Family Law Solicitors | Divorce, Custody & Separation Experts | Howells
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Family Law Solicitors

Expert Family Law Solicitors Serving Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley & Nationwide

When you’re facing sensitive family matters, you need trusted family law experts who understand exactly what’s at stake. Our family law solicitors offer clear, compassionate and specialist advice across all areas of family law—including divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, separation agreements and support for unmarried couples.

 

Recognised as a Leading Firm by Legal 500, accredited by Resolution and The Law Society, and rated 4.9/5 on Review Solicitors, we are known for our proven expertise and exceptional client care.

 

With offices in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley, and clients across London and the UK, our experienced family law specialists bring deep knowledge and practical guidance to even the most complex situations. Whatever your circumstances, we’ve helped clients through something similar—and we’ll help you choose the best path forward.

 

Free Family Law Advice for New Clients 

Get a free 30-minute consultation with a specialist family law solicitor—by phone, video call, or in person at our Sheffield, Rotherham, or Barnsley offices.

 

Affordable Fixed Fee Services

We offer transparent, cost-effective legal support, including fixed-fee divorce from just £275 + VAT—making us one of the UK’s most affordable family law firms.

family law solicitor in free consultation

What Our Family Law Solicitors Can Help With

Our experienced and affordable family law solicitors guide you through the emotional challenges of a relationship breakdown, providing clear family law advice on your home, finances, and children.

 

Compassionate and approachable, we work hard to protect your best interests while making the process as stress-free as possible.

 

As one of the largest family law teams in Yorkshire, we offer expert advice on:

 

  • Divorce and separation

  • Financial settlements

  • Child custody and child maintenance

  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

  • Cohabitation disputes

  • Children law court proceedings

  • International child abduction

 

We also represent clients in court for children’s cases and work with trusted barristers, financial advisers, and agencies supporting children and survivors of abuse.

 

You can access our wealth of helpful guides to support you with your family law queries.

 

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Our family law services:

 

 

Affordable Family Law Solicitors – Fixed Fees and Expert Advice

 

Our affordable family law solicitors make the process straightforward and cost-effective. Whether you’re considering a separation or applying for a divorce, we offer expert family law advice through fixed-fee divorce packages and competitive hourly rates.

 

Our promise to you:

 

  • No Surprises – At the start of your case, we will provide a clear, written estimate of costs and keep you regularly updated, so you always know your position.

 

  • Clear Communication – We avoid legal jargon. We take the time to understand your situation and explain everything in plain language, so you feel confident at every stage.

 

  • Minimising Stress – We know the breakdown of a relationship is one of life’s most challenging experiences. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family with minimal distress. Wherever possible, we seek amicable solutions, but we will always prioritise your best interests and fight for the result you deserve.

 

  • Fair & Transparent Pricing – We work hard to keep costs down. Our fixed fees and transparent pricing mean you know exactly what your legal work will cost, and our hourly rates are among the most competitive in England and Wales.

 

Our solicitors are accredited by Legal 500, accredited by Resolution and The Law Society, and rated 4.9/5 on Review Solicitors, we are known for our proven expertise and exceptional client care.

 

We can then support you with all areas and stages of Family Law, such as:

 

Divorce & Separation

 

Divorce Proceedings

Divorce can be emotionally difficult, especially when there are money issues, shared property, or children involved. It’s not just a legal process — it can be stressful and confusing too.

 

Using a solicitor helps make sure everything is handled properly from the start. A solicitor can explain your options in plain English, help you avoid common mistakes, and make sure agreements about money or children are legally binding. This lowers the chance of problems or arguments in the future and helps you feel more confident about what comes next.

 

Our divorce solicitors have experience with all kinds of cases, from straightforward separations to more complicated situations involving finances or children. We offer clear advice, strong legal support, and a caring approach to help you move forward in the best possible way.

 

Unmarried Couples

If you are unmarried and separating from your partner, our expert cohabitation solicitors can offer legal advice for unmarried couples. We can advise on your legal rights involving finances, children, property, and shared possessions. We can help protect your rights, resolve disputes, and create clear agreements to avoid future conflicts.

