Blurred lines: Situationships and family law
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We don’t just look after you, we look out for you. That means we bring you insights, advice and keep you up to date on all kinds of legal matters so you can keep ahead.
We match a member of the team with the right expertise to every client, who will invest time getting to know you, who will look after your interests and ensure you have access to the whole firm when you need it.
The legal and financial matters might be complex, but we aim to keep things straightforward and explain everything in terms that are relevant to you.
When a relationship ends, many couples choose to negotiate their divorce through lawyers. This can be an effective and fair way to reach a resolution. At Tees, we have an experienced team who understand the issues you face, and will guide you through the process with the least possible friction, always working for your best interests.
Divorces sometimes run into obstacles that can’t be resolved through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law. When this happens it might be necessary, and helpful, to set up a formal court process. Our team can initiate the court process and support you throughout.
Court proceedings are not necessarily a hostile step. They can be a way of ensuring your case makes progress according to a fixed timetable. Many court proceedings are resolved early, without the need for a final hearing and a decision by a judge.
Tees is a full-service top-tier Legal 500 firm, which offers a joined-up service for all your legal requirements. We’ll support you in all areas of family law from divorce mediation to court appearances, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
View our fixed-fee family law consultation page ,we offer compassionate, expert guidance from an experienced solicitor, focused on you and your next steps.
The family team at Tees is led by dedicated and committed partners whose professionalism percolates through the whole department.
Our family law experts can help you with:
Our clients range from high-net-worth individuals with complex finances to those with more straightforward needs. We also specialise in the agricultural sector, having a sound understanding of the relationship between business and personal needs.
Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.
We have a team of in-house independent financial advisers who work closely with our lawyers to deliver all the advice you need. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we are accountable for all the advice we give.
If you want a lawyer to take a closer look at your situation, our family and divorce lawyers are based in:
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
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You are not legally required to have a solicitor for divorce proceedings in England and Wales. However, divorce court procedure can be complex, particularly where finances, property, pensions or child arrangements are involved. Having an experienced divorce solicitor represent you ensures your position is properly presented and your long-term financial security is protected.
If your case involves financial proceedings, we will:
Prepare and review financial disclosure
Advise you on a realistic settlement range
Negotiate with the other party’s legal team
Represent you at First Directions Appointment (FDA), Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Final Hearings
Present persuasive legal submissions to the court
Our aim is always to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your interests.
Costs depend on the complexity of the case, the value of assets involved, and the number of hearings required. We offer transparent pricing and will provide a clear cost estimate at the outset. Early legal advice often reduces overall costs by narrowing the issues in dispute.
Yes, you can act as a litigant in person. However, if the other party has legal representation or significant assets are involved, professional advocacy can make a substantial difference to the outcome. Even if you intend to represent yourself, initial advice can help you understand your legal position and likely court approach.
An FDR hearing is a without-prejudice settlement hearing where a judge provides an indication of the likely outcome if the case proceeds to trial. Most financial cases settle at or shortly after FDR. Skilled representation at this stage can be crucial in achieving a fair settlement.
You should consider early advice if:
There are business interests or complex assets
Pensions form a significant part of the marital pot
There is disagreement over child arrangements
You are concerned about financial disclosure
The other party has already instructed solicitors
Early strategic advice often leads to stronger negotiated outcomes.
Yes. The majority of financial remedy cases settle before reaching a final hearing. We proactively negotiate and explore resolution at every stage to minimise stress, delay and cost.
A divorce legally ends the marriage.
A financial remedy hearing determines how assets, pensions, property, and income are divided.
Court representation is particularly important in financial remedy proceedings where binding court orders are made.
Not necessarily. The court considers various statutory factors, including:
The welfare of any children
Each party’s income and earning capacity
Housing needs
Length of the marriage
Contributions made by each spouse
The outcome is guided by fairness, with needs often taking priority over strict equality.
Representation can range from:
A single directions hearing
Several interim hearings
Full representation through to a final hearing
The duration depends on whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.
