Family Law Solicitors

When family life changes, it can feel like everything is moving at once. You may be trying to make big decisions under pressure, while keeping day-to-day life steady for you and your children. It is normal to feel unsure about where to start.

Our role is to bring calm structure and guidance. We help you understand where you stand, what you can do next, and what you can sensibly leave until later. Just as importantly, we keep the focus on outcomes that work in real life.

Our family law solicitors support individuals and families across England and Wales with the legal and practical steps that follow separation, relationship breakdown, and family disputes. That can include arrangements for children, finances and property, and agreements designed to provide clarity for the future.

Often, there are several issues running alongside each other. For example, you may be agreeing parenting arrangements while also dealing with the family home, budgets, pensions, or the question of whether an agreement needs to be formalised so it is reliable and enforceable.

We will guide you in jargon-free language, at a pace that feels manageable, with clear options and a steady plan. Where your situation touches other areas, we bring the right specialists together. With Harrison Drury, you’ll have a joined-up team of trusted legal experts working together, keeping you updated and taking responsibility for progress at every stage.

We make it possible to reach workable agreements that reduce conflict and protect what matters most.

Our family law team is independently recognised in Chambers and Partners (UK) and The Legal 500 (UK), giving you added confidence that you are in safe hands.

If you would like to talk things through, please get in touch. We’ll listen, ask a few focused questions and explain the next best steps with clear options.

What you can achieve with the right family law advice

Family law is about putting clear, workable arrangements in place around children, finances, property and future security, so they can be lived with day to day.

In practice, good advice can help you move forward with a sensible plan, including:

Reach financial arrangements that are fair and workable, including where pensions, debts or business interests are involved.
Put child arrangements in place that support routine, stability and good communication.
Making practical decisions about housing and budgets, including what should happen with the family home.
Reducing stress and uncertainty by setting a sensible timetable and avoiding unnecessary flashpoints.
Record agreements properly, so they are clear, reliable and enforceable where appropriate.

It can also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as reaching an agreement but not taking the steps needed to make it legally binding, or dealing with issues in an order that does not support your wider plan.

If your situation involves more than one area, we bring the right people together quickly, so you have a joined-up plan, without needing to manage multiple advisers.

Our family law services

Family issues are rarely one-size-fits-all. We will help you understand what the law can and cannot do, what outcomes are realistic, and the most proportionate route to reach a workable solution.

Separation and relationship breakdown

If your relationship is ending, we guide you through the decisions that usually sit alongside separation, such as housing, finances, and arrangements for children. Where divorce or civil partnership dissolution is part of the picture, we’ll help you understand the legal steps and how they fit with everything else.

Financial arrangements and property

We advise on the practical steps that often matter most, including financial disclosure (sharing the right information), the family home, savings and debts, and how to approach pensions and business interests. Where agreement is reached, we can help you formalise it properly, so it is clear and enforceable.

Arrangements for children

Most parents want stability and a workable routine, even if communication is difficult. We can help you sense-check proposals, support constructive discussions, and advise on formal options where more certainty is needed. Where agreement is not possible, we advise on the legal framework and, where appropriate, applications to the Family Court focused on the child’s welfare.

Cohabitation and living together

If you are not married and you are living together, the law can be different from what many people assume. A cohabitation agreement can help you set out clear expectations around property, finances and responsibilities, and reduce the scope for dispute later.

We also advise where cohabiting couples separate, particularly where a home is involved or one person has contributed in a way that needs careful evidence and analysis.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Planning ahead can make a real difference, especially where there are existing assets, family wealth, children from a previous relationship, or business interests.

We advise on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in a way that is focused on fairness, clarity and futureproofing. The aim is not to anticipate the worst, but to reduce uncertainty and help you both move forward with confidence.

Resolving disputes without going to court

Many family matters can be resolved without a contested court process. We will talk you through the routes that may be suitable, such as structured negotiation and supporting you through mediation. Where a more formal approach is needed, we will explain what that involves and why, so you can make informed decisions.

Protection where there are safety concerns

In some situations, separation and family issues involve controlling behaviour, harassment, threats, or urgent housing concerns.

If you need immediate protection, we can advise on the legal options that may be available and what the court is likely to need to see. We approach these conversations with care and without judgement, focusing on practical steps and safety.

Good communication and quick replies!

Very professional. Living aboard and getting divorced in the UK bring up problems. But may I say the guys and ladies have been outstanding. Good communication, quick replies to emails and a fully understanding of what I needed to be done.

The Harrison Drury team are committed!

