Ursula Rice
Director, Solicitor, Solicitor Advocate

Of course you love each other, and we don’t want to rain on your parade, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you thought. Marriage is a huge legal commitment, and preparing now can help enormously if things don’t go to plan. Especially if one of you is bringing more to the partnership than the other.
And it’s not just important for the people who are actually marrying. If you’re a parent who’s helping your son or daughter with a house purchase, then we can help you protect your share of the deal with a Deed of Trust.
A Prenup in the UK typically costs upwards of £2000. To save you money without sacrificing quality, we’ve set up our own app, allowing you to do most of the admin work easily online, so you only pay for the part that needs our legal expertise.
This allows us to offer you a professional, legally binding Prenuptial Agreement for only £1,500+VAT.

Prenuptial agreements are becoming more common. The purpose is to ring-fence your money and belongings so that, if you divorce, the Judge has guidelines on how to allocate the assets.
In America (where much of our more recent law ideas come from, as well as our best films about prenuptial agreements), the concept of the “prenup” is part of their legal system.
Over here, a prenuptial agreement in London is still not written into law as legally binding. However, because ‘all the circumstances of the case’ can be taken into consideration, if there is a prenup, it is part of the relevant factors a Judge must think about.
Approach it rationally, think of it as insurance. Make sure it contains sensible housing provisions for your spouse – any prenup that throws your ex-wife on the street to live under the arches is not going to be upheld if it is challenged.
Ensure you work out what will change if/when children arrive on the scene.


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“I felt that the solicitor made a very thorough assessment of my tricky situation and went above and beyond what I expected to give me some good, carefully considered advice. On top of that he seemed like a really nice guy.”
“I have no words to express my gratitude to George, thank you so much for being on my side. I will never forget what you done for me and for my family.”
“An excellent firm to deal with. Professional, friendly, warm and caring at a stressful time of going through a divorce. Was put at ease immediately upon meeting them. Any queries whether by phone or email were answered quickly in plain English without jargon. Pay as you go meant no large bill at the end. Must…
“George was amazing. He managed to fit me in at short notice and was very patient. He explained things clearly – making sure I understood everything thoroughly throughout the case. He was very supportive around the court date and time too. Thank you George and Ursula. Now I finally feel free and have got the…
“I would like to thank you so much for putting me in touch with Bruna. She was an absolute Godsend to me during a very difficult and stressful time. What I liked so much about working with Bruna was her understanding of the emotions that come up for parents when going through child arrangements. The…
“I can highly recommend Ursula Rice, who was such a friendly and understanding solicitor throughout my divorce proceedings. I always had a prompt response to queries and was kept up to date. I could not have chosen a better solicitor who understood the needs of myself and my children through a difficult time.”
“I would highly recommend Family First Solicitors. I used them for quite a complex issue following a separation from my partner. Everything was conducted remotely as a result of me being over 150 miles away from their offices and on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. This worked brilliantly. It meant I didn’t rack up…
“Fantastic! Very caring and compassionate, the pay-as-you-go service is excellent. The advice I have received has been spot on and has helped me get through this difficult process. I have recommended them to friends that are having similar difficulties.”
“This firm was recommended by a friend and this was the best recommendation I could have possibly obtained to help with my complex matter. Family First are deeply knowledgeable, efficient, prompt and profound. Their support in my children’s and financial cases cannot be praised enough. They quickly grasped the nuances of the matter, provided highly…
“Thank you very much for your help this morning and your understanding. We appreciate your advice. Thank you very much. I work as an interpreter and so I would definitely recommend you when families are looking for legal assistance.”
“Exceptional value for the services you receive. Can’t thank them enough for everything they did for me before, during and after my court hearing. Shame I can’t give more stars, they made it such an amazing experience for me.”
“Discovering Family First has been a revelation. I have been in litigation for over 8 years, and had received poor service from two other solicitors. I’ve been a PAYG client with Family First for the last 6 years and it has served me extremely well – enabling my complex and protracted divorce litigation to be…
“Very welcoming and appeared genuinly interest in my family concerns. I dealt with Ursula who was great in that she was direct in telling me what legal rights I have. I would definitely recommend Family First Solicitors.”
“They represented me in family court at a very stressful time. They proved to be very knowledgable and professional in getting matters concluded. I would highly recommend Family Fist Solicitors.”
“Great advice especially for someone who is self representing.”