 

Financial Settlements

 

A financial settlement is the legal process of dividing finances, property, assets and liabilities when a marriage or civil partnership ends. It helps decide who gets what after separation or divorce and gives both people certainty and peace of mind about their future.

 

Some couples agree between themselves how to divide things like property, savings or pensions. While this might feel fine at the time, these agreements are not legally binding unless the court approves them.

Without a formal financial settlement, either person could make a financial claim in the future — even years after the divorce is finished. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to make the agreement legally binding.

 

You can deal with a financial settlement at any time after you separate. You don’t have to wait until the divorce is completely finished. However, the court can only approve a binding financial order once divorce proceedings have started.

 

If you divorce but never put a financial settlement in place, financial claims stay open, even after the divorce is final. This means your former spouse could still ask for money, property or pensions years later, which can be stressful and expensive.

 

It’s also important to know that getting divorced does not automatically sort out finances. Even if you handle the divorce online without a solicitor, you will still need a formal financial settlement to protect yourself. Without one, your ex‑partner could make future claims against your assets.

 

Many people come to us after completing their own divorce because they want the security and certainty that comes with a legally binding financial settlement.

 

Find out more on financial settlements.

 

Child Custody & Child Arrangements

 

If you are separating or getting divorced, you need to decide on custody arrangements for your children.

 

When it comes to child custody and child arrangements, using a solicitor can make a big difference. A solicitor helps you understand your rights and options and keeps the focus on what is best for your child.

 

They can guide you through decisions about where your child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how important choices about their upbringing are made.

 

A solicitor also makes sure any agreement is properly written down and legally binding, helping to avoid arguments or problems in the future and giving both parents clarity and peace of mind.

 

Find out more on Child Custody & Child Arrangements.

 

Prenuptial Agreements

 

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract made between a couple before marriage, setting out how assets, property, and finances will be divided if the marriage ends. By creating a prenup before getting married, you can protect your wealth, business interests, or inheritance, and ensure financial clarity for both partners in the event of a divorce or separation. 

 

Learn more in our family law advice guides.

 

Fixed Fee Divorce & Pricing

 

Fixed Fee Divorce from £275 + VAT

A fixed fee divorce is just like any other divorce process; however, you know the cost upfront. Our fixed fee divorce lawyers are transparent with you on the costs front the beginning of your journey with us.

 

Family Law Fees

Our family team offer cost-effective family law advice and are transparent with all pricing. You will always be kept up to date with costs and they offer fixed fees for most areas, so you are always in full control. We offer a fixed fee divorce service, starting from £275 + VAT.

Find a full list of our family law fees.

 

 

Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

 

Collaborative Law Solicitors

Collaborative law allows both parties and their lawyers to meet. They work together to find terms for a separation that everyone agrees on. Learn more on collaborative law solicitors.

 

Additional Family Law Services

 

Our team can help you deal with other family law matters, including:

  • Change of Name.
  • Domestic Abuse.
  • Child Abduction.
  • Post Nuptial Agreement.

 

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

 

 

Free Family Law Advice

Our family law team offer a free legal consultation to new clients. You can book an appointment by telephone, video call or in person, at a time that suits your needs.

 

What is included:

 

  • A 30-minute in depth consultation with a qualified family law Solicitor.

 

  • A good understanding of your legal position and issues surrounding your situation.

 

  • A clear road map of your situation and the solutions available to you.

 

  • An estimate of your costs.

 

The family law process is:

 

  • Book your free family law consultation with one of our specialist family law solicitors.

 

  • You will get a case review. This will help you understand your legal position and options. It will also include information about costs.

 

  • Instruct your family law solicitor and receive expert tailored advice and representation to get the best possible outcome for you and your family.

 

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

 

 

Flexible Family Law Appointments

 

We understand that dealing with family law matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of family law services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service.

 

We are able to offer advice nationwide on that basis, which can often work out to be cheaper and more convenient, frequently providing representation to family law clients around the whole country.

 

We can offer our family law legal support via telephone or secure online meetings. This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule.

 

If your case requires a court hearing, many such procedural matters are now handled remotely too, or if in person we can arrange representation by a suitable local barrister, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

 

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way.

