In the UK, the law is fairly tricky. And unless you have undertaken qualifications to do with legal processes or law in general, it is unwise to attempt the majority of legal situations without seeking legal advice. When it comes to matters revolving around the family, there are indeed specialists that can help you. For many people, seeking family solicitors Portsmouth is the first step needed to help them with their legal issues relating to their spouse, children or even property disputes. However, it is rarely straightforward as to what is encompassed under the branch of family law in the UK and many people seek out the advice of a general solicitor when they should be seeking the help of a specialist. So what are some of the areas that a solicitor trained in family law can help you with? Read on to find out. 

A key area that many people need help with relating to family law is legal separation, such as divorce or annulment. A specialist in family law will be able to represent you should your case go to court (which is exceedingly unlikely). They will negotiate on your behalf with the legal team representing your former spouse; they will also take into account other factors such as children or property that you might share. And they will work to ensure that you get what you are entitled to. 

Marriage is, in itself, a legal process as you and your partner are signing a legally binding document. However, few people need the help of a legal team to do this. A family solicitor will be able to help with other forms of legal issues relating to relationships, such as cohabitation agreements, or prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, which are related to financial income and what each person in the couple is owed should they separate. 

This was briefly touched on in the previous paragraph. But a family-based legal team will be able to help with the drafting of a cohabitation agreement. This document pertains to the legal responsibilities of each partner in an unmarried couple. Such as paying bills, time spent with children etc. And yes, if your partner breaks the living arrangements set down in a cohabitation agreement, you can seek legal recourse. 

Children are perhaps the most common reason why somebody would seek the advice of a family-based legal team, specifically relating to child access and issues surrounding their former partner. With both of these a legal team can help you to seek justice. However, if you are a foster parent or are looking to adopt, a legal team specialised in family law can also help with this and will ensure that all of the paperwork is completed correctly and is in order for you to legally adopt a child or children. 

A lesser-known area of family law is related to the property. Although you may associate property law with conveyancing, it can fall into many other subcategories of law including, familial ownership and even probate should one of the owners die. A family-based legal team can ensure, along with the probate solicitor, that your children or partner are left a home or property after you pass away.