Family and Divorce Solicitors in Basingstoke

Relationships can be complex, and when circumstances change, having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Lamb Brooks, our experienced family and divorce solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you navigate separation, divorce, financial matters and arrangements for children with confidence.

Whether you are considering ending a marriage, need guidance on finances, or require support with child arrangements, our highly regarded team of family solicitors in Basingstoke offer compassionate advice tailored to your circumstances. We understand that seeking legal support can feel overwhelming, which is why we focus on providing straightforward guidance and practical solutions that help you move forward with dignity.

Experienced family solicitors you can trust

As specialist family solicitors, we recognise that every family situation is unique. Our priority is to reduce stress and provide the support you need throughout the process. From straightforward divorces to complex financial disputes and urgent court applications, we combine legal expertise with a personal and approachable service.

Our team has built an excellent reputation across Hampshire and the South, receiving 4.8/5 on Google from more than 700 reviews and 4.9/5 on Review Solicitors from over 880 client reviews who value our professionalism, responsiveness and dedication.

Our Family Law Department is led by Rob Parker, Partner and Head of Family Law, who is recognised for his depth of knowledge, pragmatic approach and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. He is supported by Solicitors Sarah Healy and Natalie Croxup, Family Executive Laura Sellstrom, alongside a dedicated Paralegal and Secretary who ensure matters progress efficiently.

Whether you are embarking on a new relationship, planning a marriage, separating from a partner or dealing with complex family matters, our experienced solicitors for family law are here to help.

We offer appointments in person at our Basingstoke office, remotely via Microsoft Teams, or over the telephone, allowing you to access advice in a way that suits you. Our team can also represent you as your family court solicitor.

Our specialist family solicitors provide advice and representation across all aspects of family law, from divorce and financial settlements to children matters and domestic abuse protection.

Divorce and Separation

Our experienced divorce solicitors in Basingstoke will guide you through every stage of the divorce process, helping you understand your rights and make informed decisions. We advise on starting proceedings, the grounds for divorce, responding to applications, financial remedy proceedings, separation agreements, and civil partnership dissolution. Wondering if you need a solicitor for divorce? We'd always recommend it, as professional advice helps protect your finances and family arrangements.

Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Discussing finances before or during marriage can feel uncomfortable, but a clear agreement provides certainty for both parties. We advise on preparing and reviewing pre-nuptials agreements and post-nuptial agreements, helping protect assets and reduce the risk of future disputes. Each agreement is carefully drafted to reflect both parties' intentions, giving it the best chance of being upheld.

Separation Agreements

Not every couple wishes to divorce immediately, and many choose to separate first. Separation solicitors can help formalise arrangements covering finances, child arrangements, property and asset division, maintenance, and business interests or pensions. Whether you're considering divorce or simply want practical arrangements in place, we help you reach fair, workable solutions while avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Cohabitation Agreements and Unmarried Couples

Living together doesn't provide the same legal protections as marriage, and there's no such thing as "common law marriage" in England and Wales. We advise unmarried couples on cohabitation agreements and on disputes when relationships break down, including property ownership, declarations of trust, financial contributions, and arrangements for children. Early advice helps avoid disputes later and protects your interests going forward.

Financial Dispute Settlements

Financial matters are often the most important aspect of divorce. We help clients resolve family financial disputes involving properties, business interests, savings, pensions, inheritance, trust interests and international assets. We can explain how assets and pensions are split   and what a financial order involves. Our aim is always a fair outcome that protects your long-term financial security.

Children Matters

Children are understandably the priority for most parents. Our family solicitors advise on child arrangements, shared care, relocation, specific issue and prohibited steps orders, parental responsibility, and grandparents' rights. Where court proceedings become necessary, we provide robust representation to protect your relationship with your children, offering realistic advice at every stage.

Domestic Abuse and Emergency Injunctions

We can advise and assist on seeking emergency injunctions such as non-molestation orders, occupation orders, emergency child arrangements, and allegations of domestic abuse or coercive control. We understand the sensitive nature of these matters and provide discreet, compassionate support throughout.

Since April 2022, England and Wales have operated under a no-fault divorce system. This means that couples no longer need to assign blame or prove wrongdoing in order to end their marriage. Instead, they simply need to provide a statement confirming that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The change was introduced to reduce conflict and encourage a more constructive approach to separation, particularly important where children are involved. You can read our blog to learn more about No-Fault Divorces.

Types of divorce

Although the legal grounds for divorce are now the same for everyone, divorces can still be categorised as uncontested or contested:

• Uncontested divorce - Both parties agree that the marriage has broken down and there is no dispute over the divorce itself. While discussions around finances or child arrangements may still be needed, the divorce process is generally quicker and less stressful.
• Contested divorce - Since the introduction of no-fault divorce, it is now very difficult to contest a divorce itself. A divorce can only be challenged in very limited circumstances, such as disputes over jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage, rather than simply because one spouse does not wish to divorce.

Divorce proceedings

The divorce process begins with either a sole or joint application. In most cases, court attendance is not required, as the process is primarily handled online and administratively by the court. After the application is issued, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period before a Conditional Order can be applied for. This is followed by a further six-week waiting period before the Final Order is granted, legally bringing the marriage to an end.

It is important to remember that the divorce itself does not resolve financial matters. The division of property, savings, pensions, and other assets should be addressed separately, ideally through a legally binding financial order. Seeking legal advice early can help ensure your financial interests are protected and avoid issues arising after the divorce has been finalised.

Negotiated complex £7 million financial settlement

Successfully negotiating an amicable out-of-court settlement involving £7 million of assets comprising lucrative business interests, commercial property, overseas property, agricultural land and substantial pensions.

Clean break secured for investment bank executive

Achieving a favourable negotiated settlement on behalf of a high-earning senior executive of an investment bank whose personal wealth included property, share options and final salary pensions. The outcome included a clean break.

Successful relocation and financial settlement in children proceedings

Representing a wife in fiercely contested financial and children court proceedings. This included negotiating a significant capital settlement on her behalf, as well as providing robust representation in the children proceedings which enabled her to relocate and make a fresh start with the children in her desired location in the UK.

Advising and negotiating on behalf of high-net-worth individuals

Advising on and negotiating sophisticated financial settlements on behalf of wealthy individuals with assets in the UK and abroad.

Protecting parent-child contact by successfully defending abuse allegations

Successfully assisting in defending allegations of abuse during a three-day fact-finding hearing in child arrangement proceedings, allowing the parent to maintain continuing contact with their children.

Securing the safe return of a child following unlawful retention

Assisting in securing the immediate return of a child after one parent unlawfully retained them following contact.

Obtaining emergency court protection for a vulnerable wife

Successfully obtaining an emergency Non-Molestation Order and Occupation Order for a vulnerable wife, providing immediate protection and security.

To discuss your case with member of our family & divorce team, please call on 01256 844888 or email a description of your case to enquiries@lambbrooks.com.