Child Custody | Children Disputes | Howells Solicitors
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Child Custody & Child Access

Child Custody Solicitors based in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham delivering advice in London and Nationwide

If you are in the process of separating or getting divorced, and you have children, you will need to settle the arrangements for their future.  Many families manage this amicably however others need assistance from solicitors. This also includes long-standing agreements that have gone wrong over time.

 

Our family law team can advise and support parents and grandparents either through negotiations, in between mediation appointments or through court representation if necessary

Speak to our team today

What We Can Help with Regarding Child Custody and Child Access

Our experienced and understanding family solicitors can help with the following issues:

– Where children will live

– The amount of time a child will spend with parents or grandparents

– If an agreement cannot be reached over schooling

– If one parent wishes to move away

– Child abduction

A number of our solicitors in our team are Resolution Accredited as specialists in the law relating to children.

Howells Solicitors are specialists at dealing with disputes regarding children and can support you with:

– Children disputes – e.g. deciding where your children live

– Preparing prenuptial agreements

– Divorce and Separation

– Creating or amending a Will

– Civil Partnerships

Child Custody and Child Access FAQs

What is a Child Arrangement Dispute?

The Child Arrangements Programme (the ‘CAP’) applies when a dispute arises between separated parents and/or families about the arrangements concerning children.

Can a Father Stop a Mother from Seeing her Child?

Your partner cannot legally stop you from having access to your child unless it will be detrimental to your child’s welfare.

What Do Family Law Solicitors Do?

Most family law solicitors assist with childcare proceedings, cohabitation agreements, divorce settlements and a host of other legal issues regarding divorce and separation. 

Our Family Law Team

Our Family Law team represent clients in:

– Sheffield

– Barnsley

– Rotherham

– Other South Yorkshire areas

– London and surrounding areas

– Nationwide (throughout England)

The team also offer a free 30-minute consultation on your first visit, which can be made face-to-face, on the phone or virtually. Contact us on 0114 2496666 to make an appointment.

Our Family Law Fees

Our family law team offer transparent and affordable prices to suit all financial circumstances. 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.

Find a full list of our fees here.

How can we help? Contact us today

Contact us on 0114 2496666 and one of our advisors will be in touch to discuss your situation. We will take some initial information and if we can help, we will book you in for a consultation with a legal professional.

Contact Us

Free Consultation

The family law team offer a free 30-minute consultation on your first appointment, which can be made face-to-face, on the phone or by video call, as well as flexible appointments that can be arranged to fit around lunch breaks or work commitments. Contact us on 0114 2496666 to make an appointment.

Book Now

Advice Articles

What Happens If You’re Separated But Not Divorced?

DIY Divorce – Are They Worth It?

No Fault Divorce – UK Divorce Law Changes Explained

What is a Divorce Financial Settlement?

Our Family Law specialists can support with:

Family Law Articles

Family Law
What Happens If You’re Separated But Not Divorced?

13 Feb , 2024

Howells Solicitors

For some married couples there can be confusion about whether a divorce is necessary. Some estranged couples believe that if they have been separated from their partner for long enough, all financial ties, as well as emotional, are over. Others...
Family Law
DIY Divorce – Are They Worth It?

11 Dec , 2023

Howells Solicitors

A rising number of couples are resorting to DIY divorce services in an attempt to reduce the costs of the divorce process, however a DIY divorce is not right for everyone. Divorcing couples can go through a DIY divorce by...
Family Law
National Divorce Day

01 Dec , 2023

Howells Solicitors

After the festive period draws to a close, family law specialists tend to see a spike in divorce enquiries. This has resulted in the first working Monday of the calendar year being known as National Divorce Day.  (more…)
Family Law
What is a Divorce Financial Settlement?

