Specialists in Family, Child & Criminal Law
At emeryjohnson, we understand that there is nothing more important to you than your family and relationships
Unlike other solicitors in Leicester, we do not undertake personal injury, conveyancing, business or tax law.
Our team of specialist Family Solicitors and Divorce Lawyers offer expert advice and representation exclusively in the area of Family Law; from pre-nuptial agreements and same sex partnerships through childcare and adoption to separation and divorce.
A member of Resolution, emeryjohnson is also one of only four divorce solicitors in Leicester to provide lawyers trained in Collaborative Law, to help reach a sensible, practical and “fair” conclusion to your relationship.
But as experts in this field, we know only too well that not everyone involved will be reasonable. So if the going gets tough, we can also provide powerful advocacy to fight your corner.
Choosing one of emeryjohnson’s capable and sympathetic solicitors will give you the confidence to make the decisions which will allow you to get on with your life.
For advice, representation or just an informal exploration of your options, contact us on 0116 2554855 or use the scroll bar to the right to scroll down to find out more about emeryjohnson’s specialist services.
emeryjohnson offers a wealth of experience in family law. You can depend on our expertise, meticulous attention to detail and genuine compassion for all of the families we advise.
In a friendly and confidential environment your emeryjohnson solicitor will provide you with clear, comprehensible advice based on your personal circumstances allowing you to make informed decisions.
For an informal exploration of your options we offer private clients a fixed fee initial consultation. This meeting will allow you to decide whether you want to take the matter further and whether emeryjohnson is the right family solicitor for you.
Click here to make the most of your no obligation consultation
OR read on for more information on how we can help you in all areas of family law.
RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN
Separation and Divorce
“Sadly, every year around 150,000 marriages end in divorce.” Resolution
Whether you are married or living with a partner, each of us in the emeryjohnson family law team is aware of the personal turmoil you may experience at the breakdown of your relationship.
Even if you’ve known for some time that things aren’t working out, the legal process of ending a relationship can have a major impact both -emotionally and financially - on all members of the family.
On top of this, you will have a host of practical issues to sort out; from looking after the children to who lives where and who gets what to managing your finances, telling friends and family, and your personal well being.
Your emeryjohnson divorce solicitor will aim to make the process as painless as possible while providing the expert legal advice which will assist you in moving your life forward on a positive footing.
Click here for more information on divorce and what to expect
Arrangements for Children
If you are contemplating divorce or separation from your partner and you have children, your main concern is likely to be about them: where and with whom they will live, their financial security and how they will maintain good relationships with both you and your former partner.
A constructive approach through your divorce or separation will lay the best foundations for your children to settle into your new family structure.
However, your emeryjohnson solicitor will understand that this may be difficult, especially in cases of domestic violence.
If your former partner is unable to co-ooperate and agree on contact arrangements which put your children first and maintain some degree of stability, your emeryjohnson solicitor will advise you on your options and the Children Act 1989 which describes parental responsibility rather than parents' rights.
Click here for more on arrangements for children after separation or divorce (link to top of page on this subject)
International Divorce and Child Abduction
Headline news stories reveal some of the complexities and heartache involved in cases of international divorce and child abduction.
emeryjohnson is increasingly representing clients whose partners live all or part of the year abroad and whose children are at risk of abduction.
our emeryjohnson divorce solicitor of family law specialist will have direct experience of this type of case and she will be able to advise you based on her own personal experience.
Click here for more on International Divorce and Child Abduction
Domestic Abuse
emeryjohnson adopts a policy of zero teloerance to all forms of domestic violence and harassment.
If you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 999 for the police.
If you do not need urgent assistance but would like confidential advice and support, contact emeryjohnson for a priority consultation.
Your emeryjohnson solicitor will be careful and discrete in her communications with you and, where necessary, she will apply for injunctive relief to protect you and your family.
Click here for more on your right to be protected from domestic abuse
Click here for a discrete priority consultation
Financial Claims
Settling your financial arrangements can be a major cause of conflict more complex than the divorce or separation itself. Your emeryjohnson family solicitor can help you identify what might be a fair division, explain the options for achieving this and negotiate on your behalf to reach an agreement.
