Financial disputes and separation

Unless you marry or enter into a civil partnership, even if you have been living together for many years, you have limited rights to financial support from your partner if you separate. There is no such thing as a ‘common law marriage’ and so you may find yourself in a vulnerable situation financially if you separate from your partner, particularly if you have children and have no equity in your home.

Our solicitors can advise you on your particular circumstances, but there may be some options available to you, such as:

Child maintenance – If you have children together and the children reside mostly with you, your partner may be liable to pay some child maintenance to you. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will usually deal with any dispute over child maintenance. If one of you lives abroad or earns over a certain amount, the family court may be able to order maintenance.

Property – If you jointly own a property and cannot agree whether it should be sold or how to divide the proceeds, you can ask a court to decide what proportion of the property belongs to you and to make an order for the property to be sold and the proceeds distributed. If you have only contributed to living expenses, then this area of the law is complicated and requires detailed consideration of whether any form of agreement or understanding between you and your partner has created a trust.

A home for your children – If you need accommodation for your children after you separate, you may be able to apply on their behalf for a property to be transferred to you, or for a lump sum to purchase a property for you to use as a home for the children until they are grown up.

We can advise you

Based in the City of London our family solicitors are on hand for a convenient appointment between meetings or before your commute home. We will explain your options in straightforward language so that you can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your children.

We are used to working with busy executives and international families and regularly have meetings via Skype or video call with clients in other time zones.

Funding for legal advice or representation

Once we understand your circumstances, we will advise you on the options that may be available to you.

Contact our matrimonial team

To organise an initial consultation, in complete confidence, please contact a member of our specialist family team who will be able to help.

Who to contact

Linda Pope

Partner

What clients say

I just wanted to highlight the excellent professional and expert service and as equally important care and compassion you showed throughout.
A matrimonial law client advised by Michelle Uppal and Olivia Chatfield

All staff are amazing in how they approach your case, the main two people I have been dealing with is Linda and Kimberley they take pride in their work and they have made me feel comfortable when I have had to give them personal information. I would recommend them to friends and family.
Cherril Miller, a family law client advised by Linda Pope and Kimberley Duah

I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. It has been life-changing for me and my family. You have literally become a household name with us because you have been such a significant part of our journey.
You will always be my first point of call if I ever need to revisit this, or any other legal matter and I will recommend you and Miles & Partners without hesitation. I hope this reflects how happy I am with the advice, work and outcomes of my case.
Family law client advised by Linda Pope

“A dynamic, knowledgeable and practical team of specialists.
A very strong and knowledgeable family team that goes that extra mile for its clients.”
2021 Legal 500

“The service I have received from this law firm has been fantastic! Especially Michelle Uppal who has been extremely efficient, helpful and very professional, I would certainly recommend her as a great family lawyer!”
Anonymous client

“I am very impressed with the client focus of the family team, whether the client is a city lawyer or someone coming into contact with the law for the first time. They will always make sure the client is aware of all the options available to them, whether that is mediation, collaborative law, or traditional litigation and they will provide advice and support to the client every step of the way.
In addition, they have particular expertise in complex child care cases and are expert in supporting vulnerable clients facing the prospect that their child may be taken into care by the local authority.
Miles & Partners is truly focussed on quality and was instrumental in setting up a small group of like-minded firms, which meets regularly to exchange ideas, provide mutual support and share good practice. They are a great example of a progressive law firm.”
VL, Management Consultant

“I would not hesitate to refer clients who need expert family and matrimonial advice to Miles & Partners matrimonial team because I know they will receive a first class service and client care second to none. Miles & Partners geographical position, on the edge of the City, is perfect for clients who need a flexible and swift service that fits with their day and working patterns.”