“Ursula was amazing from start to finish. She was very humane and professional. Gave me excellent clarity and advise. Unlike other law firms she did not advise unnecessary things which would add legal costs, in-fact she simplified issues and made the whole process concise and relevant, keeping costs down where possible. Ursula came to my…
“Family First gave professional services during the legal charge on my property. I immediately felt secure in their knowledge and experience. They were prompt, efficient, friendly, non-judgemental, organised and much more. I was given a breakdown of all costs and kept informed as time went on. I really appreciated their goodwill gestures too. I would…
“First time using these solicitors, was very impressed with a quick appointment and great advice. I have been instructed well and felt I was listened to. Will definitely recommend and use again.”
“I was having a difficult time with a consent order for a divorce and Ursula at Family First offered me affordable advice which helped me to feel supported and comfortable. Ursula helped advise as much as she could and did the best for me. I really appreciate all her help and would highly recommend Family…
“I want to thank you for all your hard work and support during my long painful divorce proceedings. It wasn’t an easy journey. But I’m grateful for everything. I’m so happy now to be free to get on with the rest of my life as are my children. I wish you all the best.”
“Thank you for how fantastic and supportive you were with me on a personal level. You were the firm-but-fair reality check I needed at a very wobbly time. Without you I would never have got my act together and be in the (beautiful!) place I am now. My partner and I have found a way…
“I have been using Family First’s “Pay as you Go” service right the way through, from thinking about issuing divorce proceedings, to going through to obtaining a financial agreement. From start to finish, the service has been excellent. I have had the right help, at the right time, and have felt completely supported. Henrietta has…
“Helpful and clear communicators, and very reasonable to deal with.”
“Ursula exceeded any expectations I had and allayed any fears I had.”
“I visited Henrietta at Family First Solicitors following the breakdown of my marriage. I had little idea of how difficult and protracted the process would become and how much I would come to rely upon and value her excellent professional advice. From applying for the initial Decree Nisi to preparing for the court hearing, Henrietta…
“I received Very good customer service and excellent, honest advice. They made it clear that they genuinely cared about my case and tried to keep my costs down wherever possible as well which is rare! My case was complicated as it was half way through with previous representation that didn’t work out well. I was…
“I owe Ursula and her team the biggest thank you. Not only have they saved us money with their Pay-as-you-go service, but have been so caring, understanding and have made a truly stressful situation easier than I could have imagined. Ursula and Helen were organised and work professionally together whilst being down to earth (not…
“Ursula Rice at Family First is one amazing lady! Thanks to her, my divorce and settlement was sorted within a year, having previously had three other solicitors rip me off over nine years. I cant thank her enough – she is so down-to-earth and offered me the best advice possible. The solicitors I previously used…
“Many thanks to George Sayers at Family First Solicitors for an excellent work and result. The support, advice and guidance received before, during and after the court hearings were amazing. George was kind, patient and a good listener from the beginning to the end. I had a great experience and a successful court hearing. I…
“Great service and timely communications, written in a way that conveyed the points well, but didn’t cause alarm or stress. This is a refreshing change, having dealt with a much bigger law firm whose communications were stressful and badly written. Thank you for the speed with which you conducted my instructions. A great improvement compared…
“I am forever grateful for all the help and support I have received from Ursula – she is very knowledgeable, very professional and very supportive. I don’t know how long my divorce would’ve dragged on if it wasn’t for Family First. Prices are very reasonable and services worth every penny. Initial meeting was £60 and…
“I went through terrible time in my life but the Family First solicitors were so friendly and understanding, they were the best I could possibly have after I had spoken to so many solicitors who were just after a money and didn’t care about their clients. I can’t thank you guys enough, I will be…
“I was having a difficult time with a consent order for a divorce and Ursula offered me affordable advice that made me feel supported and comfortable. I really appreciate all her help and would highly recommend Family First for affordable but professional advice.”
“I am writing this review to express my gratitude to George for his amazing service during a very challenging time for myself and my family. He was supportive, reassuring and helpful throughout. He was very thorough and did an outstanding job before and during the court hearing. We couldn’t have asked for a better solicitor.…
“I would like to thank Family First Solicitors for all their excellent help and advice over the course of a long drawn out and stressful divorce. The team always took time to explain things carefully and to explore all the various options available at different points in the process, while at the same time being…
“I have been using Family First’s Pay as you Go service right the way through, from thinking about issuing divorce proceedings, to going through to obtaining a financial agreement. From start to finish, the service has been excellent. I have had the right help, at the right time, and have felt completely supported. Henrietta has…
“Bruna did an amazing job for me Highly recommend her was there every step of the way always on the phone and help me in every way possible to get my daughter back in my life thank you so much.”