Financial settlements can take the form of a 'clean break' or an ongoing maintenance arrangement. Even where there is a 'clean break' agreement, maintenance will still be payable for any dependent children.
The starting point for any settlement is a full and honest disclosure of personal assets by both parters. Our easy-to-use template will help to ensure you identify all of your personal assets, as well as your outgoings, to help you identify your needs and budget for your future.
Your emeryjohnson solicitor will advise you in clear terms about property ownership, capital assets, business interests, household outgoings and has the specialist knowledge and experience to advise on the complex area of law around the sharing of pension funds on divorce.
Click here for more on your finances after divorce or separation
Click here to download your personal assets and budgeting template (requires Microsoft Excel)
3 Ways To A More Dignified Divorce
As a member of Resolution, emeryjohnson aims to help separating couples achieve a constructive settlement of their differences in a way which avoids protracted arguments and promotes co-operation between parents in decisions concerning children.
This sensitive approach is now complemented by options for more formal mediation and Collaborative Law.
Click here to find out which of the three approaches is best for you
OTHER FAMILY MATTERS
Cohabitation
As the institution of marriage declines and couples increasingly choose to live together, it s important to be aware that although co-habiting couples are often referred to as 'common law' husbands or wives, there is in fact no such legal status.
Should your relationship breakdown, as cohabitants, you cannot expect fairness from the law and there is no legal provision for maintenance. Instead you must rely on an inadequate legal framework, based on the complex principles of property law.
Your emeryjohnson solicitor will offer advice on your legal status throughout your life with your partner and can ensure that any cohabitation agreement you make is enforcable.
Cohabitation agreements have yet to be fully tested in court but they can encourage you to think clearly about what you want to happen if the relationship ends.
Click here to find out more about the law relating to cohabiting couples
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
At the beginning of a relationship, it is difficult to contemplate that it may not last forever. Sadly, two out of five marriages now end in divorce and it is worth giving some thought to what you would want to happen should your relationship break down.
emeryjohnson can provide advice on forming a legal agreement which can help reduce the conflict, bitterness and costs which often result from separation and divorce.
Click here to find out more about pre-nuptial agreements
Same Sex Couples
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005. Civil partners now have equal treatment with married couples in legal matters.
Like marriage, civil partnership ends only on formal dissolution (similar to divorce) annulment, or on the death of one of the parties. Before entering into a partnership, you may want to consider a pre-nuptial agreement.
emeryjohnson has experience in and can advise on all areas of the law affecting same sex couples and civil partnerships.
Click here to find out more about the law relating to same sex couples
Adoption
Despite high profile cases of celebrity adoption, the bureaucracy surrounding adoption can be frustrating and even intimidating. Your emeryjohnson solicitor is experienced in dealing with and has good relationships with all of the agencies involved. Let her guide you through the legal requirements so that you have more time to enjoy the new addition to your family.
Click here to find out more about adoption and the law
Childcare and Social Services
emeryjohnson is recognised as the leading provider of advice to families and professionals involved with Social Services in the East Midlands.
Click here to find out more about how we can help
A NEW WILL FOR YOUR NEW LIFE
With any alteration in your family circumstances, you should consider making or varying your will to reflect this new stage in your life.
Please ask your emeryjohnson solicitor for her advice next time you speak to her. She can refer you to an organisation which will ensure that those you love will be the beneficiaries of your estate.
Legal Aid and Private Fees
You may be entitled to assistance with the cost of meeting your legal fees under the Legal Aid Scheme administered by the Legal Services Commission. If you qualify for Legal Aid your case may cost you nothing, you may be required to pay a monthly contribution toward your costs, or you may be liable to repay your costs at the end of your case.
We will assess your entitlement to Legal Aid at your first appointment and provide you with the information you need in relation to the scheme. You can also see if you are eligible for Legal Aid using the online calculator at the Legal Services Commission Web site: www.legalservices.gov.uk
Click here for more information on Legal Aid and private fees