Family Law Solicitors

During life’s difficult times, our Family Law Team will be there to listen, guide and reassure you through the consequences of the breakdown of a family relationship. With branches throughout Cheshire and Manchester, we are the Solicitors that care, right there on your doorstep.

In a world where it would appear that answers to all your questions can be found online, we believe that there is no substitute for advice tailored to your own particular situation, which is relatable, accurate and straightforward.

We aim to get to know you, to understand your needs and objectives. By building a relationship with you based on trust and understanding, we aim to ease the emotional, and practical, burdens that come with making life changing decisions.

Butcher & Barlow believe in access to justice for all and offer a free initial assessment for most family law issues, after which we will assess your case, explain how we can help and discuss funding options. Our team is also keen to achieve a positive outcome without the need for court proceedings if at all possible. We also offer legal aid contracts where appropriate to provide cost-effective advice, and affordable, fixed-price fees wherever possible.

We pride ourselves in remaining robust yet non-confrontational, which we find can reduce costs and cause less stress for our clients.

Our experienced Family Team is made up of members and accredited specialists of family law associations including Resolution and the Law Society’s Children Law and Advanced Family Law Panels. These accreditations recognise the specialist knowledge and expertise that our family law team has in all aspects of Family Law.

What is Family Law?

At Butcher & Barlow, we always try to speak your language but occasionally have to use legal terms. Our Glossary will help you understand those phrases that may seem a little alien to everyday life.

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss your situation, whether that be by video, telephone or in person, please get in touch with any member of our team. Alternatively, complete our Enquiry form by clicking the link and we will call you back as soon as possible.

How can we help you?

Finances and settlements:

Whether as a result of breakdown of a marriage, a civil partnership, or a relationship where you have not been married, our team can help you resolve outstanding financial issues. If you have reached an agreement with the other party, we will assist you in getting this written into a Court Order which is binding on both parties and prevents any further financial claims. Where no agreement is reached, we will talk to you about the benefits of mediation, and if necessary, guide you through the court process. Find out more here.

Divorce / Civil Partnership and dissolution:

From the issuing of the divorce proceedings through to the grant of the decree absolute, our team will guide you through the procedure as quickly and efficiently as possible, whether you are the applicant or the respondent. It is also important that we talk together about related property and financial issues, as well as issues relating to children. Find out more here.

Children Issues:

Research has proven that if issues concerning the children can be agreed amicably and positively, this benefits the children. We therefore aim to resolve any disputes without the need to attend court, which can be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you are a mother, father, grandparents, step parents or other relative, our team can provide advice and assistance relating to contact, residence, injunctions, parental responsibility, adoption and special guardianship orders. Find out more here.

Domestic Abuse and Protection from harassment:

Sadly, domestic abuse is an issue in a large number of relationships. Domestic abuse can include physical abuse and also emotional or financial abuse. At Butcher and Barlow, our supportive team are able to advise on these sensitive issues and the support that can be put in place to assist you and your children if you are victims of domestic abuse. This includes applying to the court for non-molestation orders and occupation orders (injunctions). These orders can protect you and your children from domestic abuse and protect your occupation of a home.

Care and Social Services:

In cases where Children’s Services (Social Services) and the Local Authority are involved with your children, our specialist care team can guide you through the process, whether a parent, grandparent or family friend.

Setting up relationships:

Relationship agreements are legally prepared documents designed to give protection in the event that things do not work out as intended. They can be in the form of a Cohabitation Agreement if you are thinking of moving in together and sharing living costs, or a prenuptial agreement, whether for a marriage or a civil partnership. To ensure they are legally binding contracts and therefore enforceable, it is essential that they are prepared by a legal expert and executed in accordance with their instructions.

Prenuptial Agreements:

Entering into a marriage marks an exciting new chapter in your life. Regardless, it does come with potential complications for your finances. To ensure that you have the right protections in place, and feel more comfortable moving forward, entering into a prenuptial agreement may be a sensible decision. Find out more here.

What our clients say about our Family Law Service

Catherine was always there to offer advice and deliver information as and when she received it. Catherine went above and beyond to support myself and my children. I will never forget how she gave me the strength to fight for my children.

Amazing Solicitor. I would highly recommend to anyone. Outcome was a lot better than I imagined thanks to Catherine who fought my corner throughout everything.

Level of service was excellent throughout.

An excellent service. Professional and polite, easy to deal with and kept me fully informed.

I can not thank Laura and Tilly enough for all their help. They were amazing from the get go and I would definitely use them again if I ever needed.

I was satisfied every step of the way that my case was in the best possible hands.

Tilly was very polite and professional throughout. I am very grateful for all her help.

I was satisfied with your service and advice. My case was handled very professionally.

Fab team at the Bury office. Thank you for all your help.

I was very happy with how Tilly handled every aspect of my case. She was very polite and professional throughout and there isn't any area of her work I thought needed improvement. Definitely a massive credit to Butcher & Barlow. I'm very grateful for all of her help.