The breakdown of a relationship is never an easy time for all involved. You'll need sensitive, professional advice to make matters as straight forward as possible.

Coles Miller has an experienced team of family lawyers based at offices in Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone. The majority of our team are members of Resolution [known formerly as the Solicitors Family Law Association] and/or members of the Law society's Family Law Panel, and as such hold to their code of conduct.

Recognising that legal costs can be a significant issue, we have developed fixed fee payment plans for Divorce Proceedings and Resolving Financial Matters in Divorce which aim, whenever possible with your help, to keep costs to a minimum.

Divorce

No-one wants to think that they will ever become involved in divorce proceedings. However, statistics show that one in three marriages unfortunately do break down and result in divorce. We recognise the fact that whilst parting couples need straightforward and expert advice, the last thing they need are mounting legal fees as well. For that reason, we are pleased to offer a fixed cost Petitioner's divorce package for straightforward proceedings. The package includes initial interview, preparation of paperwork including petition and all steps up to and including the decree absolute to dissolve your marriage.

Children

Whenever children are involved in a relationship breakdown, we believe their welfare to be of paramount importance and can advise you on issues such as residence (where the children will live) and contact (time the children spend with the other parent or other family members). We can also assist with disputes after separation including specific aspects of the child's upbringing.

Financial Issues

The financial implications of marriage or other relationship breakdown can be complicated. We offer guidance on the way forward including assistance through negotiations or proceedings as necessary to secure the best possible financial deal for you. We also provide advice in support of mediation services. This type of advice is essential for all separating couples, whether married or not.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a new way of resolving family law matters, including divorce, separation and parenting disputes, with out going to court.

It allows couples to benefit from the support, protection, and guidance of specially trained lawyers and professionals, to help them resolve separation issues through face to face meetings. All participants have to be committed to reaching a mutually acceptable settlement that takes into account the highest priorities of both parties.

Cohabitation & Pre-nuptial agreements

For many couples who are contemplating cohabitation or marriage, a document to regularise the position on any later separation or divorce is ideal. We offer advice on the relevance of cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements, as well as drafting and advising upon them.

Other Family Law Issues

The information above is just a summary of the main types of cases that we are asked to advise upon - every case is different and we are sure to be able to help, no matter what the situation. We specialise in:

• High value finance cases
• Divorce
• Pension issues
• Injunctions
• Pre-nuptial contracts / agreements
• Gay and lesbian relationship breakdown
• Cohabitation agreements & disputes
• Separation agreements
• Disputes over children - residence, contact and parental responsibility
• Inheritance disputes
• Mediation
• Adoption
• Domestic Violence