The Team at Harrison Drury seem committed to find the best outcome for the children, with a child-centric approach being at the core. They are informative to the client, but also respectful of the other side, even in the face of unprofessional behaviour and their standards remain high even under the greatest of pressure, handling requests calmly and sensitively

I was impressed with Harrison Drurys approach

From the first meeting I had with Harrison Drury I was impressed with their approach. This was in regard to a divorce matter. They were extremely factual but at the same time very understanding of the situation, which was refreshing. As their work progressed they have always been organised in their approach, sending and receiving paperwork, their billing and breakdown of bills.

The family team are experienced!

The family team at this firm conduct financial remedies cases including the preparation of pre nuptial and post nuptial agreements. They are experienced in big money cases including those involving farms and generational wealth.

The service was at all times courteous, prompt and my questions were answered clearly every time.

The advice I received was clear, uncluttered and made sense. The service was at all times courteous, prompt and my questions were answered clearly every time. Emails were replied to promptly.

They provide a first class service to their clients.

They have a wealth of experience and local knowledge. The team is very collegiate and supportive of one another. They provide a first class service to their clients.

Superb service!

I recently had cause to use legal services and found Jenna Atkinson or this firm absolutely superb. you know when someone truly understands a situation because they can explain it back to you simply – and Jenna understood perfectly. I was kept up to date and throughout and able to make suggestions and changes that suited my purpose. A superb service and Jenna is a real jewel in the crown of Harrison Drury.

I cannot recommend John and his team enough.

I dealt almost exclusively with John Osborne who was great; he handled all situations that we encountered calmly and always saw a clear way through. I cannot recommend him and his team enough.

From the first time I met Rebecca, she made me feel secure and I knew I was in good hands.

She has been professional throughout and nothing has been to much trouble. She has kept me updated at all stages of my divorce. This has been a long process and I feel like I have come to know Rebecca quite well during the last 2 years. She has represented me so well and always offered a listening ear during what has been, at times a stressful experience. I would definitely recommend her to anyone in the same or a similar situation. All the staff I have encountered along the way have been really good in fact.

Always a professional piece of mind. Rebecca Patience at Harrison Drury is absolutely wonderful.

From the moment I initially contacted the solicitors she was always super efficient & professional. Communication is great and Rebecca is completely up to date with her knowledge and very punctual. Instantly putting you at ease. She is a friendly, supportive and reliable solicitor and has provided us with great support. I really couldn’t recommend her higher. Thank you Rebecca & Harrison Drury team.

Jenna was amazing in dealing with my matter from start to finish.

The experience I had was nothing short of brilliant. Jenna was amazing in dealing with my matter from start to finish, and she kept fully aware of what was happening at every stage. Her friendly, approachable manner combined with her professionalism and legal knowledge made the whole process very easy. I had an excellent experience here and I would not hesitate to use Jenna and Harrison Drury again in the future. 11/10! Thank you so much!

Fantastic service provided by Rebecca.

Recently used Rebecca Patience to obtain a prohibited steps order and and a child arrangement order which gave me a more favourable arrangement with my daughter than the previous arrangements. The process albeit was stressful, it was made so much easier having Rebecca’s support and assistance. The level of dedication, effort and knowledge in her field of expertise shone through in all the correspondence she drafted.

I hope I don’t have to use Harrison Drury again in these circumstances, but will 100% recommend Rebecca to anyone who finds themselves in my situation, I will also look to use Harrison Drury if I ever need legal support in the future.

John Osborne excels at complex financial remedy cases

Hope in time of darkness.

I couldn’t speak more highly of Jenna. She is professional, motivated but most important caring. When life falls apart and you need someone to navigate the legalities efficiently, Jenna was brilliant and also kind in a very difficult time of life. Everything was always explained to me in a friendly manor and my children’s best interests were at heart. I am grateful for all Jenna and Graces commitment and dedication. They were always very accessible and there to speak to when needed. Would 100% recommend.

Jenna is incredible & I am forever grateful that she helped me get my freedom! Thank you Jenna!

Professionally, we use HD as our business solicitor. However, in June 2023 I needed a solicitor to instruct for my divorce proceedings. The last 12 months have been incredibly challenging, including imprisonment of my ex husband which made the divorce 1000x harder and a little longer. However, despite my emotions & moans, Jenna acted with pure empathy & professionalism ensuring this matter would get finalised despite the challenges.

No question was too much for her & she guided me throughout the whole process, ensuring my financial order was spot on to eliminate any court queries. It felt like the longest 12 months of my life, however I was kept informed of every step & felt comfort knowing I was in good hands. Financially, this divorce cost me twice as much as my marriage.

Rebecca gives realistic advice and listens to the client

I have been instructed by Rebecca Patience from this firm. She is an excellent solicitor with a keen eye for detail. I have always felt fully supported by her to ensure the best outcome for the lay client. She gives realistic advice and listens to the client.

Rebecca Patience has been nothing short of outstanding!

Rebecca Patience, my solicitor, has been nothing short of outstanding and should be highly commended for her approach, demeanor and conduct. She is professional, understanding, and incredibly thorough. Knowing now what I do about her, I could not have wished for a more suitable solicitor.’

Communication was one of the standout aspects of my experience with Jenna. She were always prompt in responding.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jenna for my family law case, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, Jenna provided exceptional service, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and expertise at every step. Navigating family law issues can be incredibly stressful and emotionally taxing, but Jenna made the process as smooth and manageable as possible. She took the time to thoroughly understand my situation and needs, offering clear, practical advice that was easy to understand. Her deep knowledge of family law was evident, and they explained all the options available to me, ensuring I was well-informed before making any decisions.

Communication was one of the standout aspects of my experience with Jenna. She were always prompt in responding to my queries, whether via email or phone, and kept me updated on the progress of my case. This transparency was reassuring and made me feel like I was in safe hands throughout the process.

Every member of the team was kind, knowledgeable and highly professional.

Given the subject matter was family-based, they always approached every situation with a child-focused approach with a view to conciliation rather than escalation. The firm did their utmost to reassure you they had your best interests at heart.

Legal 500

The team at Harrison Drury from start to finish have given me complete confidence and encouragement along my journey.

Constant feedback and updates, regular phone calls, messages and voice notes have kept me completely in the loop regarding all aspects of my complicated divorce case. Absolutely 100% committed to their clients, I would strongly recommend this firm to anybody going through similar cases.’

Legal 500

Excellent team able to deal with all aspects of financial remedies.

Legal 500

John Osborne is a skilled negotiator and excellent with company accounts.

Legal 500

Rebecca Patience was outstanding. Incredibly calm and reassuring, clear and concise in her communication.

Steadfastly reliable, not only in terms of doing what she said, but also not wavering from doing what was right in a given situation, even if that situation was unpleasant. I never felt anything other than expertly guided by her throughout the process.

Legal 500

Emma Panchal is very professional and considerate to her clients. She shows empathy with her clients.

Legal 500

Jenna Atkinson was amazing from start to finish with my complex family law issue which involved coercive control and domestic violence.

I cannot thank the team enough for their professionalism and empathy during this challenging time for my family. Communication and aftercare was excellent. I highly recommend Harrison Drury for all legal requirements.

Legal 500

The firm is empathetic and knowledgeable.

It is the right balance between being understanding and realistic in potential outcomes. Nothing was too much trouble.

Chambers and Partners

Any challenges were addressed in a timely manner.

They were always helpful and fast to respond.

Chambers and Partners

They understood the issues and gave compassionate and realistic advice, engendering a feeling of support and reassurance, all the while maintaining a conciliatory and child-focused approach.

Chambers and Partners

Harrison Drury is very invested in your case and treats it very personally.

They look at the bigger picture and also try to have a personal bond with you.

Chambers and Partners

They were always professional, but sensitive and understanding in their approach.

Chambers and Partners

Everyone I have encountered at this practise has been totally professional, approachable and welcoming at what can be stressful times.

Legal 500

Their solicitors go above and beyond. They do extra additional work and they take phone calls and emails at any time of the day.

Chambers and Partners

Their strength is that they spend the time getting to know the client and the history behind the case. They made sure I was aware of each step and got the best possible advice.

Chambers and Partners

The firm is experienced and knowledgeable, but also very down to earth in their communications with the clients.

Chambers and Partners

The team is very quick to respond, no matter how busy they are.

Chambers and Partners

They deal with complex matters in terms of client type, vulnerability and finance, all with compassion and professionalism.

Chambers and Partners

A thoroughly professional and likeable individual who goes the extra mile for his client.

Chambers and Partners

John is an assured negotiator with special expertise in family farms and inherited wealth. He is calm and collected at all times, always inspiring confidence.

Chambers and Partners

John was easy to communicate and negotiate with.

Chambers and Partners

She holds a client’s hand from start to finish and gives them strong advice, but she never bows to amend it just to suit the client.

Chambers and Partners

Emma Panchal is tenacious and able to deal with complex matters with ease. She knows what needs doing and implements it through a reasoned strategy.

Chambers and Partners

How we work with you

Family issues can move quickly, and it helps to have a solicitor who brings calm structure to the decisions in front of you.

From the first conversation, we focus on what you need to achieve and what will make the biggest difference now. We will explain what the law says, what is likely to be realistic in your situation, and the different routes to get there, including where it makes sense to resolve things by agreement and when firmer steps may be needed.

You will know who is handling your matter and how to reach them. Your solicitor will stay close to the detail, with support from colleagues where your situation overlaps with property, private client planning, or business interests. That joined-up approach means advice stays consistent and progress is not delayed by handovers or fragmented conversations.

We keep communication straightforward. You can expect clear updates, practical guidance on what information or documents to gather, and an honest view of what needs to happen next.

Pricing, control and support

Cost uncertainty can add pressure at an already difficult time. We will explain your pricing options clearly from the start, including fixed fees where appropriate, and we will keep things transparent as your matter progresses.

As your situation develops, we will tell you what is likely to be needed next and what that may mean for cost, so you can stay in control.

Depending on the work involved, there may also be third-party costs. For example, court fees for certain applications or fees for expert reports (such as specialist pension input). We will discuss these early, in context, so you can see what is optional, what is necessary, and what can be timed sensibly.

A joined-up team

As a people business with relationships at its heart we work as your trusted legal partners, often as an extension of your team.

Family matters can overlap with other legal issues and where it helps, we draw on wider specialists so that advice is joined up and practical, especially when there are assets, business interests, or property questions that sit alongside..

That might include:

Residential conveyancing, where property decisions are part of separation or rehousing plans
Wills, trusts and probate, where you want to review your will, plan for children, or consider inheritance arrangements following a change in circumstances
Business and commercial advice, where a business interest needs careful handling as part of financial arrangements

Talk to our family solicitors

Whether you are separating, resolving finances and property, making arrangements for children, or planning ahead, we make it possible to take the next step with clear options, steady guidance and a sensible plan.

You will have trusted legal experts who focus on practical outcomes and consistent communication. Our family team is recognised in independent legal directories including Chambers and Partners (UK) and The Legal 500 (UK).

Known throughout the North with offices spanning Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria and Staffordshire, including Preston, Clitheroe, Garstang, Kendal, Lancaster, Lytham, Manchester, Southport, and Stoke, we offer accessible support that stays close to what matters to you.

Call us or complete the form below and we will arrange an initial conversation. We will understand what you want to achieve, explain your options, and outline the next best steps so you can move forward with choice, flexibility, control and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Some people can agree arrangements themselves, but a solicitor can be particularly helpful where children, property, significant finances, pensions, a business interest, or safety concerns are involved, or where communication has broken down. We can give you an early, clear view of your options and help you record any agreement properly, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid problems later.

Start by taking stock of what needs deciding now and what can wait, particularly around living arrangements, the children’s routine, and immediate finances. It also helps to gather key information early (for example details of income, outgoings, property, savings, debts and pensions) and get advice on the best way to approach discussions, especially if communication is difficult. We can talk you through your options, help you prioritise the next steps, and explain how to protect your position while you work towards an agreement.

Mediation is a voluntary process where an independent, trained mediator helps you both have structured discussions and try to reach an agreement, without the mediator taking sides or making decisions for you. In many family cases, you’re usually expected to consider mediation before applying to court, and you may need to attend a MIAM (a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) first. There are exceptions, for example where there are safety concerns or urgency, and we can advise whether mediation is suitable in your situation and what your next options are.

Collaborative family law is a way of resolving issues where you and your former partner each have your own specially trained solicitor, and everyone commits to working together to reach an agreement without going to court. It can work well where you both want to stay constructive, keep discussions private, and have more control over the pace and the outcome, particularly when there are children or ongoing relationships to manage. We can explain how the process works, whether it’s suitable for your situation, and what other options may be available if it isn’t.

A financial remedy order is a court order that sets out how your finances will be dealt with after divorce or civil partnership dissolution, such as property, savings, debts, pensions and any ongoing maintenance. You may need the court to make a financial remedy order if you cannot reach agreement, or you can ask the court to approve an agreed outcome through a consent order. Either way, the aim is to make the arrangements clear and legally binding so you can both move forward with certainty.

A consent order is a court order that records the financial agreement you’ve reached after divorce or civil partnership dissolution, for example about property, savings, debts, pensions or maintenance. You typically need one if you want your agreement to be legally binding and enforceable, rather than relying on an informal arrangement. We can advise whether it’s appropriate in your circumstances and help ensure the terms reflect what you’ve agreed before submitting it to the court for approval.

If you can’t agree, the starting point is usually to look at whether a supported discussion route could help, such as solicitor-led negotiation or mediation, keeping the focus on what works best for the children day to day. If agreement still isn’t possible, you may need to apply to the Family Court for an order, and the court’s priority will be the child’s welfare. We can help you understand the options, what evidence and information is likely to be needed, and the most proportionate next step for your situation.

A pre-nuptial agreement (often called a “pre-nup”) is an agreement made before you marry or enter a civil partnership that sets out how you’d like assets, income and finances to be dealt with if you later separate. A post-nuptial agreement is similar, but it’s made after you’re married or in a civil partnership.

These agreements can be particularly helpful where one or both of you has significant assets, a business interest, family wealth, or children from a previous relationship, because they can reduce uncertainty and help avoid disputes later. We can advise on what they can cover, how to approach them fairly, and what steps help make them more likely to be upheld if they’re ever relied on.