Balancing the demands of family and police work isn’t easy. So when it comes to the big decisions in life it helps to have experts on your side who understand the job you do, and the related personal and financial issues.\r \r Our family law experts have over 20 years’ experience advising all ranks of police officers and personnel on family matters including police pensions and divorce, pay scales, shift patterns and child arrangements.\r \r We’re able to advise and assist on all areas of family law, including: \r \r Divorce or dissolution: We understand that the breakdown of a relationship is a very stressful and emotional time. Our experienced family law team are experts in all areas of divorce, and have particular expertise in dealing with police officers going through a divorce. Our lawyers can help with all aspects which need to be considered post separation including issues regarding the dividing of assets, advising you in respect of your police pension scheme and arrangements for any children involved in the family relationship.\r \r Police pensions on divorce or dissolution: The police pension is often the most valuable asset on divorce and yet, due to their complexity, a great deal of confusion surrounds them. Officers who don’t seek guidance from an expert are often provided with incorrect and misleading advice therefore it’s important that you seek specialist advice. We understand how your pension works, the various pension schemes and the best options available to you.\r \r Children matters: It’s better for children and parents to try and agree on any issues that may arise from separation. This is however not always able to happen during what can be an emotionally charged time. If you require help and assistance to avoid conflict and reach amicable solutions through negotiation we’re on hand to assist. If this isn’t possible it may be necessary to go through court proceedings and our highly experienced team are on hand to advise you at every stage. \r \r Cohabitation: Couples who’ve been living together for a long period of time are often referred to as “common law spouses” and may assume they have rights. There is, in fact no such legal status. You may want to consider a formal cohabitation agreement before living together in regards to matters such as property owned by you or your partner, how you share your income and to consider what would happen in the in the event of either of your death. The agreement can also cover what happens if the relationship breaks down so you know where you stand legally.\r \r Domestic violence: Domestic violence within a relationship can be an emotional, frightening and difficult time. It may contribute to the breakdown of family relationships or it may occur because of a relationship breaking down. Whatever the case, domestic violence can have direct and indirect effects on someone’s life, and it’s important that you make the first steps to end the cycle of violence and break free. Our friendly and supportive family team can guide you in the right direction and explain the options available to you and your family.\r \r Finances of divorce or separation: When a marriage or civil partnership breaks down, any assets, financial or otherwise have to be divided between the two parties. There are many factors which are taken into account when deciding who receives which asset, and numerous options are available to successfully divide these assets. Our experienced family lawyers are here to help negotiate, agree and finalise the division of assets so that each party can move on with their lives.\r \r International divorce: It’s not uncommon for couples to move aboard for periods of time for work or family commitments. When such couples separate and decide to divorce, there is often confusion about which country proceedings should be issued. Different countries have different laws relating to divorce and choosing the best jurisdiction is a very important decision. Our family lawyers are experts in dealing with international issues arising from a divorce and can advise you of your options.\r \r Nuptial agreements: Naturally everyone getting married believes they’ll be married for life, unfortunately that’s not always the case. A nuptial agreement which is entered into before marriage or shortly after marriage, details how assets will be divided if the marriage breaks down, so both parties know exactly where they stand from the outset.\r \r We provide a free initial consultation, discounted rates and fixed fees on some family law services to Police Federation members. \r \r To speak to one of our experienced family lawyers or book your book free consultation contact us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we’ll call you.\r