A Guide To Family Law
An overview of different areas of family law
Matters relating to family law can be extremely emotionally charged, so it is important that you hire experienced family law solicitors you can trust, with the expertise to resolve the issues and deliver the means to move forward. Read on for a brief guide to family law and how our lawyers can help.
“Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.”
“A family team that is able to offer the highest level of expertise across the family law spectrum from high-net-worth finances through to care proceedings and children matters.”
Family law covers all the legal issues that surround custody, inheritance and disputes within the family. It covers matters of personal relationships, divorce, custody of children, inheritance of wealth/assets and other areas regarding children in public law.
Adoption Law & Fertility Law
Legal advice and representation from our leading adoption lawyers is available at every stage of the adoption process. As advances are made in fertility technology, the ways we grow families are changing. Issues including assisted reproduction, egg and sperm donation, surrogacy and adoption are alternatives for prospective parents who are unable to conceive naturally. A biological connection to a child, however, does not always mean a person automatically acquires parental rights by law.
When adopting or using donors/surrogates, there can be complex legal implications when you bring your new family member home. It is important to acquire quality family law advice early to help you successfully work through the process.
Children Law
When a couple has children, their needs are always at the heart of every decision they make. When a relationship breaks down, the impact on the children is a primary cause of concern. Our child law experts have expertise in handling all types of cases involving children, including representing parents and children in difficult disputes. It takes great skill and experience to get the best outcome for families.
At Osbornes Law, we can offer support and advice on the following complex areas:
- Adoption
- Child arrangement orders
- Custody claims
- Abduction
- Parental responsibility in same-sex relationships
- Collaborative law
- Surrogacy
Every case is handled with sensitivity and discretion where the interests of children are involved. As family lawyers, we offer emotional support and specialist legal advice to help you establish all the necessary arrangements, preferably without going to court.
Civil Partnerships
Before the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014, homosexual couples could only enter civil partnerships when wishing to register their relationship officially. Today, anyone aged 16 or over who is not already in a civil partnership or married can register a civil partnership. There are certain requirements for the process, including giving notice at your register office and presenting certain identification documents.
When a civil partnership breaks down, it is important to seek the services of a family law solicitor who understands the specialist legal considerations. At Osbornes Law, we can advise and assist in ensuring there is a complete, relevant financial disclosure in order to reach a satisfactory financial settlement. We can also assist you to deal with arrangements regarding yours. Getting expert legal advice is essential to getting the right outcome.
Cohabitation Disputes
Separation after cohabitation, and cohabitation disputes, can cause unpleasant surprises for both parties as there is no such thing as ‘common law marriage’. The legal rights of couples who live together without marrying or entering a civil partnership are complicated, and it is continually developing and changing. Our team at Osbornes Law contains specialist cohabitation lawyers and we can offer genuine expertise in this highly complicated area of law.
Divorce Law
A divorce can be an emotional, worrying and incredibly difficult time. You need someone who is on your side and can be trusted to act on your behalf, and this is exactly what a good family law solicitor will do. Getting expert legal advice on everything from your children, to your home, to your overall financial security is absolutely essential when a marriage breaks down.
Your solicitor will discuss your options with you and listen to your needs. They will give you a realistic picture of where you stand, inform you of your rights and understand those of your ex-partner too. Our team at Osbornes Law will do all they can to make your divorce as simple and stress-free as possible.
Inheritance Law
This area of law covers everything from Wills, to intestate law, to inheritance of wealth through divorce and through bereavement. Professional, expert family solicitors will enable you to navigate through the complex legal environments involved in these issues. Whether you need to resolve disputes, appoint an executor or make a claim for inheritance, our team at Osbornes Law is here to help.
Fixed Fee Divorce Costs
At Osbornes Law, if your divorce is uncontested, does not involve international issues and your spouse is available to communicate with easily, we can offer a fixed fee of £999 (inclusive of VAT) to obtain a divorce on your behalf. If your case is more complex we will discuss our hourly rates with you.
Our Specialist Family Lawyers & Solicitors
We have the expertise and experience to help. We are specialists in all areas of family law, and have been helping clients reach successful conclusions to their cases for over 45 years.
