Frequently asked questions

My ex-girlfriend has stopped me seeing the children because I am not paying maintenance can she do that?

No. Contact with a parent is the right of the child and just because you are not paying maintenance does not mean your child should be denied that right.

My divorce has been finalised and my ex-husband says we can sort out finances without a solicitor. Is he right?

Clearly you can reach a financial settlement without taking legal advice however it would be in your interests for any agreement reached to be incorporated into a legal document called a consent order, this could avoid arguments in the future. We can draft a consent order on your behalf and advise you as to whether the agreement reached is in your interests. We can also advise you in respect of pension claims.

I'm moving in with my boyfriend is there anything I should be doing to protect my interests?

A solicitor could prepare a co-habitation agreement which can set out any agreement you have reached with your boyfriend in relation to the ownership of property. This could prevent misunderstandings or arguments in the future.

My relationship with my partner has broken down and the house is registered in her sole name. My girlfriend says I have no interest in the property is that true?

You may have a beneficial interest in the property even though the property is not registered in your name. It will depend upon your particular circumstances whether you can establish such an interest. Therefore it would be in your interests to discuss the matter further with a solicitor.

I've heard about the Civil Partnership Act coming into force in December 2005. How will it affect me?

The Act will permit same sex couples to register as civil partners which gives them similar rights and responsibilities to a civil marriage. We can advise on the implications of entering a civil partnership both with regard to financial issues and in respect of children.