“Highly recommended. Ursula was fantastic and took her time to discuss my case with great patience and professionalism. I feel I had the most honest advice in what is a stressful time for most people, and she had my best interest in mind rather than the potential fees. Would definitely recommend this firm!”
“After an experience with a solicitor that felt as though they didn’t have my back George was a breath of fresh air. Mine was a domestic abuse and property issue so emotions were high, George dealt with things professionally, outlined the options and advised the pros and cons of each situation. He was successful with…
“I would highly recommend Family First’s services. I’d met with two different solicitors regarding my matter and paid handsomely for the poor experience, before being recommended Family First. They were knowledgeable, clear, approachable and patient. Overall a far better service than anywhere else I’ve been – and cheaper.”
“I received advice from Family First Solicitors on a family related litigation and had the best experience ever (in particular compared to a few solicitors from other practices over the last year). Their professionalism, communication and advice have been unparalleled. They have been highly efficient and straight to the point during the consultations, absolute pleasure…
“I was really apprehensive about what the service would be like. George Sayer was very helpful and gave me all the answers I needed to feel comfortable in what my next steps needed to be. I would highly recommend anyone get in touch for a fast, cost effective and reliable service.”
“I had an excellent experience with Family First Solicitors, they were absolutely amazing throughout. They listened to all of my concerns and answered all of my questions. I could not have gone through the family court process without their help, guidance and support. Thank you for a result which I didn’t think I could ever…
“I had an extremely difficult situation but Family First Solicitors and their paralegal team helped me throughout with their professional, warm and friendly approach. They are excellent in family law and very kind, humble and friendly which makes everything easier!”
“Amazing service and friendly people, helping me all the way through the process of helping me to see my son.”
“Family First Solicitors were outstanding. Following negative experiences with other solicitor firms, having Ursula’s compassionate, clear, and consistent advice was a huge relief. We decided to use the ‘pay as you go’ system which meant that we met with Ursula for explicit advice, but we did the leg work with regards to the paperwork. This…
“I am so grateful to find such an understanding and efficient firm to take on my case . From start to finish I felt totally supported practically and emotionally. It has been a difficult road for me and my family to get to the end result we needed . All of the team at Family…
“Very practical, helpful and understanding – I felt a huge sense of relief after speaking to them – £120 well spent.”
“Professional, yet empathetic approach to promoting a smooth divorce procedure. I have really appreciated Family First Solicitors’ support every step of the way.”
“Amazing! Ursula helped me so much, through the court process and helped me grasp everything. Any fears I had going into court were washed away and even when I panicked Ursula handled everything extremely well. Always kept me in the loop and explained clearly. In the end we got the result we wanted and couldn’t…
“The only family solicitor you need! From the start, George and his legal assistant Maria were outstanding. He gave me reassurance throughout. We laughed together, analysed together, he was not only by my side, but genuinely believed in mine and my children’s case. There isn’t another solicitor I’d ever consider, or use. George was Professional,…
“Big thank you to Ursula. If you choose Family First you will be in safe hands. Professional, patient, and realistic advice.”
“Family First guided me through the hardest time in my life and rescued me at short notice more than once! They are so helpful – I couldn’t have got through it all without their help. They understood where I was coming from and actually listened to me. If I ever need advice and help again…
“I visited Henrietta Pote, Legal Executive at Family First Solicitors, Oxford, following the breakdown of my marriage. I had little idea of how difficult and protracted the process would become and how much I would come to rely and value her excellent professional advice. Despite being a very short marriage (16 months) and there being…
“George and Ursula do a Facebook live clinic once a week and are knowledgeable, relaxed and approachable. They strive to keep those who ask questions anonymous and give excellent off the cuff advice reassuring many of us with their information and knowledge. Invaluable to know there is somebody out there to answer those questions that…
“I have really appreciated the team’s work on my case. They have been very responsive and are always compassionate, thoughtful and respectful and I have always felt like they genuinely care about the outcome and understand what it would mean for me and the girls. I know so many people who have had excessive charges…
“I highly recommend Family First! Ursula Rice & Helen Grimbleby are completely amazing at what they do, they were passionate and dedicated to achieve the outcome that we did! I felt totally safe in their hands, they are professional, genuine and take the time to listen. Without their support it would not have been easy-…
“Probably the best service I’ve ever experienced. Amazing, highly recommended.”
“Just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work and dedication throughout this case, myself and my partner are both very grateful.”
