• Divorce
• Separation
• Civil Partnerships
• Unmarried couple advice

We have considerable experience in every area of separation and divorce proceedings. Our team appreciates that a divorce or civil partnership separation is an emotional time and the added stress and associated costs do not assist with this. As such, we act as an approachable guide to help our clients through the process.

Not every issue needs to be resolved via the Court system, as this can be detrimental in the long term. For this reason, we adopt a collaborative approach where possible to help our clients reach a quick and amicable solution to matters.

We’re transparent about fees and can offer fixed-fee packages in relation to some aspects of a divorce or civil partnership separation. Where we can’t offer a fixed-fee package, our quotes and estimates are clear and detailed, so that you understand what you’re paying for at the outset. We want our clients to feel in control when it comes to any fee issues so as to reduce any anxiety or worry in this respect.

• Financial settlements on divorce and separation
• Spousal maintenance

Finances are often the cause of most arguments during divorce proceedings and therefore people can be understandably apprehensive about the process. A divorce can be emotional and stressful, but it can also be amicable if there is a level of agreement. For example, if parties have been separated for some time and believe that now is the right time to divorce. Either way, a major concern for many people going through a divorce is their future financial stability.

Our team are experienced and knowledgeable in all areas of matrimonial finances from the division of capital, through to the treatment of pensions and the payment of spousal maintenance and will help you find a pragmatic and proportionate way through the divorce process. Whilst we will always try and avoid court proceedings as these inevitably lead to increased cost and stress, in those case where Court is necessary, we will ensure that we get the best possible outcome for you, always with an eye on settling at the earliest opportunity.

• Pre-Nuptial agreements
• Post-Nuptial agreements
  
  

Our team has experience of drafting both pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, from complex high net worth cases to simpler agreements where someone may wish to ring-fence a particular pre-marital asset such as a property.

Whilst it can be viewed as unromantic, having a pre-nuptial agreement allows the parties to go into a marriage with clarity in relation to the finances and knowledge of what the division will look like in the (hopefully unlikely) event of a divorce. It can be particularly helpful where there are children from a previous relationship and the parties want to ensure certain assets are reserved for them. Or where a party wishes to protect inherited money, assets or a business. It can also be useful where a party wants to safeguard substantial savings or expected future inheritance. A party may also have experienced a divorce and wants some say in how financial issues would be resolved in the event of the marriage breaking down. Our friendly and approachable team are qualified to advise on all of these matters.

• Contact, residence and parental responsibility
• Child Maintenance
• Enforcement of maintenance orders
• Variation of maintenance orders (increase or reduction in the level)
• Removal of children from Jersey
• Adoption

Arrangements for children are often the most fluid within a family dynamic as every family’s situation is different. Unfortunately, this often causes the most arguments when parties separate. Our team is experienced in advising on disputes related to children and is able to provide helpful, pragmatic advice on all areas of the law surrounding children.

Whether there is an argument regarding child maintenance payments, or an uncertainty over contact or shared care of a child that needs resolving, we can help. If there is a larger matter at hand, perhaps concerning removing a child from Jersey to live elsewhere or potentially adoption, we can provide friendly advice and guidance to help minimise stress for all concerned.

With our in-depth knowledge of the Court process and out-of-Court resolution options, we try to cut to the main issues and eliminate any ‘point-scoring’ between parties so that our clients reach practical and pragmatic solutions. Our aim is to minimise the impact on children and provide solutions which benefit relationships in the long term.

We’re transparent about fees and can offer fixed-fee packages in relation to parts of some children’s proceedings, primarily those involving child maintenance and enforcement of maintenance order. Due to their subjective nature, we cannot offer fixed-fee packages in relation to all children’s matters. However, we do our best to provide clear and detailed estimates of potential costs at every stage of the process.

• Injunctions and domestic violence

In extremely serious situations, measures sometimes need to be put in place to protect people from harm, or to prevent children from being removed from Jersey without permission or the agreement of both parents. In these types of situations, where a client has a genuine concern or reason to believe that something will happen if steps are not taken, a civil injunction can be put in place. In these cases, our team will listen to your concerns, then advise and assist if a civil injunction is required.

• Collaborative Law
• Mediation
• Financial Dispute Resolution (“FDR”)
• Early Neutral Evaluation (“ENE”)

We are always happy to explore methods of resolving situations outside of the Courtroom as we understand the stress, pressure and financial impact associated with prolonged legal proceedings. Whether it be divorce, financial matters, or to resolve issues related to children, Court can be avoided if both parties are willing to hear the other side of the story and negotiate in good faith.

We aim to keep legal fees proportionate by resolving matters outside of Court wherever possible. We adopt an alternative approach, including round table meetings, mediation, Early Neutral Evaluation (“ENR”) and ‘Financial Dispute Resolution’ (or “FDR”). We also utilise the collaborative law process where appropriate and have a collaboratively trained lawyer to do this. These alternative resolution methods can save time and costs, particularly where the mediator/third party can offer an opinion as to a likely outcome should a matter go to Court. These ways of resolving cases allow for more flexibility and control, as clients are able to discuss matters and negotiate with the aim of reaching agreement with an informed view, rather than being bound by a Court’s decision.