Matrimonial
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At Carter Bells we recognise the need for specialised knowledge and advice when a family relationship breaks down or there is a complex situation within a family.
We have a wealth of experience in the Family Department including two family solicitors heading the department, both of whom have been qualified and have practised in family law for over 20 years. We have members of the well respected Resolution Family Organisation 
and an accredited member of the Resolution Specialist Family Panel with accreditations is both financial matters and issues in relation to children.
The knowledge and expertise within the department ensures that our personnel are well aware of how difficult a breakdown of family relationship or any conflict within the family can be. They are particularly aware of the impact on children in the family dispute and are mindful of their needs in resolving family matters.
Our aim is to provide an understanding and constructive service at this difficult time. Our personnel are approachable and empathetic providing support to our family clients, whilst at the same time ensuring that our family clients’ individual rights and essential interest are protected. We tailor our service to each individual client family’s needs and the importance of working together with our clients to ensure that whether issues arise in relation to the method of separation, the financial matters or issues in relation to children, we are fully aware of our clients’ needs.
Our Family Department is also able to provide alternative methods of resolving family difficulties. We offer a specialist service of Mediation or Collaborative Law to assist our family clients in resolving matters, without the need for litigation (Court proceedings), which can increase the acrimony and difficulties within the family relationship.
Mediation and Collaborative Law:
MEDIATION: This is an alternative process, which enables parties in a family dispute to have control over their decisions in a process where parties treat each other with respect, with a view to minimising conflict. Our trained solicitor mediator will provide support and information to family clients to assist them through the mediation process and find a solution. The aim is to achieve a fair negotiated settlement with the minimal amount of damage to family relationships.
COLLABORATIVE LAW: This is an alternative process where family clients work as a team with their respective solicitors, to reach a solution to their family difficulties. There is a series of 4-way meetings (with family clients and solicitors present) enabling the parties in a family dispute to negotiate with the security of their legal advisors present. The aim of our Collaborative Solicitors is to help our family clients to negotiate a settlement, minimising conflict, but insuring that throughout the process, our family client is advised on the process and settlement generally.
We can provide the above service in relation to all family issues including finance and children. Our alternative family resolution methods’ aim is to minimise conflict and provide assistance to families at this difficult time. We can provide you with an assessment to whether these methods of resolution are suitable for you and your family. Please contact us to discuss an assessment.
You can consult us on any family matter including the following:
Separation, divorce, dissolution • Resolving financial/property matters • Pre/post-nuptial agreements • Married/unmarried partner • Protecting your children's interest • Co-habitation agreements • Separation agreements • Maintenance payments • Pension rights • Child proceedings • Residence/contact with children • Removal of children from jurisdiction • Adoption (Private law) • Collaborative law • Mediation (from July 2011) • Inheritance Act Claims