At Martyn Prowel Gartsides, we are a leading family law firm in South Wales, distinguished by our expertise and compassionate approach to complex family law issues. Our highly recommended team of family law solicitors provides comprehensive legal services across a range of matters, including divorce, financial settlements, and child custody arrangements.
With extensive experience and a deep understanding of family law matters, we are adept at navigating the complexities of the legal process to ensure your interests are thoroughly protected. We recognize that family division is often one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences, and we are committed to offering steadfast support, expert guidance, and tailored legal solutions.
Our specialist team is ready to listen to your concerns, address your needs, and provide the practical and legal assistance required to move forward with confidence. At Martyn Prowel Gartsides, we strive to guide you through these difficult times with the utmost care and professionalism to ensure you receive excellent service with the very best outcome.
Family Law Services
Our family law specialists are dedicated to offering tailored, expert advice across a comprehensive array of family law matters, with particular emphasis on financial matters arising from relationship breakdowns and disputes related to child custody and care.
Our solicitors possess experience in managing complex family law cases, ensuring that you receive the highest level of expertise and support. Whether you are facing a relationship breakdown and require effective dispute resolution, seeking to establish a prenuptial agreement, or simply need guidance and support through challenging family matters, our experienced family lawyers are here to assist you every step of the way. We are committed to providing bespoke solutions designed to address your unique circumstances and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for you and your family.
Under the expert leadership of Luke Dixon, the Family Law Department at Martyn Prowel Gartsides offers a wealth of specialised knowledge and experience. Luke and his formidable team are proficient in delivering comprehensive legal services across a broad spectrum of family law issues.
From navigating the intricacies of financial settlements to resolving disputes concerning child custody and care, our team is well-equipped to handle the complexities of each case with professionalism and sensitivity.
Our specialist family law solicitors Cardiff, Newport, Abergavenny, Bridgend and Ebbw Vale are dedicated to guiding you through these difficult times, ensuring that you receive the support and advice necessary to make informed decisions and secure the best possible resolution.
Divorce Proceedings
Our experienced divorce solicitors in South Wales are adept at managing the emotional and practical complexities of marital dissolution, whether in opposite-sex or same-sex marriages.
We understand the concerns regarding the complexity and cost of legal divorce proceedings. To address these, we offer clear, fixed-fee arrangements to manage expenses effectively. Our divorce solicitors provide tailored advice and practical support, leveraging experience in dispute resolution to ensure a smooth process.
Under the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013, same-sex marriages are treated the same as opposite-sex marriages in legal terms, requiring similar divorce procedures. Our divorce solicitors are proficient in handling divorces for all couples, offering sensitive and dedicated support.
Our aim is to deal with your divorce process with minimal disruption and court involvement, striving for amicable resolutions and approaching each case with compassion and pragmatism to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Financial Matters
Securing your financial future post-divorce or dissolution can be challenging. Our experienced family law specialists are committed to guiding you through this process with expert advice and robust representation.
Our divorce solicitors handle complex financial matters with precision, aiming for a fair settlement while minimising court involvement. As members of the Resolution Collaborative Law Scheme, we prioritise constructive and amicable resolutions through collaborative meetings with all parties and their solicitors.
We also recommend mediation as an effective alternative to litigation. This involves an impartial mediator to resolve financial issues, reducing the need for contested court hearings.
Should mediation and collaborative methods be impractical, our divorce solicitors are prepared to offer exceptional court representation, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Separation
Separation from an unmarried partner presents its own set of challenges, particularly when joint assets and property need to be divided. Our primary objective is to facilitate an amicable resolution by negotiating a fair financial settlement and drafting a comprehensive ‘Separation Agreement’ tailored to your specific circumstances. We are committed to resolving these matters out of court whenever possible, employing negotiation and mediation techniques to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement.
However, we recognise that in some cases, achieving an agreement may not be feasible, and court proceedings might become necessary. In such instances, you can be assured of receiving exemplary representation. Our team will advocate vigorously on your behalf, leveraging our experience to navigate the complexities of court proceedings and secure the most favorable outcome for you.
Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
The dissolution of civil partnerships do not need to be contentious or difficult. Since December 5, 2005, same-sex couples have had the legal right to register as civil partners, and the process for ending such a partnership closely mirrors that of divorce.
The sole ground for dissolving a civil partnership is that it has broken down irretrievably. Unlike divorce, however, you cannot cite ‘adultery’ as a basis for this breakdown. Instead, you may rely on other grounds such as ‘unreasonable behaviour’ or separation for two years.
Matters can often be managed without court involvement, and it is possible to achieve an amicable resolution. We are committed to handling your dissolution efficiently and with minimal disruption. For urgent assistance or to schedule an appointment, please contact our team directly or email us, and we will respond promptly.
Children Matters
Our experienced team of family solicitors, including Children Panel members and collaborative lawyers, is adept at handling complex children’s law matters. Collaborative lawyers facilitate meetings where each parent, represented by their solicitors, works together to resolve issues without court intervention. Mediation is also encouraged and supported by the court, offering a way for parents to reach agreements with the help of an independent mediator, thereby avoiding contested legal proceedings.
If these methods do not resolve the issues, we will provide comprehensive representation in court. Our focus is always on the best interests of the child, and we are dedicated to guiding you through negotiations and court processes while minimising distress for both you and your child.
The Children and Families Act 2014 enables parents to obtain Child Arrangement Orders to formalise arrangements. In cases where parents cannot agree on matters such as a child’s surname, schooling, or more serious issues like abduction, our expert team is prepared to offer the highest level of legal support.
Please note that legal aid is now available only in exceptional circumstances. For more information, please contact our experienced team.
Prenuptial Agreements
Drafting a settlement agreement before marriage or civil partnership is increasingly common, as courts now place significant weight on such agreements.
If you are planning to marry and wish to safeguard your premarital assets or have been requested to enter into a prenuptial agreement, our family law solicitors are here to assist.
A Prenuptial Agreement is a contract established before marriage that outlines the distribution of property, debts, income, and assets in the event of a divorce.
Cohabitation Agreements
Unmarried couples are increasingly advised to draft Cohabitation Agreements (or ‘No Nup’ Agreement) to outline the financial terms of their relationship and address asset division in the event of separation.
Our family lawyers can draft an agreement which is vital for protecting the interests of unmarried couples, who lack the financial protections afforded to married couples. A well-drafted Cohabitation Agreement should specify its duration and include provisions for regular reviews, such as every five years, to ensure its relevance and validity. While not providing the same legal status as marriage, such an agreement helps mitigate disputes over property and assets by serving as a formal, binding contract.
Additionally, unmarried couples should consider drafting a Will to clearly articulate their wishes in the event of death.
Domestic Abuse
If you or someone you know is facing domestic abuse, we can assist.
Our family lawyers possess the experience and skills necessary to help you navigate a sensitive situation and secure the support you need. We will collaborate with you to formulate a safety plan and initiate the necessary legal steps to protect you and your family.
Family law services offering advice across five offices
Cardiff
Newport
Abergavenny
Bridgend
Ebbw Vale
Contact us today
For more information on our family law services, specialist legal advice and how our family law solicitors can help settle your case contact us here