Divorce & Family Law
Compassionate, discreet, and grounded in decades of legal expertise, Sapphire Solicitors is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s most sensitive challenges. As specialist family law solicitors and family court lawyers, we understand the emotional strain of matters such as divorce, children disputes, financial settlements, cohabitation rights, domestic abuse, name changes, and pre- & post-nuptial agreements. Our client-focused approach ensures you receive expert guidance from family law solicitors in Crawley who treat your case with absolute confidentiality and empathy.
Why Choose Sapphire for Family Law?
With extensive experience as family law solicitors and family law specialists, Sapphire Solicitors combines trusted legal acumen with an approachable, personal touch. Every client benefits from one-on-one guidance by a dedicated Family Solicitor, transparent pricing, and clear communication at every step. Whether you require a divorce solicitor or a family and child law solicitor, our tailored solutions for complex situations ensure your unique needs are met with professionalism and care.
Our Divorce and Family Law Services
- High Net Worth Divorce
We specialise in complex, high-value divorce cases involving substantial assets, business interests, trusts, and international property. Our solicitors deliver strategic advice and robust representation to protect your financial interests, working closely with accountants and independent valuers to ensure a fair division of assets and securing complex financial settlements that stand up to scrutiny. - Civil Partnerships
Our firm handles every facet of civil partnership formation and dissolution. We assist with registration, drafting agreements for asset protection, and guide you through separation, including financial settlements and child arrangements. We ensure your legal rights as a civil partner are protected at every stage.
- Cohabitation & Unmarried Couples
Unmarried couples do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners, regardless of how long you’ve been together. Our family law experts draft cohabitation agreements, resolve property and financial disputes, advise on parental responsibility, and support clients through separation, offering clear, practical guidance based on your unique situation.
- Injunctions and Domestic Violence
Your safety is our top priority. We provide urgent legal support for individuals facing domestic abuse or harassment, securing non-molestation orders and occupation orders to protect you and your children. Our solicitors act swiftly and discreetly to ensure you are safeguarded with minimal stress or delay. - No Fault Divorce
With the introduction of no-fault divorce, ending a marriage or civil partnership is now more straightforward and less confrontational. We guide you through every step, from application to the conditional and final orders, ensuring all paperwork is correct and deadlines are met. Joint and sole applications are both supported, providing clarity and reassurance at each stage.
- Divorce Settlement
Achieving a fair financial settlement is a crucial part of divorce. We advise on the division of assets, spousal and child maintenance, and future financial security. Our solicitors negotiate and, where necessary, litigate to protect your entitlements, always mindful of achieving cost-effective and amicable outcomes.
- Divorce and Property
The family home and other property are often your most valuable assets. We help you understand your rights, deal with transfers or sales, and ensure property is divided fairly whether in sole or joint names. Our team can also advise if there are trusts or overseas property involved, ensuring full disclosure and careful structuring of property agreements.
- Divorce and Pensions
Pensions are frequently the largest or second largest asset in a marriage. We provide specialist advice on pension sharing orders, offsetting arrangements, and the best approach for dividing pension rights—whether you’re a public sector worker, business owner, or have private schemes. Our goal is to secure your long-term financial wellbeing.
- Divorce and Business Assets
For clients with business interests, we deliver strategic advice on valuing, dividing, and protecting company assets during divorce. We work with financial experts to ensure accurate business valuations, advise on tax implications, and negotiate settlements that enable businesses to continue operating while providing fair outcomes for both parties.
- Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement provides clarity and certainty over asset division before marriage or civil partnership. Our solicitors draft robust, enforceable contracts tailored to your needs, helping you protect inherited wealth, business interests, and the financial future of children from prior relationships.
- Postnuptial Agreements
Already married or in a civil partnership? A postnuptial agreement documents how assets and finances will be divided should you separate in future. We create clear, fair postnups that reflect changing circumstances—such as receiving an inheritance or launching a new business—ensuring your interests remain protected.
Choose Sapphire Solicitors. your trusted Family Law Solicitor in Crawley, for expert, compassionate guidance through every family law matter.
FAQs
Do you provide Legal Services in areas outside of Crawley?
Yes, as experienced legal aid solicitors, we serve clients across multiple locations including Horsham, Haywards Heath, Brighton, Burgess Hill, London, Feltham, Gatwick, Horley, Reigate, and Redhill. Our team of qualified solicitors in Crawley town centre provides comprehensive legal support throughout these areas.
How long does a divorce take in the UK?
An uncontested divorce typically takes 4-6 months from start to finish. Contested divorces or those involving complex financial settlements may take longer. Our experienced family solicitors work efficiently while ensuring your interests are fully protected.
Does it matter who is “at fault” in a divorce?
No-fault divorce law means you do not have to prove blame. Fault (such as adultery) does not affect how property or assets are divided, except in rare cases where misconduct directly impacts finances.
Will assets always be split 50/50 in a divorce?
While a 50/50 division of matrimonial assets is usually the starting point, courts aim for a fair division. Factors considered include children’s needs, earning capacities, and individual circumstances. Some assets (like inheritances or gifts) might be treated differently, depending on how they were used in the marriage.
Is there such a thing as a “common-law marriage”?
No. Cohabiting partners do not have the same rights as married couples, regardless of how long they’ve lived together. Unmarried couples are treated as separate individuals in law for property and financial matters unless they have specific agreements in place.
If I’m not married but have children, do I have any rights?
You may be able to claim financial support for your child under Schedule One of the Children Act 1989. This can include maintenance, lump sum payments for specific expenses, or even housing for your child’s benefit. However, you are not entitled to your ex-partner’s property or personal finances.
Is it true the mother always gets custody of children?
No. UK law does not presume mothers should have custody. The child’s welfare is the paramount consideration, and courts start with the assumption that it’s best for the child to have a relationship with both parents, unless there is evidence this would be harmful.
What is parental responsibility and who has it?
Parental responsibility means having legal rights and duties concerning a child’s upbringing, like decisions about education, health, or religion. Mothers automatically have it at birth; fathers have it if they’re married to the mother or are named on the birth certificate.
What is a child arrangements order and how long does it take?
A child arrangements order determines where a child lives or who they regularly see. There’s no fixed length for proceedings: straightforward cases may be resolved in a few months, but complex disputes (especially those going to court) can take longer. Courts will always focus on what’s best for the child, emphasizing stability and routine.
Do courts decide child arrangements in every divorce?
Courts only become involved in child arrangements if parents cannot agree. If parents reach an agreement, the court usually does not intervene, contrary to common belief.
Is it possible to prevent my ex’s new partner from seeing the children?
Unless there are concerns for the child’s safety and welfare, courts rarely restrict who a parent introduces to their children. Any restrictions generally require strong evidence of risk or harm.
What types of Legal Services do you offer?
Sapphire Solicitors provides comprehensive personal legal services including residential conveyancing, family law, divorce proceedings, and child law. As your trusted legal services consultant, we handle everything from property transactions to complex family matters.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
During your initial consultation with our solicitors in Crawley, we’ll discuss your legal needs, explain your options, provide transparent fee estimates, and outline the next steps. We ensure you understand the process and feel confident moving forward.
Do you offer mediation services for family disputes?
Yes, we offer mediation services as a cost-effective alternative to court proceedings. Our mediators help couples reach amicable agreements on financial settlements and child arrangements, often saving time and reducing emotional stress.
What's the difference between a divorce and judicial separation?
A divorce legally ends your marriage, allowing you to remarry. Judicial separation allows you to live apart and resolve financial matters without ending the marriage legally. Our family solicitors can explain which option best suits your circumstances.