As a Stockport solicitor, we pride ourselves on being ready and waiting for clients who are based in our local area. We specialise in family law, and that means that we’re here for people to turn to during some of the most stressful periods of their life. Whether this involves a divorce, adoption, dealing with wills and probate or working with social services, a Stockport solicitor from Higgins Miller will offer a combination of up to the minute legal expertise and empathetic support.
The last few months have been dominated by the issue of COVID-19 over and above everything else. Throughout the strictest phases of lockdown we continued to be available as a Stockport solicitor, offering safe and distanced services to our clients. We realised that legal issues didn’t grind to a halt along with everything else, and that many problems which initially emerged prior to the pandemic still needed to be dealt with. As some kind of normality begins to re-emerge we’re still acting as a Stockport solicitor ready and willing to work side by side with our clients no matter how long a case takes to reach resolution. Wherever possible we work with the various parties to reach an amicable solution, avoiding the stress, time and extra expense of court appearances and resolving issues as quickly as possible. If that isn’t the case then we’ll do whatever it takes to resolve a case in our clients favour, and as Stockport solicitors we’re never further away than a quick trip or a phone call when a client needs the kind of support and clear advice which we specialise in offering. Our services cover the whole range of family law, and amongst some of the issues which we specialise in on a day to day basis are the following:
Divorce – we’ll work with the client to reach an amicable solution where possible, explaining exactly how things such as property should be dealt with following a divorce, what a financial settlement needs to contain and how the issues around child care can be resolved. We remove the bitterness and stress from the situation wherever possible, and reach a solution which is fair and will continue to be legally watertight as the situation evolves in the future. We also offer expert advice on dissolving a civil partnership, which often involves many of the same issues but slight variations in the legal details involved.
Children disputes – dealing with the well-being of any children is often the most difficult and contentious aspect of the ending of any relationship. This is made all the more difficult by the fact that there are no hard and fast rules governing exactly what kind of an agreement parents should come to. Wherever possible we will work with our client to negotiate an agreement with the other parent, either face to face or via mediation. If this is not possible we can represent clients through any court proceedings needed, and the fact that the Stockport solicitor the client deals with is likely to be a member of the Law Society’s specialist accredited Children Panel is just one more reason why we can offer the best possible advice and support.
Domestic abuse – whether the domestic violence a client is suffering takes the form of physical and sexual violence or verbal abuse, harassment and coercive control, we will deal with it in a sensitive, supportive and highly effective manner. As Stockport solicitors we will be available whenever needed to offer advice and obtain the protection needed as quickly as possible.
Prenup – creating a prenuptial agreement before a marriage is a means of protecting the wealth and assets of one or more of the partners if the relationship should end at a future date. Although not currently legally binding, agreements of this kind are often used by the courts as the basis for any financial agreement following a divorce, and so it is vital that they are prepared correctly. In the case of a couple who intend to live together but not to get married, an agreement of this kind is known as a cohabitation agreement.
Social services – dealing with the social services is a daunting and stressful prospect, but our Stockport solicitor will work side by side with a client to try to ensure a case reaches a positive conclusion. Cases of this kind most often involve the welfare of children, which is another reason why clients appreciate our combination of expertise and supportive advice. We can explain the workings of social services departments in easily understood language which avoids jargon and legal technicalities, and represent client at events such as PLO meetings and court proceedings.
Wills & Probate – dealing with the death of a loved one is a stressful event in its own right, but is often made worse by the sheer amount of paperwork and bureaucracy involved in dealing with the estate of a loved one and handling the process of probate. Acting as an executor to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are followed with regard to the things they’ve left for their family and friends, and that issues such as Inheritance Tax are dealt with correctly, is a complex proceeding which often stretches for six to nine months. Working with a Stockport solicitor will mean that you always have access to the expert advice you need and the support which will help you through a difficult period.
If you need the advice of a Stockport solicitor please call us on 0161 429 7251 or email us at [email protected]. We’ve recently passed our Cyber Essential accreditation, something which demonstrates our forward-thinking attitude and determination to remain ahead of the competition. The first 20-minute appraisal is provided free of charge, and we’ll give you the first appointment for a fixed fee, so you don’t have to worry about how much our advice is going to cost. This initial meeting can ensure that you understand why social services have made contact and can feel able to move forward with confidence. If you want to explore our wider charging system then please take a look here.