“Bruna was magnificent from start to finish of my case, being there every step of the way, helping me feel supported through such a difficult time. With a no nonsense, concise, honest, yet warm approach, Bruna will leave you in no doubt as to where you stand and will work together with you to achieve…
“I went through terrible time in my life but Family First were so friendly and understanding. They were the best I could possibly have imagined, after having spoken to so many solicitors who were just after my money and didn’t care about me. I can’t thank you guys enough. I will be recommending Family First…
“It’s been a total joy with work with Henrietta through a really tough time. She has been clear, supportive, gentle and been happy to listen at all times. I have appreciated the pay as you go option as it’s allowed me to be in control of expenses and to get the exact support I need…
“This is the second time I have had to use Family First, having successfully obtained a court order giving me access to my daughter. A few years in and the relationship had broken down further, contact was getting less and more difficult, and eventually it stopped all together. I went back to Family First and…
“I wish we’d known about Family First years ago when my partner’s abusive spouse started hassling her for divorce. Even though mediation wasn’t working we were put off going to court because we thought she either had to go it alone in court against her ex (who could afford a solicitor) or spend more money…
“I found the whole process very straightforward with Henrietta’s help, and will definitely recommend her should anyone I know need the help of a family solicitor in the future. We had our Civil Partnership Ceremony on the 12th May as planned and are both pleased the Pre-Nup Agreement we wanted was achieved, despite slight unavoidable…
“We had Family First represent us in family court at a very stressful time. They proved to be very knowledgable and professional in getting matters concluded. I would highly recommend.”
“I required help with my divorce proceedings and Family First were genuinely fantastic at helping with the whole process, advising on what was best for me and my family and the service couldn’t have been better. I have already recommended Family First Solicitors to several people in similar circumstances by word of mouth and wanted…
“Today I came away from court with more than what I ever imagined possible. From the first day I enquired until this afternoon, they couldn’t have been any better. So sincere and genuine in their advice and approach. I really can’t recommend or thank them enough.”
“From the offset, Henrietta and her staff made me feel relaxed from our first communication. They helped me case, and thoughtout gave me sound advice and always kept in communication with all updates, and always accessible. They helped me get the best possible with my case. Would definitely use and again and recommend highly.”
“I want to thank George Sayers for the support he provided during what turned out to be a particularly difficult and lengthy case. Throughout the process, George maintained excellent communication and offered clear, thoughtful guidance every step of the way. He worked tirelessly to make things as smooth as possible, even in challenging circumstances, and…
“I had previously represented myself in court, which caused me a lot of stress and anxiety. Then I was recommended to Family First by a friend and they took on my case. They were upfront and honest with me, and able to explain things in a way that I could understand and answered all of…
“Fantastic! Very caring and compassionate, the pay as you go service is excellent. The advice I have received has been spot on and has helped me get through this difficult process. I have recommended them to friends that are having similar difficulties.”
“While arranging a post-nuptial agreement, they were extremely patient as my partner went through two less-than-stellar solicitors. Keeping track over where we were over the many months it took was really helpful. Thank you!”
“I want to say a massive thank you for making this so pain-free. I know it wasn’t the most complicated of divorce settlements, but it’s still a massive relief to have it all done and dusted so quickly and without any undue stress or unforeseen costs. Thank you so much.” K.E.
“I have been in litigation for over 8 years. Previously I had not received good service with 2 other solicitors and found myself in a wholly unsatisfactory position. Discovering Family First has been a revelation. I’ve been a PAYG client for the last 6 years. It has served me extremely well and enabled my complex…
“I used Family First for family law for a divorce. I used the pay as you go service and would highly recommend it. Yes, it did mean I did the communication myself and took up a lot of my time. However, this meant that I always knew what was going on and I had a…
“I had a fantastic experience with Henrietta and the rest of the team at Family First Solicitors. I highly recommend them to anybody looking for an honest, trustworthy and reliable legal service. Henrietta guided me through the most difficult time of my life, providing a phenomenal level of service and helping me build a water-tight…
“Bruna offered me advice before my first family court hearing and this helped me to write a successful position statement and proposal. She was really attentive to the details I was giving her and advised me well. I felt as if she really heard me and understood the type of relationship I had with my…
“I would personally like to thank you for your time, swift professional advice and your open and honest approach to my situation and would not hesitate to recommend your company.”
“Thank you so much for all your work on this. I really appreciate your kindness, efficiency and clarity.”
