Separation and Divorce

It’s always hard to know what to do when a relationship runs into problems. Whether you’re married or not, separation is a daunting step - and it can raise difficult questions. We’ll help you answer them.

Eric Robinson has a team of matrimonial law experts. We’ll help you deal with difficult financial issues, such as dividing assets, in a way that’s best for everyone.

Residence of, and Contact with, Children

When any relationship breaks down, the most important priority is to look after the children. We’ll help you reach agreement over where they live and when you can see them. We’ll advise you about financial support and housing. If necessary, we can apply for orders from the court to protect your rights and those of your children - particularly in cases where they may be taken to live somewhere else, in this country or abroad.

Child Care Proceedings

When a Local Authority issues care proceedings and children are taken into care, the families have a right to be heard – not just parents, but grandparents and other extended family members as well.

Eric Robinson has a specialist child care team, to provide you with advice and support during what can often be a very difficult and emotional time. Our experience in cases like this means we can help family members to have their voice heard – whether it’s to challenge a care decision, explain a change in circumstances or put other family members forward as prospective carers.

Pre-nuptial Agreements

No one wants to think about divorce when they get married. But the cold fact is that one third of marriages end that way – so it makes sense to plan ahead.

Pre-nuptial agreements aren’t immediately decisive in English courts, but they are a factor that the court is increasingly likely to take into account, especially after a short or second marriage. So, if you’re thinking of getting married and have assets of your own, a pre-nuptial agreement is something you may want to consider.

After all, it costs a lot less to make one than it might cost you if you don’t.

Domestic Violence

25% of all recorded violent crime in England and Wales is domestic violence; every week, two women die as a result of it. Sobering statistics - but they don’t have to be the whole story.

Domestic violence can take many forms: physical, sexual or psychological. If you feel you’re a victim of any of them, there are legal steps you can take to protect yourself and those you care about.

Civil Partnerships

The new Civil Partnership Act came into effect at the end of 2005. Which means that, for the first time, same sex relationships can now be recognised in the same way as a marriage.

Just as with a marriage, there are legal and tax consequences of entering into a civil partnership. It creates new rights; it also creates new obligations.

Cohabitation Contracts

Many people nowadays prefer to live together rather than marry. Rights and obligations of cohabitants differ substantially from those of married couples in areas such as wills, property rights and children. We can help you to understand those differences and how they may affect you. We can also help you to draft, enforce or challenge a formal ‘cohabitation contract’, which would be governed wholly or partly by the law of contract and which could contain specific provisions to cover many of the areas outlined above.