Family Law Solicitors

A family law solicitor helps people deal with legal matters involving relationships, children, and finances. Their work often includes guiding clients through divorce or separation, helping arrange child contact and custody agreements, and advising on financial settlements or property division.

They also handle more complex matters like domestic abuse protections, care proceedings, and legal agreements such as prenuptial or cohabitation contracts. At DMA Law, our family solicitors offer both legal expertise and emotional support, helping you make informed choices during difficult times. Whether you need advice, representation in court, or help drafting legal documents, we’re here to assist you with sensitivity and clarity.

Yes, Legal Aid is still available for some family law matters in England and Wales, though eligibility depends on both your financial situation and the nature of your case. You may qualify if your case involves:

• Domestic abuse or the risk of harm
• Care proceedings involving social services
• Child abduction or protection concerns
• Forced marriage or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

To apply, you’ll need to provide evidence of your income and the legal problem. At DMA Law, we have Legal Aid specialists who can help determine if you’re eligible and support you through the application. Legal Aid ensures that vulnerable individuals can still access expert legal help when they need it most.

The average no-fault divorce in England and Wales takes around 6 to 8 months from start to finish—if both parties cooperate and there are no major financial or child-related disputes.

The process includes:

1. Filing the divorce application
2. A 20-week reflection period before a conditional order is granted
3. A 6-week waiting period before applying for the final order

This timeline can stretch if disagreements arise over property, finances, or child arrangements. In those cases, additional negotiations or court proceedings may be needed. At DMA Law, we help keep the process on track, minimise delays, and ensure everything is handled with care.

You don’t have to use a solicitor—but getting professional legal advice is highly recommended, especially when there’s disagreement between parents or the child’s welfare is at stake.

A Child Arrangement Order sets out who the child lives with, spends time with, or has contact with. It’s a legally binding document issued by the Family Court. Even if both parents agree, a solicitor can:

• Ensure your agreement is legally enforceable
• Help you avoid pitfalls and delays
• Advise you if Cafcass becomes involved

At DMA Law, we’ve supported hundreds of parents through both amicable and contested child arrangement cases. We’ll help you focus on what matters most—your child’s wellbeing and stability.

If you and your ex-partner agree on issues like finances, children, and property, that’s a strong foundation—and a solicitor can help formalise your agreement and ensure it’s legally secure.

You may benefit from:

• A Consent Order – to make your financial agreement legally binding
• Help drafting a Parenting Plan – to support child arrangements without going to court
• Mediation or one-off legal advice – for reassurance and clarity

Even in amicable cases, it’s wise to get legal advice to avoid future misunderstandings or claims. At DMA Law, we offer fixed-fee services for simple, uncontested cases—helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

For many families, yes—mediation is often faster, less stressful, and more affordable than going to court. It allows both parties to sit down with a neutral mediator and work out practical solutions on child arrangements, finances, or property.

Benefits of mediation include:

• Less conflict and emotional strain
• More control over the outcome
• Typically quicker and lower in cost
• Encourages long-term cooperation—especially helpful if children are involved

However, it’s not suitable for every case—especially where there’s a history of abuse, power imbalance, or non-cooperation. At DMA Law, we’ll always assess whether mediation is appropriate and can refer you to trusted family mediators or represent you in court if needed.