Finding your way through Family Law: What you need to know

Family matters are rarely simple. They come with emotions, big decisions, and the feeling that you’re suddenly navigating a lot at once.

At Signature Concierge, our Family Law Department is here to steady the ground a little, offering clear guidance, reassurance, and practical support at every step.

Whether you're approaching divorce, figuring out what’s best for your children, or trying to understand your financial position, our aim is to make sure you feel informed, protected, and never alone in the process.

Here’s a closer look at how we support clients through some of the most common areas of family law.

Navigating the Divorce process

Thanks to the “no-fault” divorce system in England and Wales, couples no longer need to prove blame to bring a marriage to an end. The process itself is fairly structured: one partner submits an application, the court accepts it, and then a 20-week reflection period begins.

This waiting period isn’t just procedural, it gives both parties time to consider their next steps and begin planning for life after separation. Once that period ends, the court issues the Conditional Order (previously the Decree Nisi).

After a further minimum of six weeks, you can apply for the Final Order (formerly the Decree Absolute), which legally dissolves the marriage.

The legal ending of the marriage is usually the straightforward part. The more complex layers—finances, children, and future arrangements, run alongside the process. Handling these properly ensures long-term clarity and protects everyone involved.

Understanding Financial Remedy

Sorting out finances after a marriage ends can feel daunting, but having the right support makes a significant difference. Financial remedy covers anything from property and savings to pensions, income, and debts. Some couples reach an agreement through discussion or mediation; others need the court’s help to find a fair outcome.

Full financial disclosure is essential—it gives both parties a clear picture and helps achieve a balanced agreement. Factors such as the length of the marriage, standard of living, future needs, and contributions (both financial and non-financial) all come into play.

Resolutions can involve lump sum payments, transferring property, sharing pensions, or arranging ongoing maintenance. If an agreement is reached amicably, it’s important to make it legally binding through a Consent Order; without one, financial claims can remain open indefinitely.

Child Matters and putting welfare first

When children are involved, their wellbeing becomes the focus. Decisions around where they live and how they spend time with each parent are ideally reached through communication or mediation—but if that isn’t possible, the family court can step in.

A Child Arrangements Order sets out what the parenting structure will look like. The court’s guiding principle is always the child’s welfare, including their physical and emotional needs, the ability of each parent to meet those needs, and, depending on age and maturity, the child’s own wishes.

Child maintenance can be agreed privately or handled through the Child Maintenance Service, ensuring financial support is consistent and fair.

Unmarried Couples & Cohabitation

Many people are surprised to learn that unmarried couples don’t have the same rights as married couples or civil partners—even if they’ve lived together for years. Separation can therefore bring questions around property, finances, and children to the surface.

Property

Ownership usually follows the legal title. If only one name is on the deeds, that person is generally considered the owner unless the other can show a beneficial interest through contributions or a clear agreement. These cases often fall under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA).

Financial Support

Unlike divorce, there’s no automatic right to maintenance or pension sharing for cohabiting partners unless assets are jointly owned.

Children

Arrangements for children follow the Children Act 1989, and maintenance is assessed or enforced by the Child Maintenance Service.