If you need assistance in one of the areas listed above, contact us on 020 7485 8811 for an initial confidential discussion. We handle every case with care, compassion and discretion, so you will always feel safe with us.
Contact us today
For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811
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"Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work."
"They provide excellent advice and service to clients."
"Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board."
"Osbornes offers a unique service of high quality advice and representation across a wide range of areas of law."
"The team are all eminently approachable and down to earth, committed, hardworking and who support their clients in a very effective, pragmatic way."
"Osbornes offers an excellent family law service spanning the wide range of disputes that may arise, in relation both to children and finances."
"A family team that is able to offer the highest level of expertise across the family law spectrum from high-net-worth finances through to care proceedings and children matters."
Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work and an excellent skill set.
They have high-end partners doing high-end work. They are very impressive.
They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.
Osbornes have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level.
He is very hard-working, diligent and thoughtful in his approach. He is on top of the detail and makes strategic decisions.
He commits himself to getting the best results.
He’s a really tough litigator that you certainly want on your side. He will defend his clients to the hilt.
Mark is an immensely capable lawyer, with vast experience and a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best for his clients.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
She’s an extremely supportive and kind lawyer and has an increasing mediation profile too
"Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases".
Andrew secured me the best financial settlement for my claim. He is a credit to Osbornes Solicitors.
"It has a strong and experienced team of solicitors who don’t take bad points, work sensibly to get a settlement and who you can always pick up the phone and speak to. They are good lawyers and know the strengths and weaknesses of their clients’ cases. They don’t posture and always pursue their clients cases appropriately. "
"Mark Freedman is a very capable lawyer, renowned for not being a pushover and pushing his clients’ cases as much as he can, but will always talk sensibly about settlement. He is among the best – tenacious, good judgment and tactically aware."
"Mark Freedman is a dynamic and highly experienced family lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients and is always in their corner, thus ensuring their loyalty and confidence. In a trial you would always want him on your side."
"Bridget Thompson combines her excellent legal knowledge with a clear, succinct and robust style of advice and advocacy. Her approach clearly inspires a high degree of client confidence in her"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
"He is really experienced and wise. He has a lovely manner about him and clients feel safe with him."
"Jo Wescott is top notch and widely recognised as a rising star throughout the profession. She brings a winning combination of great judgement, an immense work ethic, and a relaxed and charming way with opponents and clients alike. Someone you want on your side”
"Osbornes is pre-eminent for family law in North London. Mark Freedman is a real rainmaker. He is an excellent lawyer and has a top-notch practice"
Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases.
"Exceptional value for money. Highly competent and reasonably priced. Mark Freedman: one of the best in the field."
"Client-focused. Ready to fight the clients’ corner, but also ready where possible to steer client from unnecessary dispute. Mark Freedman – very experienced, with good instinct for the eventual result. Clients love him and he thinks ahead and directs the client to the best result for the client."
Mark Freedman is a serious player. A fearless family law litigator, who protects his clients’ interests passionately.
Breadth of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile is what makes it stand out. Mark Freedman – devoted to his clients
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues. Sources praise the "tenacity and common sense" he brings to challenging disputes.
"Mark is very experienced, competent, good with clients and takes a sensible approach to cases. He knows exactly what he's doing."
Lisa Pepper is particularly recognised for her role as a mediator in complex cross-border disputes. Her practice also includes handling prenuptial agreements and issues arising from the dissolution of civil partnerships.
"Naomi Angell is a highly esteemed practitioner who is highlighted as "a leader in the field" and "extremely knowledgeable" by interviewees. She is particularly recognised for her experience in complex adoption disputes."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Mark Freedman is a real heavyweight litigator who has dealt with some very significant cases."
"Mark Freedman boxes clever, keeps his powder dry and when it comes to the end game he negotiates a really good deal."
"Mark Freedman has a specific focus on high-net-worth divorces and finance cases where there are overseas assets and trusts."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Well-regarded family practice assisting clients with substantial matrimonial disputes and sensitive children proceedings."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
"He never gives up. He fights for you to the end and has boundless energy."
Bridget Thompson heads the family team, where client care is the top priority.
Mark Freedman advises high-net-worth clients and knows his stuff.
