Often when children are involved it is helpful to have parents' respective rights and duties in relation to those children explained clearly. This can help both parents to agree on arrangements to benefit the children.
In many cases a constructive settlement will allow you and your children to get on with your lives as soon as possible. We can help negotiate a settlement or refer you to mediation or engage in negotiations through the Collaborative Law process.
In other cases agreement at an early stage is not possible and a detailed knowledge of the law, legal procedure and local practice is essential. We recognise that each family is different and has its own special circumstances.
We can advise on all legal aspects of a family disagreement including:
- Divorce
- Collaborative law
- Unmarried partners' disputes
- Civil partnerships
- Pensions
- Disputes about children
- All related property and financial matters
- Domestic Violence
- Care Proceedings
- Emergency protection orders
- Adoption
- International child abduction
- Pre-nuptial and cohabitant agreements
- Tax and Inheritance implications on divorce or separation
Mary McEvoy and Beth Woodward are both members of the Law Society's Family Law Panel and Mary is also a member of their Children's Panel. Membership of these Panels is awarded only after rigorous examination by the Law Society of an applicant's knowledge, skill and experience and after taking up references from members of the legal profession and judges. Membership shows a high level of commitment and skill in the areas of family and children law. Both Mary and Beth are also members of Resolution (an association of over 5,000 solicitors who are committed to promoting a non-confrontational atmosphere in family law). Mary and Beth are trained collaborative lawyers. Neves is a member of the Grandparents' Association which provides specialist advice to grandparents who have issues concerning contact with grandchildren.

