Looking for family solicitors in Portsmouth

Being in a family environment can prove difficult at times, there are periods where the pressure may seem never ending and there may be other times that require legal intervention. This means that you will need to search forfamily solicitors Portsmouth who are ready and able to help you and your family.

When looking for a solicitor in Portsmouth you must find one who you feel you can trust and has your best interests in mind at all times. It is a good idea to find a well-established practice with a strong history of success for their clients, this can be gauged using online reviews or word of mouth recommendations.

It is important to remember that although you may have engaged the services of a family solicitor yourself, meaning they have been hired to represent your interests; where children are involved in any legal situation your solicitor will act in their best interests first.

What are the areas of law covered by a family solicitor?

Divorce

When a married couple feel that their marriage has come to an end, they may decide they need to seek a divorce.  One part of the couple will then seek the services of a family solicitor and instruct them to file for divorce via the court system.

Your solicitor should show sensitivity towards you and your need for a divorce, they should show a willingness to listen in a non-judgemental way. Any solicitor engaged for divorce should always seek to offer accurate legal advice, they must seek to act in your best interests and obtain the best result possible for you.

It is important to remember that issues such as child custody and financial arrangements are treated as separate topics to the divorce itself.

Children

When a solicitor is asked to act in cases involving children by their clients, they will always seek to act in the best interests of the children first. While warring parents may each believe they know what is in the best interests of the children, a family solicitor may not necessarily agree, as their job is to act within legal restraints and apply the law correctly.

In cases of child custody, you solicitor must assess which parent is in the best position to provide the correct type of care for any children involved. Factors that are taken into account include financial, social, housing and those around personal stability.  The opinion of any older children may also be sought, this will only happen in cases where the older children are capable of expressing a clear opinion.

Financial agreements

After a divorce there may be a need to put a financial agreement in place, this should be agreed via the legal system using solicitors. This agreement commonly involves one party agreeing to give a fixed amount to another party regularly, with some clear understanding around what any money given is to be used for.

An example would be a payment made for one parent to another to provide for the needs of any children involved, this could include clothing, food, housing and holidays. The expected usage will be stated within any agreement.

What next?

If you feel you need to consult with family solicitors you should contact a solicitors office directly.