JMS Family Law & Divorce Solicitors Manchester

The end of a marriage can be the most distressing of experiences.

At JMS Solicitors we ensure Clients get sound legal advice from highly trained, sympathetic and understanding divorce lawyers.

We pride ourselves on our ability to focus on Clients' individual needs and settling cases constructively and sympathetically, whilst remaining competitive in both service and fee structure.

JMS Solicitors aim to provide permanent solutions with a view to minimising the stress and anxiety experienced in the divorce process.

Our Areas of Expertise include:

Divorce and Separation Agreements

A Separation Agreement is a written agreement entered into by the parties recording the financial agreement that they have reached. There is no requirement to formally record the financial terms however it can give both spouses a degree of protection and certainty if that agreement is recorded in a legal document.

Finance and Property/Division of Assets

In the event of divorce the exact division of assets will depend on factors including the current and future financial state of each party, the length of the marriage and each party's contribution throughout the marriage. If you are not married we are able to give legal advise to you on your rights in respect of the property you occupied with your partner. Whether the property is owned jointly or in one parties name we can you advise you in this area.Our role at JMS is to ensure that the settlement negotiations are as fair and as quick as possible. Full court proceedings will only be issued if it will help us to reach a suitable agreement.

Child Care

Marriage breakdown can be a traumatic and difficult time for any children in the marriage. At JMS we aim to help you minimise the damaging effect that litigation can have on the children and on family relationships in general, using negotiation and agreement wherever possible.

Domestic Violence, Residence and Contact Orders

Domestic violence is physicaland/or sexual violence and can also include psychological or financial controlling behavior which is abusive and which takes place in an intimate or family relationship. The Family Law Act protects victims of domestic violence with two different types of orders. They are a Non-Molestation Order which prevents another person from harming you or a child and an Occupation Order which will order who can live in the family home. Contact JMS for more information in this area.

Civil Partnerships

Same sex couples may now register their partnership, and as such acquire rights and responsibilities that are similar to those of a married couple. If you are in a civil partnership you have rights to claim maintenance, lump sum payments, property transfer, pension sharing, and pension attachment, should the partnership break up.

Cohabitation

The rights of cohabitants in the event of separation will vary. One factor in the entitlement to the property after separation is the level of financial contributions made during the cohabitation.

Pre-Marital and Pre-Civil Partnership Agreements

The role of the Pre-Marital or Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement is growing, although courts will rarely be bound by them. Courts will be guided by the content of the agreement, but can choose not to follow it. Where you have a pre-marital or pre-civil partnership agreement we recommend taking our legal advice to establish whether it would be likely to be upheld in a court of law.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is a process enabling parties, at the breakdown of a relationship, to take legal advice and negotiate financial settlement without the necessity of engaging in Court proceedings.

For all questions and queries about divorce proceedings please call JMS Solicitors today on Freephone 0800 781 7057. Alternatively more information can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.