The breakdown of any family relationship causes problems for all involved, the parties and particularly, any children.

Whether or not married there are frequently difficulties which arise relating to contact with children, maintenance and the family home.

To guide clients through these problems and to achieve a reasonable settlement of the difficulties the firm is committed to providing a sympathetic legal service.

Our firm bases our approach to family problems on the assumption that it is in the interests of all involved to try to achieve a settlement by negotiation. This is, of course, not always possible but experience suggests that in the long run Court proceedings and a "fight" over the children or money leads to greater problems.

The reason for this is twofold.

Firstly it makes any long term possibility of achieving a working relationship more difficult. This can cause problems particularly where there is future contact because of involvement with children.

Secondly there is the question of cost, the longer the case, the more the costs and therefore the less there is available at the end of the day to you.

For non Legally Aided clients the same financial consequences follow if the proceedings before the Courts are lengthy and protracted.

The firm recognise, however, that in some circumstances a settlement cannot be achieved by negotiation. As soon as this is apparent the firm believes that all avenues available through the Courts should be taken and handled as quickly and effectively as possible.

For further information contact Family Law specialists, Lesley Gaskell, Stephen Shuff or Andrea Woodhead on legal@cshw.co.uk

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