“I had an excellent experience with using family first solicitors. My solicitor and was absolutely amazing throughout. She listened to all of my concerns and answered all of the questions I had. I could not have gone through the family court process without her help, guidance and support. Thank you for a result in which…
“Ursula gave sound, easy to understand & down to earth advice. 100% supportive, & suggested appropriate way to pay i.e. Pay-as-you-go, as minimal support needed”
“I had the pleasure of completing a week of work experience at Family First. I can say with confidence that the team are so welcoming, kind and hard-working in delivering a high quality service to their clients. Working alongside Carmen, George, Ursula and Maria, you can really tell that Family First are a team of…
“I had a fantastic experience with Henrietta Pote and the rest of the team at Family First Solicitors and would highly recommend them to anybody looking for an honest, trustworthy and reliable legal service. Henrietta guided me through the most difficult time of my life, providing a phenomenal level of service and helping me build…
“I just wanted to say how grateful I am to Family First for their support and valued advice, during a very prolonged and difficult time. Their professionalism and knowledge kept me going when I was ready to give up, for which I will be forever thankful.”
“I would highly recommend Family First. Great service and very professional and at the same time very understanding and caring. Thank you for all your help, assistance and guidance, very much appreciated. All the best!”
“Great service. I have used the set fee appointment and also pay by the hour Both were great value for money and Ursula was extremely helpful I would highly recommend.”
“Would like to thank Henrietta, Maria and Carman for all their help throughout my case involving my daughter. From start to finish I felt reassured and at ease with the process and felt understood. Both myself and my partner are extremely great full for your time and patience which led us to the outcome he…
“The team were completely amazing and professional. It made an awful time a lot less stressful and they couldn’t have been more supportive.”
“Just like to say Ursula Rice at family first is one amazing lady! Thanks to her my divorce and settlement with her help was sorted within a year after having 3 other solicitors rip me off for 9 years previous. I cant thank her enough she is so down to earth and offered me the…
“I had some amazing advice given at their 60 minute free session a few months ago. It really changed things and has made things so much better since and more importantly I feel safe and knowing I have the law on my side has really helped. Thanks again for your amazing work.”
“Bruna has be absolutely amazing, helping me with everything. I felt like she cared throughout the whole process, I would definitely recommend Bruna. And if needed in the future will be using Bruna always!”
“Just signed the documents. I thought I’d send you an email to thank you for your kind help as I feel like I have finally made some progress, and I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Hopefully the court process goes smoothly. Much appreciated!”
“The team are amazing – I can’t recommend them highly enough. They provided me with amazing value for money, support and advice at a time when I needed it the most. Although I hope to never need their help again, if I did, Family First would be my first port of call.”
“I cannot thank Ursula enough for her exemplary service and advice throughout! I had previously used two different Firms for my Divorce proceedings. First resulted in me getting a decree absolute without knowing it was coming and without having sorted Children’s Arrangements or Financial matters. The second resulted in me haemorrhaging money and getting absolutely…
“The team provided professional, supportive service at an affordable price when I was going through an emotionally difficult divorce settlement. I felt in safe hands, which helped reduce my level of anxiety while facing the most challenging situation of my life. Thank you!”
“Family First have provided brilliant legal support with my case. They have been accessible and informative throughout the process reducing the challenge of a difficult situation . I would highly recommend them to anyone in a position of need.”
“Grass roots advice. No nonsense definition of the law with realistic expectations.”
“Brilliant service from the Family First team, they always dealt with any issues with my divorce in a very professional manner.”
“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with me and supporting me during the hardest part of life. You have supported me to make me mentally strong and given me great professional advice.”
“A great big thank you for all your help to date. You have always been a pleasure to deal with and I’ve really appreciated your no-nonsense personable approach that has also championed my ability to do much of this myself and as a side effect has really helped raise my post-divorce confidence. I have and…
“I am so grateful to this team, and especially to Ursula, that I don’t even know where to begin. Ursula is so knowledgeable and grounded. I absolutely admire the bones out of her. When she took on my case, I had been financially and emotionally drained by a previous solicitor, who seemed more concerned on…
“Family First provided a really professional service with affordable price. Their suggestions are super helpful and valuable. Highly recommend!”
