on separation, whether you are married or not, as well as provide practical advice for the best way forward. This may include entering into a Deed of Separation setting out the financial and children arrangements.

We understand the emotional challenges and financial worries which you may face going through a divorce. We strive to obtain the very best outcome for you in a supportive and collaborative environment. We will guide you through the divorce process and advise on all related matters such as negotiating financial settlements and arrangements for children.

We specialise in financial settlements, often those which involve substantial or complex assets such as businesses, pensions, international elements. We bring sound judgment and strategy together with formidable negotiation skills to advise our clients on the appropriate strategy for reaching a financial settlement. The law gives the Courts a broad discretion on how to divide income and assets on divorce and there is not a mathematical formula and our skills and experience will help you achieve the best possible financial settlement.

The financial implications of a divorce or separation are possibly the most serious in terms of the practical and emotional impact on the couple and their children. It is essential that you obtain legal advice so you are fully aware of your legal position and can consider the best way to deal with your separation in the most cost effective and strategic manner having regard to your individual circumstances.

MEDIATION

collaborative law

ArbitrAtion

Mediation is a voluntary process by which separating couples are helped to resolve their differences themselves. They make their own decisions in an informed, safe, and neutral environment. Issues which can be resolved through mediation include arrangements for children, finance and property, and the practicalities of separation and divorce.

Mediation can help couples at any time, whether before or after separation and whether or not legal proceedings have begun. We can mediate with you both together to help you make your own decisions about your children, finances and arrangements for separation.

Collaborative law is an out of Court process to resolve issues between separating couples in a non-confrontational way including financial matters and the arrangements for the children.

Each party is represented by a trained collaborative lawyer and all negotiations are done in face-to-face meetings (called “4-ways”) with you, your partner and the two lawyers working together to resolve the issues. You and your partner with the help of your lawyers set the agenda and the timetable – you talk about what matters to you and at your own pace. We are trained and experienced collabortaive lawyers and are able to advise you on whether collaborative law is suitable for you and if so represent you in this process.

In family arbitration you and your partner appoint an Arbitrator to make a decision (using the law that applies in England & Wales) on any financial and property issues arising from the breakdown of your relationship that you have not been able to reach agreement on. The Arbitrator will make a decision that will be final and binding between you. Family arbitration was developed to enable couples going through family breakdown to resolve financial disputes more quickly, confidentially and in a more flexible and less formal setting than a courtroom. This flexibility and the fact that you will get a final decision much more quickly can make arbitration more cost-effective than court. Pauline Purcell is an Arbitrator and can therefore undertake matters on this basis. Please see our separate brochure if you would like more information and contact Pauline Purcell.

CHILDREN

Wills and lPa

Ensuring the wellbeing of children of separating couples is a priority of the firm. Our clients can rely on the thoughtful and sensitive way in which we deal with children issues. We encourage solutions that consider the needs of the whole family and in particular the best interests of the children.

It is important for parents to remember that while they may be preoccupied with their own problems, they continue to be the most important people in their children’s lives.

We are experienced in negotiating arrangements for children and also in obtaining Orders from the Court such as Parental Responsibility, Residence and Contact. We regularly advise clients on other issues concerning children such as changing surnames, taking children out of the country and education.

No one knows what the future holds and therefore it is essential that you put all measures in place to ensure that your affairs are adequately dealt with, whatever may happen. Everyone should plan for the inevitable. Making a Will is seen as something to leave until later on in life and it is put off as something people will ‘get round’ to doing. There’s no reason for not writing your Will today and your family will certainly thank you for doing it.

As family law specialists, we are used to dealing with matters in a sensitive and compassionate way. We offer a transparent and reliable service when it comes to all legal matters for you and your family. From Will writing to drafting Powers of Attorney we have built a reputation based on the trust, professionalism and the honesty we offer our clients. There are many reasons you why you need to make a Power of Attorney. You may become physically or mentally disabled; you may move abroad and find it difficult to manage your affairs in this country; whatever the reason we can assist.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Child Support Agencywww.csa.gov.uk

Tel: 08457 133 133

Citizens Advice Bureauwww.citizensadvice.org.uk

Milton Keynes Contact Centrewww.mkcontactcentre.org

Tel: 07712 654133

Milton Keynes County CourtTel: 01908 302800 (civil)

01908 302801 (family)

National Debt Linewww.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Tel: 0808 808 4000

National Domestic Violence HelplineTel: 0808 2000 247

Relatewww.relate.org.uk

Tel: 0300 100 1234

The Court Servicewww.hm-courts-service.gov.uk

Ward Andrews Contact Centrewww.wardandrews.co.uk

Tel: 01908 241441

Women’s Aidwww.womensaid.org.uk

Tel: 0808 2000 247

Put simPly, we aim to be the best at what we do and how we do it

Your family law specialist

www.purcellsolicitors.co.uk Call us now on 01908 693000