Family Law

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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.

Frequently read legal insights

6th Feb 2025
By Sarah Thomas,

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Kevan Hankinson

Partner

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Claire Jackson

Partner

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Angela Gleave

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Meet the
Family Law Team

Our people are what makes Butcher & Barlow what it is. Each one of our team is committed to building a solid, long-lasting working relationship with our clients across Bury, Manchester and Cheshire.

Meet the Team Meet us all

Family Law Insights

3rd Jul 2026
By Sarah Thomas,

What our clients say about our Family Law Service

I would highly recommend Butcher & Barlow. I used them for private family matters including children and finances. Kevan Hankinson supported me throughout, giving me invaluable advice. Very quick to respond to emails/concerns and has an amazing knowledge around the family court system. Can't thank Kevan enough.

I had an excellent experience with my solicitor Tiffany Shoesmith from start to finish. She was professional, knowledgeable and incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. Communication was always clear and prompt and she always took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand. What really stood out was her attention to detail and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me and my little girl. I always felt reassured knowing my case was in such capable hands. I would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy legal support. Truly a 5-star experience.

I am extremely happy and would highly recommend Butcher & Barlow to anyone needing legal advice. From the moment I sought legal help, I was put at ease and the whole process was explained to me clearly. They made a very stressful situation more bearable and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future.

I instructed Claire Jackson at Butcher & Barlow for a legal matter. The process hit a few speed bumps along the way of my own doing and Claire and her team were very understanding and helpful. I would have no hesitation it recommending them.

I had the pleasure of dealing with Claire to help me through this daunting process of arranging all my financial matters. I really couldn't have completed this process without her invaluble experience, information and advice. She has been professional, helpful and patient with me every step of the way. This was all new for me but she was on hand whenever I had any questions or explanations of legal terms etc. I would not hesitate in recommending Claire to anyone, she is an asset to the company.

Jade thank you for being so lovely and approachable. You and Claire are a dream team and Butcher & Barlow are lucky to have you both.

I just want to say a heartfelt thank you for all your support and help these past 5 years. Your personable, down to earth and professional approach has been appreciated more than you know. Your calm but assertive approach got me through some dark times. Jade thank you for being so lovely and approachable. You are a dream team and Butcher & Barlow are lucky to have you both.

I have worked with Catherine & Laura throughout my divorce process. They both supported me through a really difficult divorce, and non molestation court hearings. They answered any questions, kept me up to date and I couldn’t have asked for better through a hard time. I would highly recommend to anyone this wonderful team.

Divorce is not a situation most people expect to experience but finding someone to put your trust in to navigate the process makes a world of difference. I felt comfortable to share my experience from the outset and felt involved and informed throughout. Rather than being intimated by the process, I felt we had a strong working relationship, and I was expertly guided at every stage in a clear and understandable way. At a very tough time Alex was a huge support and ensured the process wasn’t overwhelming. Contact was punctual and informative, and I always felt comfortable to ask questions. When contact involved both parties, the tone was perfect to ensure we made progress without making the situation more difficult. If you are hesitant to make the call then from my experience don’t delay, I have every confidence your words in time will echo mine.

Thank you for the way you’ve conducted our matter. Throughout, you’ve been reassuring and you’ve not brushed off my tendency to panic if issues have arisen along the way, but calmly put me right. Thank you.