Highly regarded for his experience as a litigation and mediation expertise, Mark Freedman is tenacious and determined. Clients really feel that he is fighting their corner.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
They have a really good, strong team, with the junior elements punching well above their weight. It doesn't matter who you talk to; they are all switched on."
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
News & Insights from our Family Law SolicitorsVIEW ALL
17.4.2023Osbornes Law Welcomes New Head of International Children
Osbornes Law is delighted to announce the arrival of Lauren Hall to the firm. Lauren Hall joins the family department...
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29.3.2023Parenting Talk With Noël Janis-Norton
Osbornes Law are delighted to be hosting internationally known parenting expert, Noël Janis-Norton, who will be delivering the talk:...
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22.3.2023Cohabitation agreements
Unmarried couples who live together do not have the same legal protection as married couples and civil partners when they...
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7.3.2023What is legal parenthood and how is it...
This issue was in the news recently, when a married Oklahoma same-sex couple were in court over a dispute about...
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7.12.2022Judge ignores pre-nuptial agreement but factors in non-matrimonial...
Case Law One of the reasons I am still passionate about family law, after 20 years in the field, is that...
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24.10.2022Family law award nomination for Osbornes Law
The family team at Osborne have been shortlisted as finalists at the Family Law Awards 2022. The department are one of...
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31.8.2022What if my partner predeceases me before we...
A review of a recent case concerning consent during fertility treatment. When going through fertility treatment as a couple, it...
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31.8.2022Declaration of parentage after mistake at register office
Recently in the news has been the outcome of the case of Osborne & Anor v Cambridgeshire County Council [2022] EWHC 1982 (...
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2.8.2022New strategy to make fertility treatment more accessible
In July 2022, the Department of Health for England released its strategy aimed at improving Women’s Health. While women represent 51%...
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5.7.2022Proposed Changes to Gamete Donor Anonymity Laws in...
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has proposed changes to the law surrounding gamete donor anonymity in the UK....
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12.4.2022Mediation or Arbitration: What’s best for me?
Few divorcing couples want to end up in court, which is why mediation and arbitration are faster and more effective...
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22.12.2021Naomi Angell, founder, celebrates Coram Children’s Legal...
Naomi Angell, Head of Osbornes’ Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility Law Unit spoke, at the 40th birthday of the Coram Children’...
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8.12.2021Has my child been abducted?
My ex-partner has taken our child abroad without my consent – what should I do? In order for a parent to...
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18.11.2021Legal considerations in the surrogacy process
What Are My Surrogacy Options at Home and Abroad? When you’re considering surrogacy as an intended parent, you may...
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20.10.2021Birth parent fails to overturn adoption order
Most adoption applications go through smoothly and it is only in the minority of cases that birth parents seek to...
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21.9.2021Changes in Fertility Law Benefit Families
Following campaigning by those working in the fertility sector and public consultation in 2020, the Government announced on 6th September 2021 that...
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16.9.2021Osbornes Launch Parenthood Section With Tatler
The family department at Osbornes Law is delighted to announce a new initiative with Tatler. The firm has been working...
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6.9.2021Osbornes Shortlisted At Family Law Awards
The family department is delighted to have been shortlisted for ‘London Law Firm of the Year 2021‘ at the Lexis Nexis...
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27.4.2021Pre-nups becoming the new norm for soon to...
Lawyers are seeing record numbers of couples signing pre-nuptial agreements this year as the country moves closer to a society...
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5.3.2021Can you contest a prenuptial agreement?
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are getting a divorce after nearly seven years of marriage. According to reports, Kim filed...
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Lockdown rush to cohabitation leaves couples lacking financial...
When the lockdown was announced many couples had to make a rushed decision to move in together or face months...
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I’m living with an abusive partner during...
On 23 March 2020 the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced a national lockdown. The government implemented the most severe restrictions on public...
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26.5.2020London Council named as Judge lifts ruling
Haringey Council has been named in a case involving parents of a 14 year-old boy with cerebral palsy and his brother...
Read more- 19.5.2020
Osbornes Law case news: Naming Local Authorities – should...
A recent article written by the Transparency Project http://www.transparencyproject.org.uk/to-name-or-not-to-name-that-is-the-question/ discusses the question of whether Local...
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