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Why Chose Our Family Lawyers?
Legal Fees
The cost of your family law solicitor should not be hidden. We'll charge you £150 + VAT for your first hour consultation. We will also provide you with a letter of advice.
Success
We've got a great track record of successfully serving our family law clients not just locally but around the UK.
Our Lawyers
Our Family Law solicitors are experts in all aspects of family law from divorce and separation , high net worth and complex financial issues, children, grandparents cases, cohabitation and pre and post nuptial.
“From start to finish this company provided a professional outstanding service to myself and my family at a very difficult time. The communication was consistent throughout the process from everyone involved in our case and this reflected in the positive, successful outcome we had so desperately hoped for. ” - Nikki Yianni - Family Law Client
What to Expect
Our commitment to the resolution code of practice means that the majority of our family cases reach a settlement before they need to go to court.
We've helped clients throughout Essex to reach the best possible outcome in the very sensitive area of family law.
Great Fees
We offer an initial 1 hour consultation for a fixed fee of £150 + VAT
See What Customers Say
We've successfully worked on family law cases of all shapes and sizes
Over 50 Years' Experience
A team of specialists in each field, we're ready to offer advice and representation.
Meet the team
Kim Joseph-Charles
Solicitor
Kim embarked on her legal journey in 1986, transitioning to a specialised focus in family law upon her admittance in 1992. Renowned for her expertise in Domestic Violence cases, Kim adeptly handles Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, alongside Divorce proceedings, and complex Children Matters—including 'live with' and 'contact' orders, as well as Financial Remedy Orders.
A mentor at heart, Kim has dedicated herself to the development of emerging solicitors within the field, maintaining enduring professional relationships with many. Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to legal clinics and Citizens Advice Bureaus, where she offers her invaluable insight and guidance.
Kim's practice is distinguished by her straightforward approach to resolving legal matters. Recognising the emotional and financial toll of family disputes, she prioritises direct communication and efficient strategies to address the core issues swiftly, preventing unnecessary expenses. This approach has earned her widespread appreciation among clients, who value her candid and cost-effective solutions.
Specialising in the nuanced area of grandparents' rights, Kim's work underscores the importance of maintaining family bonds, ensuring that grandparents play a significant role in their grandchildren's lives.
For those seeking a seasoned family law solicitor committed to delivering results with integrity and efficiency, Kim can be reached at 01277 284542. Her proven track record, coupled with a compassionate yet assertive methodology, positions her as a leading advocate in the family law sphere, making her services highly sought after for those navigating the complexities of family legal matters.
Family law & children FAQs
The Court’s primary consideration will always be children. Our clients’ primary consideration is the same.
In all aspects of Family Law, the lawyers at Sanders Witherspoon LLP abide by the Code of Practice of Resolution, an organisation of more than 6,000 members committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. The Code of Practice promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Members encourage solutions that consider the whole family – and in particular the best interests of the children.
Sanders Witherspoon LLP can advise you how to proceed if your partner has left and taken the children with them.
If the children are going to continue to live with your partner, you will want to know that you can still see them regularly. If your partner won’t agree arrangements with you we can negotiate on your behalf or apply to court for a Child Arrangements Order so that you can see the children.
If you do not think that the children should live with your partner we can advise you about making an application for a Child Arrangements Order for the children to live with you.
An application for a Child Arrangements Order can also be made to the court even if you are not married. Just because you did not marry it does not mean that your children are not entitled to have a proper relationship with you.
In the UK, unmarried fathers have certain rights regarding their children, although these rights can depend on various factors:
Parental Responsibility
Unmarried fathers automatically have parental responsibility if they are listed on the child's birth certificate (for births registered after December 1, 2003, in England and Wales). Parental responsibility includes making important decisions about the child’s upbringing, education, and medical care.
Agreed Parental Responsibility
If an unmarried father is not on the birth certificate, he can obtain parental responsibility by entering into a parental responsibility agreement with the mother or applying to the court for a parental responsibility order.
Contact and Living Arrangements
Unmarried fathers have the right to apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order to determine where the child will live and how much time the child will spend with each parent. The court's primary concern is the best interests of the child.
Financial Support
Unmarried fathers are required to provide financial support for their child, typically through child maintenance payments.
Legal Recourse
Unmarried fathers can seek legal advice and representation to protect their rights and ensure fair access to their children.
These rights aim to ensure that unmarried fathers can play an active role in their children's lives and contribute to their well-being.
If you are a grandparent you are not automatically entitled to see your grandchildren. However, the court recognises that you may have an important role to play in the children’s lives and therefore, if the children’s parents will not agree to allow you to see them, you can ask the court to become involved to help you. We can negotiate on your behalf but, if talking doesn’t work, Sanders Witherspoon LLP can help you make an application to court.