“I used Family First Solicitors for a complex issue following a separation from my partner. Everything was conducted remotely on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, as I’m 150 miles away from their offices, and it worked brilliantly. It meant I didn’t rack up a huge legal bill and was able to access the advice…
“My solicitor did an amazing job with helping me with my court case that I and and ex partner were going through. They were always there to contact via email or phone and really helped me feel confident. They also recommended an amazing counsel during our second court case who again was great and helped…
“Family First Solicitors have been very professional and helpful with my case and situation. They are knowledgeable, professional, empathic, friendly and most of all genuine. You get good value here including updates about where your money is going, and they always ask if you’re happy with the next move before they proceed. I would recommend…
Mrs R came to us needing legal advice but with a greatly lowered income of her own. Her husband owned a professional services company and was controlling about many things…
Henry and his ex split up about a year ago. They both live in Oxford and their son, aged 5, lives with Henry’s ex.
Melanie and Robert from Oxford had been separated for a year, during which there was a lot of wrangling over custody of their infant daughter. Melanie wanted to take their daughter…
Seeing Family First made me feel as if someone could make sense of it all. I got the advice I need, and they gave me some great contacts for other…
I went to see Family First last week. For the first time I am feeling hopeful.
I needed my family legal proceedings in capable hands and with Family First, they were. The Family First Interview told me everything I needed to know about getting started.
I was so glad I chose Family First. My husband was so difficult about sharing the things we had built up together. He said it was all his because I…
Mother, Fiona, and her husband were living separate lives. With children to feed and no financial support from her husband, Fiona was struggling to make ends meet. She needed to…
Dave from London and his wife Sue had decided to divorce. They were on speaking terms, but things were difficult. Dave thought that mediation might help, and the fact that…
When the wheels came off at home Nick was really shocked. Things weren’t good at home and the rows and the cold shoulder from his wife were really getting him…
We thought weʼd never see the grandkids again. She was adamant that she didnʼt have to let the kids see our son, never mind us, even though we had looked…
I needed help urgently. We werenʼt getting on and we had both been to see Solicitors. It was obvious we were going to split up.
Family First helped me understand what I needed to do. They ensured that I had a really good picture of what we owned.
London-based husband and father, Peter, was facing a tough choice. He had been married to his wife for 25 years, but he and his wife had drifted apart and were…
Esther and her boyfriend were ready to set up home together in Oxford. It seemed like the right time for them – they’d been together for a year, things were…
I was determined to protect my share of the house, just in case. Family First explained the process as well as the pitfalls of moving in.
Using unbundled legal services in family law is often an excellent way to afford legal advice from qualified professional when funds are tight.
In this video Ursula Rice explains how you can protect your share of your property using a Deed of Trust – particularly if you and your partner are not married.
In this short video, Ursula Rice answers your questions about Police Disclosure in Family Law Proceedings – where should you start, what should you ask for and what should you…
AI is making inroads into almost every aspect of our lives. In this video Ursula Rice explores the ways in which Artificial Intelligence can help you with your family law…
In this post we set out ten of the most FAQ and Answers about Parental Responsibility (PR) – the legal concept that links parents with the children and vice versa.
If you are in or contemplating family court proceedings then formal disclosure is a concept you are about to become familiar with. Disclosure in the family court process is the…
The DRAMA – that’s why family lawyers enjoy their job (sometimes). Nobody walks into our office/ facebook page and tells their story in measured unemotional terms.
Holidays with you child are a happy time; a treat for them and for you. Don’t run foul of the law (and your ex-partner) by not considering child abduction laws.
Paying legal fees is the single biggest worry for people who are thinking about getting advice. So how can you get the advice that you think you need?
You may have heard of a McKenzie friend and be considering one to support you in court. There’s no doubt that going to court is a daunting experience and having…
In an earlier blog we talked about disclosure in the family court process, and discussed form E and the necessary requirements to get it sorted. in this blog we talk…
Pets in a divorce can be a very emotive subject, read on to find out the legal position and some good ideas to help you stay with your faithful friend…
Preparing a statement for the family court can be a daunting process. However, when your statement is put in front of the Judge it should help your case, instead of…
One of the most difficult issues the family courts grapple with is called “internal relocation”. This covers cases where one parent is told by another parent the they are moving…
There are various areas where you might need enforcement in family financial remedy proceedings. In this video Ursula Rice explores three examples.
We know a lot of you out there are writing statements for the family court without help. Read on to find out more…
If we had a quid for every time we were assured by a parent that “I never say anything bad about my Ex in front of my child” then we…
We did a Facebook campaign recently which just said “Prenuptial agreements – why risk your assets?”. While quite a lot of people “Liked” the post, there were also a few…
In this short video, UK Family Lawyer Ursula Rice discusses Penal Notices – the penalties for missing a Court Deadline or breaching a Court Order.
The recent case of Wyatt v Vince goes like this: counter cultural gentleman uses festival raver knowledge to crack the bad-ass world of commercial electricity generation.
