Supporting families through difficult moments.
Family matters can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether it’s resolving disputes or planning for the future, we’re here to support you every step of the way. And that’s reassuring to know.
Reassuring to know.
Reassuring to know.
Reassuring to know.
Family
Interested in how we can help? Click below to download our Family Services guide.
Family brouchureFamily issues can be emotionally challenging, but with a dedicated and compassionate approach, solutions are within reach. Based in Durham and serving the North East and beyond, our Family Law team combines empathy, expertise, and a practical perspective to guide you through even the most difficult circumstances.
We prioritise finding the best path forward, using collaborative methods like those offered by Catherine Lowther, a trained collaborative lawyer, to resolve disputes amicably and reduce stress. When court representation is necessary, our experienced team, provide strong and effective support to secure fair outcomes.
Our expertise doesn’t stop with legal advice. We work closely with a network of trusted professionals, including financial planners, to ensure your assets are reviewed and protected effectively. In addition, we have established relationships with charities across the North East that can provide emotional support, such as counselling services and resources for those affected by domestic abuse.
Whether it’s divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, or navigating sensitive matters like domestic abuse, we provide bespoke advice to ensure you feel supported and understood. From straightforward agreements to high-net-worth cases involving complex assets, we bring professionalism, care, and tailored solutions to every situation.
Consistently ranked in The Legal 500 for eight consecutive years, our team is recognised for its expertise, trustworthiness, and ability to handle both everyday family matters and intricate, high-value cases. With a focus on trust, care, and collaboration, we tailor our approach to suit the unique needs of each client.
Guiding with care and expertise.
“The support we received from the team was well beyond just professional advice. There was genuine care taken to make us feel as comfortable as possible over such a difficult few months. They gave us outstanding service throughout our case, advice was transparent and fair.”
The Legal 500 UK
We’re here to protect your family.
Whether we are collaborating or advocating, we are a shoulder to lean on when times are tough.
When it comes to children, we understand that emotions can run high. Whether you’re facing challenges with a co-parent or another family member, we’ll work with you to find the best solution, always keeping the child’s best interests at heart.
Where possible, we try to resolve disputes without going to court. But if legal action is needed, we have extensive experience handling applications for Contact, Residence, Prohibited Steps, Specific Issues Orders, International Relocation, Parental Responsibility and Paternity issues.
Moving in together is an exciting milestone, and making sure you’re both legally protected can help avoid future worries. Unlike married couples, cohabitees don’t have the same legal rights, so it’s important to plan ahead. We provide clear, practical advice on financial matters, property ownership, and legal protections, helping you build a secure future together.
If things don’t work out, we’re here to support you through what can be a difficult time. Whether it’s sorting out financial matters or property disputes, we’ll help you find a fair and practical way forward.
Going through a separation or divorce is never easy, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re starting the process or responding to proceedings, we’ll provide clear, compassionate guidance tailored to your circumstances.
From financial settlements to child arrangements, we’ll help you navigate every aspect with sensitivity and care, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your family.
If you’re experiencing domestic violence, your safety is the priority. We can help you take swift legal action, such as securing Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, to protect you and your loved ones.
Our team handles these matters with the utmost care and understanding, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Sorting out finances after a relationship breakdown can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
From dividing assets like property, savings, and pensions to reaching fair financial settlements, we’ll guide you through your options and help you find the best way forward. We also work closely with experts, including pension actuaries and financial advisors, to assess borrowing capacity and provide accurate financial forecasting.
In addition to financial remedy proceedings, we can assist with a range of related applications, including spousal maintenance (MPS), s.37 disposition applications, and contempt matters.
We always aim for amicable solutions, but if court proceedings are necessary, you’ll have an experienced team fighting your corner.
Whether you’re getting married or already married, we’ll help you create an agreement that protects both of you and reflects your wishes. Pre- and Post-nuptial agreements are a great way to set clear financial expectations at the outset and during a relationship.
Courts are giving these agreements more weight than ever, provided they are properly drafted, entered into with full financial disclosure, agreed upon without duress, and with both parties receiving independent legal advice on the implications. Having one of these in place can provide extra security should circumstances change in the future. For pre-nuptial agreements, it’s also important that they are signed at least six weeks before the wedding.
We can also help with ‘pet-nups’—a growing trend for couples who want to agree in advance on who would care for a beloved pet if they were to separate.
Our team
Guiding you through life’s challenges.
Whatever you’re facing, you’re in safe hands with our family team. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive clear and strategic advice.
With a strong reputation for tackling complex matters, we are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for you, always fighting for what’s fair and providing unwavering support throughout.
Private Services
Your personal matters managed with ease.
We offer support across all personal matters, here to help with clear guidance, making tough situations a little easier.
