Family Law

We are an experienced family law team who will be on your side through life’s most difficult decisions. Committed to achieving the best outcome we offer specialist family law advice you can rely on. Protecting your rights and providing practical support and guidance through complex family matters.

RMNJ Family Law Department specialises in the following cases:

Care Proceedings
Issues with social services.
Advice for Special Guardians
Private Children Law issues. – Child Arrangements Orders (who a child should live with or spend time with), change of name, school, move to another area or jurisdiction.
Domestic abuse applications – Injunctions and Occupation Orders.
Family mediation.
Grandparents’ rights and applications.
Advice in adoption cases.

Care Proceedings

Our solicitors and fee earners are highly skilled representatives and court advocates who will approach your case in a professional and compassionate way.

We understand that being involved in care proceedings can be overwhelming and a frightening experience. Reading about concerns raised by the local authority can leave you feeling anxious, angry and confused, unsure what will happen next and whether your children can stay in your care.

Our solicitors will represent you throughout every stage of the process, from the initial involvement of social services and the pre-proceedings stage, to court hearings and final hearings.

We will take the time to listen to you and explain your options clearly to you, ensuring that your voice is heard throughout the case whilst achieving the best outcome for you and your children.

Legal aid is available in care cases. This means that representation for you throughout the case is provided in most cases without any cost to you.

We believe that every client deserves the best representation.

Issues with social services

Parents and carers involved with social services often feel judged, unheard or unsure of who can give them advice and support.

It may be a frightening and emotional experience for you when decisions are being made about your children by others.

We offer you a voice throughout the process, whether it is initial involvement with social services or the start of the pre-proceedings process. Our priority is to listen to you, guide you through the process and attend meetings with you to make sure your voice is heard at every stage.

With your family’s rights and the children’s wellbeing at the forefront of our minds, we work tirelessly to make sure that you and your family are at the heart of everything we do.

Advice for Special Guardians

Many Special Guardians come forward to provide stability and care to children during difficult times. Special Guardians may face challenges with contact arrangements, lack of support from the local authority or a lack of information given to them.

Assessments can be intrusive and information about the process limited. At RMNJ we understand the importance of sharing information with you about the legal and the financial aspects of any assessment for Special Guardianship.

Concerns can be raised with the local authority, both about the plan for the children’s day to day care, their contact with other family members and parents and the financial support that you as a Special Guardian should receive.

We can liaise with the local authority to make sure that free legal advice is offered so that assessment documents can be discussed and clarified with you. Clear advice on the financial aspects of such an order can also be clarified.

If you are a potential Special Guardian then we are here to help you and support you every step of the way.

Private Children Law Applications

Private children law cases involve applications for Child Arrangements Orders, (who children should live with and spend time with), Specific issues orders (Change of name, school, or area) or Prohibited Steps Orders (Preventing removal of a child from a parent’s care).

Disagreements about such issues can be distressing for all involved. The process can be confusing and tensions mount if delays set in.

Our team offer clear advice from the outset. With sensitive representation and supportive advice, we will help you to understand your options and whether an application to court is appropriate. Other possibilities will also be explored, through negotiation and engagement in family mediation, ensuring that you are fully prepared should court proceedings become necessary.

As a parent, grandparent, or other family member, we are here to guide you through private law children proceedings with compassion, commitment and care.

Injunctions and domestic abuse protection

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, harassment or threats, we can help. Our specialist domestic abuse team can provide swift, effective legal support. Urgent action is often required to seek the protection of the courts. We can provide quick and clear advice and confirmation of whether you are eligible for legal aid or require private representation.

How we can help you

Emergency and same day advice.
Preparing and issuing urgent court applications.
Representation at court hearings for non-molestation applications and Occupation Order applications.
Advice in related family law matters involving children.

For urgent legal advice, or to discuss your options, contact our family law team today. Early advice can make a critical difference.

Family Mediation

Family mediation helps separating couples and families resolve issues regarding children and finances calmly and fairly and without going to court.

The family mediation team at RMNJ provides a safe neutral environment where decisions can take place with the focus being on practical solutions and the best interests of the children involved.

Mediation is often quicker, less stressful, and more cost effective than court proceedings.

As a voluntary process, you will be guided and supported by a trained accredited mediator who will help manage difficult discussions and assist you to find workable solutions.

We will check your eligibility for legal aid and eligibility for the mediation voucher scheme.

We provide transparent and clear costs information from the start.

If you would like to explore whether family mediation could work for you, contact the family law team today.

Call us on 0151 200 4499.
Or Email us on Emily.jessop@rmnj.co.uk

Grandparents rights and family court applications

RMNJ family law team – helping grandparents maintain relationships with their grandchildren.

Grandparents play a vital role in children’s lives. When family relationships break down, it can be distressing an confusing if contact with grandchildren is stopped or restricted.

Our family law team provides clear, practical advice to help grandparents understand their rights and explore the best way forward.
Legal aid is generally not available for court applications or advice. We can discuss other options such as family mediation, private funded applications and negotiation.

If you are a grandparent seeking advice about contact with grandchildren or making a court application then get in touch with our family team today.

By phone 0151 200 4499.
By email – melanie.stewart@rmnj.co.uk

Adoption legal advice

Adoption is a life-changing decision and a complex legal process. Whether you are considering adoption, are a birth parent, or otherwise involved in placement or adoption proceedings, our experienced family law team can provide clear, expert legal advice at every stage.

We provide advice and representation to:

Prospective adopters (including step-parent adopters and family adoptions)
Birth parents and relatives.
Local authority cases where placement is being sought.

We will:

Assess your eligibility for legal aid.
Cleary explain private funded costs.
Provide transparent cost information.

For advice and assistance contact RMNJ Family Law team today on 0151 200 4499.

Emily.jessop@rmnj.co.uk
Melanie.stewart@rmnj.co.uk

Simply call our main office number on 0151 647 0000 during office hours, or email us and we’ll get back to you.