03 Oct , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Once you’ve taken the decision to divorce you will need to reach a formal financial divorce settlement. A financial settlement is legally binding and covers the specifics of how to deal with your assets following separation and will outline who...
Family Law
Protecting Assets During Divorce

26 Sep , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, but it's important to protect your assets during this time. Understanding the types of assets involved in a divorce, such as matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets, is crucial. Additionally, premarital protection can be an...
Family Law
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

31 Aug , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Living together or buying a first home as a couple is a big step and it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of house hunting and choosing furniture. However, without a formal agreement, such as a cohabitation...
Family Law
Change of Name in the UK: What You Need to Know

21 Aug , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Changing your name is a big decision, and it's important to know the process involved. Whether you're getting married, going through a divorce, or simply want to change for personal reasons, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements and procedures...
Family Law
Common Law Partner Rights Explained

15 Aug , 2023

Howells Solicitors

What is a “Common Law” Partner and How Do You Become One? A “common law” partner, often referred to as a "common law spouse", is someone you have lived with in a marriage-like relationship, perhaps have children with, without being...
Family Law
Do I Need a Pre-Nuptial or Post-Nuptial Agreement?

02 Jun , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Talking to your partner about a pre-nuptial agreement can be an uncomfortable conversation. However, in many circumstances, it is sensible to ensure that certain financial assets you already own are secured for your future. Once you are married, there may...
Family Law
No Fault Divorce – UK Divorce Law Changes Explained

25 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

In April 2022, the introduction of the long awaited ‘no fault divorce’ came into effect in UK divorce law. Since then, separated couples are able to apply for a divorce without having to assign blame for the breakdown of the...
Family Law
Do I Need a Solicitor For My Divorce?

19 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

You may be considering, or have decided, to end your marriage and file for divorce. The divorce process is an emotionally challenging experience, and it can be complicated and often heartbreaking for all involved. When a couple decides to separate...
Family Law
Amicable Divorces

Howells Solicitors

One of the big worries when entering divorce proceedings is how much stress it will place on the separating couple and the impact it will have on any children. We hear a lot about nightmare divorces, but can there be...
Family Law
What are the Grounds for Divorce?

19 Nov , 2022

Howells Solicitors

As the current law stands, to apply for a divorce, you must do so on the grounds that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. Technically, this is now the only grounds for divorce. Previously, the law set out in the...
Family Law
Methodist Church permits same-sex marriages

08 Jul , 2021

Howells Solicitors

The Methodist Church has become the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages, in a much welcomed announcement on 30th June 2021. (more…)
Children Law
Who Would Look After Your Children if You Died?

29 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We know that it’s a hard and uneasy thought to have, but also one which many parents do think about. Do you know who would look after your children if you died? If you have shared parental responsibility and one...
Family Law
Date is announced for No-Fault Divorce

09 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We are very pleased to hear that “no-fault divorces” will come into force on 6th April 2022. This week, Ministers have announced that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame. These...
Family Law
How to Support a Victim of Domestic Abuse

20 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

(more…)
Family Law
Ask an Expert – Will a divorce financial settlement affect my benefits?

22 Oct , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I receive Tax Credits and other benefits and allowances, will a lump sum settlement from my divorce affect what I can claim?” Speak to our Team Today (more…)
Family Law
Barnsley Families Supported as New Family Law Specialist Joins Howells Solicitors

23 Jan , 2020

Howells Solicitors

This week we boast a new jewel in our crown, as senior solicitor and collaborative law specialist, Wendy Bailey, joins our matrimonial team in Barnsley. With 27 years’ experience of Family Law in the South Yorkshire region, Wendy, who is...
Family Law
Civil Partnerships: Not just for same sex couples

09 Dec , 2019

Howells Solicitors

Civil Partnerships now allow mixed sex, as well as same sex, couples to register. However what is the difference between a civil partnership and marriage? (more…)
Family Law
Howells Boost Matrimonial Department with Addition of New Family Law Specialist

04 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

At a time where many law firms in the region are struggling to grow their matrimonial department, Howells are thrilled to be expanding theirs. In October, not only are Howells celebrating their 40th anniversary, but they are celebrating another addition...
Family Law
What is the difference between Marriage and Civil Partnership?

