Family and Divorce Law
It is a sad but inescapable fact of life that marriages and relations can and do break down - and when that happens, our aim is to make the separation as painless as possible and then help lay the foundations of the future you want to build.
We will provide practical solutions to the unavoidable problems, acting in a friendly and supportive way to sort out all the issues relating to children, money and property as fairly and as amicably as we can. If violence is a factor, we can seek injunctions to protect you, your children and your home – while for couples who live together, we will make sure you understand the rights and responsibilities you have and how the law could affect you at the start and end of a relationship.
Click here for a list of our offices nearest you.
Children Issues
The breakdown of a relationship can affect children just as dramatically. It is easy to forget how important it is to ensure that the children continue to feel loved by both parents and that this will not change.
If there are there issues with Social Services concerning the care of your children, then why not speak to our expert family lawyers for help, advice and support in dealing with the range of complex issues concerning the care and welfare of your children.
Collaborative Law
Humphries Kirk are one of a few local law firms who are able to offer clients a collaborative approach to dealing with the breakdown of their relationship. This is different from a normal divorce situation, as specially trained lawyers are used to help negotiate a divorce settlement in an open and respectful manner with both parties and without the need to go through the courts. For more information about the process contact Fiona Pawsey on 01305 251007. Although Fiona is based in Dorchester she is happy to travel to other Humphries Kirk offices for appointments.
For Businesses
If you have staff who are going through the breakdown of a relationship then it will be of benefit to you and your business to ensure that your staff seek professional advice as soon as possible. Often the stress of the situation can impair judgement, people do not know what to do or where to turn. By coming to Humphries Kirk for a free initial consultation we can establish the facts and provide people with information so that they can plan a way forward and hopefully ease some of the stress. For information on our employment lawyers and their services please click here.
Pre-nuptual Agreements
This is a document signed by both parties in a relationship and sets out what is to happen with things such as a home, children or assets should the couple divorce or separate in the future. It is becoming increasingly common for courts to consider Pre-nuptual Agreements in Divorce proceedings.
Legal Aid
If you need legal advice and cannot afford it then you can apply for legal aid. Legal aid can help with the costs of legal advice for those people who can not afford it for themselves. Humphries Kirk can assist you with an application and it will depend on a number of issues including the type of legal problem, how much you earn, the value of your assets and the likelihood of your case succeeding.
For information and a free initial consulation contact an office near you.
Our Offices:
Bournemouth - Kay Levene, Sue Jones - 01202 802303
Dorchester - Fiona Pawsey - 01305 230707
Parkstone - Margaret Baker, Charlie Cormack, Justine Hefferin - 01202 715815
Swanage - Marion Poole, Debbie Roper - 01202 423301
Wareham - Marion Poole, Debbie Roper - 01929 552141
Useful Contacts:
English National Domestic Violence helpline - 0808 2000 247
Citizens Advice Bureau Bournemouth - 08444 994105
Citizens Advice Bureau Dorchester - 0845 231 0400
Purbeck Citizens Advice Bureau - 01929 551257
Swanage Citizens Advice Bureau - 01929 427134
Useful links: