At Duncan Lewis our Family department offers a sympathetic and confidential service in relation to all of your family-related legal problems. Our friendly, professional and experienced staff will endeavour to help you through what can be a difficult and stressful time in your life.
We specialise in the following areas:
- Chldren
- Divorce / Separation
- Domestic Violence
- Financial & Property
Click here to download our brochure for more information on each area.
Duncan Lewis specialise in advocacy and representation before all types of social security tribunals and appeals.
We also represent clients before the Social Security Commissioners and higher appeal courts. Where necessary we can take judicial review proceedings.
Divorce / Separation
When a relationship breaks down, the emotional difficulties can make dealing with the practical issues seem almost impossible. At Duncan Lewis we understand these difficulties and with shrewd assessment of the situation and a sympathetic ear, we can often smooth this bumpy road towards a successful outcome.
We are able to explain all procedures in plain English so that you are aware of every step and we are always at hand to answer your queries.
- Contested divorce proceedings
- Uncontested divorce proceedings
- Nullity and Judicial Separation
- Arrangements for children following a Divorce or Separation
Domestic Violence
We assist the victims of domestic violence without delay. We are able to explain the remedies available to protect you and your children. Non-Molestation Injunction Orders can be obtained in order to protect you and your children from any harm. These can restrain the conduct of the perpetrator including repeated threats of violence, intimidation, aggressive behaviour, harassment, verbal abuse and controlling behaviour as well as physical violence.
We are able to make applications on an emergency basis and are able to obtain Orders without notice to the other party. The Family Law Act 1996 is designed to ensure that victims are protected and we are able to do so by offering same day appointments and if necessary, we can attend Court at short notice. If you do not meet the criteria to obtain protection under the Family Law Act, then we maybe able to seek assistance under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 - particularly in cases of “stalking”.
Orders can also be obtained to regulate the occupation of any home that the parties have occupied. These Orders can prohibit, exclude, suspend and restrict one party’s rights in relation to the family home.
We aim to provide the highest possible level of emergency, advice and representation. Where appropriate, we will explore other options to assist.
Financial & Property
Our main aim in these matters is to protect your financial well-being. We will help you to agree financial settlements that are realistic and enable you to retain sufficient assets and income for your future. Where children are involved we will assist you to agree a reasonable level of maintenance for them looking after the interests of the children whilst taking into account overall financial well-being.
All of our clients are represented by solicitors who specialise exclusively in financial and property matters of all levels of complexity. Our Teams have expertise in all areas of ancillary relief following divorce or judicial separation such as:
- Maintenance
- Adjustment Property Ownership
- Pensions
- Freezing of Assets
- International Assets
- Property disputes between unmarried couples
- Separation Agreements
- Prenuptial Agreements
We will be able to give you a framework for which the Court would apply to your circumstances and then, work efficiently to ensure you obtain a fair entitlement of the assets.