 

Remote appointments are offered throughout the case, and most correspondence is handled by email. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive family matters or simply seeking guidance, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that puts your needs first.

 

If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham. While remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for those with limited digital literacy or access or where safeguarding is critical.

 

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

 

Who Our Family Law Team Can Help

 

Our expert family law solicitors support clients in a wide range of situations, including:

  • Married couples seeking a divorce

 

  • Unmarried couples looking to separate

 

  • Engaged partners creating a prenuptial agreement

 

  • Unmarried couples creating a cohabitation agreement

 

  • Separating parents arranging child custody or child maintenance

 

  • Couples dividing property, savings, or other assets

 

  • Professionals and public sector workers with complex financial arrangements

 

  • Clients needing advice on pensions during divorce or separation

 

  • Business owners going through separation or divorce

 

  • Individuals wishing to legally change their name

 

  • Child abduction and international custody cases

 

  • Matters involving the welfare of children or intervention from social services

 

We provide tailored legal advice to protect your rights, resolve disputes, and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

 

Our family law solicitors offer free family law advice with a free legal consultation for new clients. This 30-minute consultation can be made by telephone or video call, or face-to-face at one of our offices.

 

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

 

 

Areas Our Family Law Solicitors Cover

 

Our Family Law team can represent clients in:

 

  • South Yorkshire, including, Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and the Peak District

 

  • Elsewhere in Yorkshire

 

  • Derbyshire, including Chesterfield, Bakewell and Castleton

 

  • Nationwide (throughout England)

 

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Family Law Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re being denied access, seek urgent advice from a child arrangement solicitor. Courts will generally consider that it is a child’s right to a relationship with both parents so long as it is safe.

Both parents are encouraged to agree on arrangements. If they cannot, the court decides based on the child’s best interests.

Both parents with parental responsibility share responsibility for decision making in what is best for their child. If an agreement cannot be reached either can apply to the Court to determine what is best for the child. Courts decide based on the child’s best interests, considering factors like safety, stability, and emotional wellbeing. A family law solicitor can help make sure your legal rights are honoured and can help explore dispute resolution options, hopefully avoiding the need to apply to court in the first place.

You’re not legally required to have a solicitor, but professional advice ensures your rights are protected and paperwork is correct. A solicitor can help negotiate agreements, represent you in court, and [resent your case as best possible.

Yes. Most divorces do not require a court appearance unless there are disputes over finances or child arrangements. Our family law solicitors always explaore alternative dispute resolution options (ADR) and we can help you resolve issues through negotiation.

Look for a solicitor who specialises in family law and has experience handling divorce cases, as they will understand the complexities of financial settlements, child arrangements, and property division. Clear communication is key—your solicitor should explain legal terms in plain English and keep you informed throughout. Ask about transparent pricing and consider fixed-fee options to avoid unexpected costs. Accreditation matters too; solicitors who are members of Resolution follow a constructive, non-confrontational approach.

Yes. Early legal advice and cooperation can help achieve a friendly, stress-free divorce. Mediation and collaborative law are effective options. Resolution accredited practitioners such as at Howells aim for an amicable divorce and to keep costs and stress to a minimum.

The court considers factors like children’s needs, financial contributions, and future housing requirements. Options include selling the property, transferring ownership, or deferred sale agreements.

Not always. The court aims for fairness, considering income, needs, and contributions. A 50/50 split is common but the court can depart from equality depending on the circumstances especially if required to meet needs. Each case is different so expert legal advice is imperative.

Family law is a legal area that deals with issues arising from family relationships. Often linked with matrimonial law, it covers matters such as divorce, financial settlements, separation for unmarried couples, child custody arrangements, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.

In most divorces, businesses and their value are treated as part of the matrimonial asset pot, alongside savings, property, pensions, and investments. These assets are taken into account in the financial settlement, even if one spouse never worked in the business. The Courts have wide discretion in how to deal with businesses for example allowing the business owner to keep the company or shares and compensate the other spouse with a larger share of other assets or spousal maintenance. The Court can also in certain circumstances order transfer or sale of shares and ultimately the business. Each case is unique so expert legal advice is required at the outset to ensure your position is protected.