18 Jan , 2019

Howells Solicitors

With the announcement in October 2018 from the Government to introduce civil partnerships for mixed sex couples, we take a look at the difference between marriage and civil partnerships. (more…)
Family Law
Divorcing couples reminded of the importance of pensions in addressing the division of matrimonial finances.

13 Sep , 2018

Howells Solicitors

According to a report publicised by Age UK, thousands of pensioners are missing out on pension provision that would have helped them in retirement. (more…)
Family Law
Divorce Refused in UK Courts

17 Feb , 2017

Howells Solicitors

A woman has stated how “desperately unhappy” she is after being married for 39 years. Yet the UK Courts have refused to grant her a divorce. This case highlights the need to seek advice. Howells can offer a free half...
Family Law
Howells Family Partner qualifies as Mediator

02 Jul , 2013

Howells Solicitors

Howells  has extended the services the family team can offer as Partner Alyson Siddall has now  qualified as a Resolution Trained Mediator. Alyson can offer clients who find themselves in dispute an alternative way forward to resolve their disputes together without...

Request a Call back

The Howells Solicitors law team are compassionate, down-to-earth and professional, offering you the best expert advice. Get in touch with solicitors in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley to see how we can help. Fill in the form or give us a call at:

The Family Law team

The Howells Matrimonial team is one of the best in the country and one of the largest in South Yorkshire. They been consistently highly ranked for family law work in the north by the Legal 500. Howells have over 40 years’ experience supporting families and are ranked high on Review Solicitors where they have a rating of 4.9 out of 5 for their client care. The team are also accredited by Resolution and the Law Society.

Sensitive and compassionate in her client relationships, Alyson Siddal understands that she is not dealing with ‘cases’ but with people, not bound by legal process but in real lives. Furthermore, Alyson has been a key part of Howells Solicitors for over 30 years and offers a wealth of expertise and experience. Alyson and the Matrimonial team are highly ranked in the Legal 500 rankings, with specific feedback on Alyson which is “Alyson Siddall is a very experienced matrimonial lawyer who is personable and approachable in addition to being an excellent solicitor”.

Sharon Lockwood is a highly regarded Family Law and Divorce Solicitor in Rotherham, with a specialism at dealing with complex cases involving children and high value assets. Sharon is very active in the local community of South Yorkshire and receives a high amount of praise from her clients and colleagues and has established herself as one of the most distinguish divorce specialists in the region.

John Clegg is a family specialist and covers all aspects of Matrimonial law including divorce, civil partnership and cohabitation breakdown, financial matters arising on separation and divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements and protection from domestic abuse.

Legal 500

The Legal 500 2022 edition ranks Family as a top tier firm in Yorkshire and Humber, saying “Family head Alyson Siddall, matrimonial specialist Sharon Lockwood and children team head Sarah Walker are the key names at Howells Solicitors. Based in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley respectively, they oversea a team that is particularly well known for high net worth cases with assets ranging from three to six million pounds.

The firm recently expanded its department with the addition of a collaborative law facility. John Clegg is an additional name to note.”

Alyson Siddall

Family Law

0114 249 6659
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John Clegg

Family Law

0114 249 6795
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Sharon Lockwood

Family Law

01709 364000
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Caroline Euinton

Family Law

0114 249 6643
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Louise Ellis

Family Law

01709 364 000
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Ramandeep Kaur

Family Law

0114 249 6703
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Wendy Bailey

Family Law

01226 805 190
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Danielle Mahyar

Family Law

01226 805 190
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Sophie Jensen

Family Law

01226 668 803
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Colin Musgrave

Family Law

0114 249 6709
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Laura Hill

Family Law

0114 249 6638
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Cody Minshall

0114 249 6656
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Megan Wright

0114 249 6654
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Michaela Logue

Family Law

0114 2496666
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