You are in the middle of an acrimonious split. You have found true love, moved to the next county, gone long term sick off work AND you know for a…
Abusive relationships are not always violent. You know something isn’t right but why does it feel so wrong? Read on to find out if you may be in an abusive…
You know and I know that those boxes are far too small to explain to a Judge why you need what you need, and what your money is spent on.…
Two great song titles in one blog post…(The one an eighties cheesefest that was number one in the charts for ages and the other a Led Zeppelin track. A connection…
We helped to make this (quite long) video on how to fill out your form E. If you are in financial proceedings you may like to take a look.
This video explains how early neutral evaluation (ENE) can assist you facing family law disputes. It describes real-world applications for these tools in resolving family law matters outside court.
If your ex has dropped the D- bomb then here is a handy guide to where to start. Do’s and Don’ts to get you through those first few days.
Recently I advised a Deaf client. The enquiry came in by email, was firmed up using the text relay service, and the advice was given with the assistance of a…
Without notice (or as lawyers call them ” ex parte ” ) injunctions are a court application for an order without telling the other side you are going to get…
One of the first questions people ask us is “How much is this going to cost me?” And the honest answer is: it depends on how you choose to pay for your legal…
More and more people are going to court without a lawyer – and that includes going to a final hearing.
UK Family Lawyer George Sayers discusses international relocation with children, including costs, traps and an overview of what to watch out for.
In this video Ursula Rice explains the importance of Non Court Dispute Resolution and how it can help you save time and money when resolving your family issue
If you are separating from your spouse, you may feel overwhelmed by the worries of money and organising your financial stuff during a divorce. You are not alone in thinking…
With the rise and rise of the internet, law consumers are able to find a family Solicitor at the click of a button. Our innovative Pay As You Go Law…
Many people come to see a family lawyer saying, why bother with a consent order to tie up the money and finances in divorce, when we can just knock it…
In this video Ursula Rice presents a satirical tirade born out of the frustration of dozens of encounters with people who have approached their divorce in an unnecessarily combative manner,…
Over many years of practice, I have been surprised (startled even) by how many clients assume that I do other kinds of law regularly , like criminal or property work.…
When we are acting for parents in a dispute about a child we are often asked whether our client can recover their costs from the other parent.
When a relationship reaches crisis point, it can be tempting to think, “That’s it, I’m leaving the matrimonial home because I just can’t stand it”. When it comes to “Should…
Children Act disputes between parents often start because of the use of alcohol or drugs by one (or both) of the parents. It has probably been an issue for sometime…
A new domestic abuse law reached the statute books earlier this year amidst some controversy. Although not yet live, Section 76 Serious Crime Act 2015 soon will be, bringing with…
Security of tenure is a fancy way of saying “how easy can you be kicked out of where you live”. This blog explains the basics about security of tenure. Read…
This video explains how you can effectively combine mediation with legal support when navigating family law issues like separation, divorce, finances, and child arrangements.
When at the beginning or middle of a divorce it can be difficult see the end of the process. It seems overwhelming and endless. But we promise you that the…
In this video, Ursula Rice explains how to get started with Single Solicitor Divorce at Family First.
Criticising Cafcass – When you are not happy with your section 7 report do you a) ring your local office a billion times to rant, channelling your inner Kanye West…
Before April 2022, Bury St Edmunds was the regional divorce centre for the South East of England, handling all paper-based fault divorces. Here’s what to do if your divorce is…
AI and Family Law – What You Should Know When you’re facing a family law issue, the first thing most people do is turn to the internet. It’s fast, it’s…
If you have a court case about a child going on, you probably already know that “wishes and feelings” are part of the checklist of things a judge has to…
Without Notice applications: What they are and what makes it likely to will get one. Parents often ask us for advice on an emergency about a child. But is it…
Pensions and Divorce are not as simple as you might expect. Ursula Rice explains what you need to do before you start court proceedings.
How to Prepare for Family Court so the other side doesn’t bully you. Family Court can feel like the unknown and particularly intimidating where you have no prior experience of…
When you divorce, maintenance can be your lifeline. How NOT to make a Maintenance Pending Suit Application.
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In this section, we cover the most frequently asked questions we receive about family law, separation and divorce, and we continually add new topics as they arise.
If your query is not covered, simply call us on 03334 440 003 of fill in the enquiry form below and we’ll do our best to help you.
The divorce application itself costs £612 in court fees, but the total cost of a divorce depends on the financial complexity, the process used, and the personalities involved. Here is a clear breakdown of what drives divorce costs in 2026.