Yes. Most divorces can be processed online through the HMCTS portal. Our solicitors can handle this for you to avoid mistakes. However an online divorce will not deal with child arrangements and finances. It’s advised to have your divorce, child arrangements and finances all addressed professionally together at the same time to make the process quicker and efficient.

Pensions are considered marital assets and can be shared through pension sharing orders or offset against other assets. Professional advice is crucial to ensure your provision for retirement is appropriaely provided for or otherwise protected.

A DIY divorce may seem cost-effective, but it doesn’t address any children, shared property, or complex financial arrangements that need to be resolved. These situations require legal expertise to ensure fair settlements and protect your rights. Without a solicitor, you risk overlooking important issues such as pensions, child arrangements, and future financial claims. For peace of mind and long-term security, professional legal advice is essential.

Yes. If you agree on terms, you can use a solicitor to draft a consent order and submit it to court for approval, avoiding a contested hearing.

When facing family law issues, choosing the right solicitor matters. Resolution solicitors are committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach that prioritizes fairness and reduces conflict. With expert guidance and a focus on amicable solutions, they help you navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and care.

Property division depends on individual circumstances. Courts prioritise housing needs, especially for children, and consider each party’s ability to secure accommodation. Options include selling the property, transferring ownership, or deferred sale agreements.

The starting point is often a 50/50 split, adjusted for factors like childcare responsibilities, earning capacity, and housing needs. Every case is different so expert legal advice is crucial.

The starting point is often a 50/50 split of matrimonial assets, but the court considers factors like children’s needs, income, housing requirements, and contributions. Every case is unique, so expert advice is crucial.

Pensions are treated as marital assets and can be shared through pension sharing orders, offsetting against other assets, or attachment orders. Ignoring pensions can lead to unfair settlements, so professional advice is vital.

Yes. Even if you agree on finances, you need a consent order approved by the court to make the agreement legally binding and prevent future claims. Without it, your ex could make a claim years later.

Without a court-approved settlement, your ex can make claims years later on property, inheritance, business profits, or even lottery winnings. A clean break order closes the door to future claims and protects your financial future.

Any court papers or letters you’ve received, key dates/timelines, relevant communications, and basic ID. For finances: a rough overview of income, assets, debts, housing, and childcare costs.

Yes, we offer remote appointments via telephone or by video for example on teams.

Yes, we offer flexible appointments to work at times that suit you.

Yes, although our offices are in Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham, we offer remote appointments nationwide on the telephone or by video for example on teams.

Yes. We provide transparent pricing, written estimates at the outset, and a choice of fixed‑fee or competitive hourly rate services—no jargon, and regular cost updates.

Yes. We can help with advice on where a child lives, time with each parent, and contact arrangements and help you apply for Child Arrangements Orders.

Mediation in family law is a process where an independent mediator helps separating couples resolve disputes about children, finances, or property without going to court. In most cases, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is required before applying to court.

Yes. A prenuptial agreement can help protect your assets. While not automatically binding in the UK, courts often uphold them if they are fair, signed voluntarily, and both parties received independent legal advice.

Resolution is a national organisation of family law professionals in England and Wales that promotes a constructive approach to family issues. Members follow a Code of Practice designed to reduce conflict, encourage negotiation and mediation, and prioritise the well-being of children. Choosing a Resolution member matters because it ensures your case is handled with sensitivity, fairness, and professionalism, helping protect family relationships and achieve amicable outcomes during divorce or separation.

Yes, you can remain married while living separately. However, this can create financial and legal complications. Seek legal advice early to understand the implications.

If you have a Will, your estate will follow its terms. Without a Will, intestacy rules apply, and your spouse will inherit—even if you’ve been separated for years.

Separation does not end financial ties. Your spouse can claim against assets acquired during separation. They may also inherit if you die without a Will. Long-term separation can complicate asset division and increase risks.

Free Family Law Consultation

Our family law team  offer a free 30-minute consultation on your first visit to provide all the initial information you may need to prepare for the process.

 

Call us on 0114 2235 807 or contact online

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