Almost everyone benefits from a pre-nup in principle, but for younger couples with modest assets the law may produce a similar outcome without one. Here is an honest assessment of when a pre-nup is essential and when it is less critical.
Bringing up a pre-nup requires tact and timing. Here are practical steps for having the conversation in a way that is honest, considerate, and treats the agreement as a genuine negotiation rather than a one-sided demand.
Without a prenuptial agreement, any financial settlement on divorce is negotiated at the most emotionally difficult time of your life, with no prior protection in place. Here is why a pre-nup is worth considering before you marry.
Mesher and Martin orders both defer the sale of the family home rather than requiring an immediate sale on divorce. Find out how each works, when they are used, and what the key differences are.
A pension sharing order can be a crucial part of a divorce financial settlement, particularly for long-term financial security. Here are the key factors to consider, including pension type, retirement needs and alternative assets.
A new partner’s income and assets are not directly included in divorce finances and cannot be claimed by your ex-spouse. However, the support they provide you may have an indirect effect on how the court assesses your financial needs.
Divorce finances in England are based on fairness and need, governed by Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Here are the six key factors the court considers, including assets, contributions, children and the clean break principle.
If your spouse has stopped paying essential bills during your divorce, acting quickly and strategically matters. Here is a step-by-step guide to documenting the situation, calculating your options, and knowing when to involve the court.
Business assets built up during a marriage are often treated as matrimonial property. Find out when they are included in a divorce financial settlement, what the court considers, and why specialist advice matters from the outset.
Most family law disputes can be resolved without going to court. Find out what factors matter, what the alternatives are, and when proceedings might be unavoidable.
If the person receiving maintenance remarries, payments end automatically. Cohabitation and changes in circumstance can also affect maintenance orders. Here is what you need to know.
Solicitors can make divorce easier or harder depending on their approach. Here is what to look for in a family solicitor and how a non-confrontational, Resolution-based approach can make a real difference.
The person who applies for divorce generally pays the court fee, but costs can be negotiated, shared, or ordered against the other party. Here is a clear breakdown of how divorce legal fees work.
Contact helplines and support organisations: In the UK, you can contact organisations such as the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or Women’s Aid for support, advice, and guidance
You can separate without divorcing, but remaining legally married has consequences for inheritance, finances and new relationships. Here is what you need to know about separation and judicial separation in England.
Spousal maintenance is not automatic. The right question is not what you are entitled to, but what you need. Here is a practical method for working out what figure to put forward in a divorce settlement.
When you are dealing with financial matters in divorce, there will come a point where you are told to disclose your assets and your income. Even if you have decided that you don’t need to do full deep dive bank statement disclosure, there will still be some financial disclosure.
Since April 2022, a spouse cannot prevent a divorce from going ahead. However, they can refuse to engage with the process. Find out what legal options are available, including process servers, deemed service, and dispensing with service entirely.
Divorces started before 6th April 2022 fall under the old fault-based system, which required proof of adultery, desertion or unreasonable behaviour. If you are stuck in that process, specialist legal help can make a significant difference.
Since April 2022, you no longer need to prove fault to get divorced in England and Wales. The sole ground is that your marriage has broken down irretrievably. Here is what that means in practice and how the two-stage divorce process works.
If your spouse is dissipating marital assets before your divorce is finalised, you may be able to apply for an injunction to stop them. These are complex applications and specialist legal advice is essential before proceeding.
Family mediation helps separating couples resolve disputes without going to court. A neutral mediator works with both parties to reach fair agreements on finances, property and children arrangements. Quicker and more cost-effective than litigation.
When applying for a divorce in England you can apply jointly with your spouse or alone as a sole applicant. Each option suits different circumstances and it is worth understanding the difference before you decide. As a general rule a joint application is preferable where both parties are cooperating, but a sole application may be the better choice if your spouse is likely to be difficult or if you are in a domestically abusive relationship. Here is how to decide which is right for you.
An online divorce in England has a legal minimum of around 26 weeks, but most take between 6 and 12 months in practice. The timeline depends on how quickly paperwork is completed, whether both parties cooperate, and how long it takes to reach a financial settlement. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Worrying about legal fees is completely normal. Here are four practical ways to keep your divorce costs down, from Pay As You Go legal support to single solicitor divorce
If your spouse or partner has threatened to sell the family home, you may be wondering whether you can actually stop it. The short answer is yes, at least on a temporary basis. Here is how it works depending on your situation.