Police divorce lawyers

What police divorce and family law advice can I access with Slater and Gordon?

Balancing the demands of family and police work isn’t easy. So, when it comes to the big decisions in life, it helps to have experts on your side who understand policing and the related personal and financial issues.

Our family law experts have over 20 years’ experience advising all ranks of police officers and personnel on family matters, including police pensions and divorce, pay scales, shift patterns and child arrangements.

We understand that the breakdown of a relationship is a very stressful and emotional time. Our experienced family law team has expertise in all areas of divorce, and our police divorce lawyers can help with all aspects which need to be considered post-separation.

Police pensions on divorce or dissolution

The police pension is often the most valuable asset in a divorce, yet its complexity means it's frequently misunderstood. Officers who don’t seek guidance from an expert can end up with incorrect or misleading information, so obtaining specialist police pension divorce advice is essential to achieving a fair settlement.

We understand how your pension works, the differences between the various police pension schemes and the options available to you, so you can make informed decisions.

Children matters

It’s better for children and parents to try and agree on any issues, such as child living arrangements, that may arise from separation. However, this is not always able to happen during what can be an emotionally charged time.

If you require help and assistance to avoid conflict and reach amicable solutions through negotiation, we’re on hand to assist. If this isn’t possible, it may be necessary to go through court proceedings. But rest assured, our highly experienced team is on hand to advise you at every stage.

Cohabitation

Couples who’ve been living together for a long period of time are often referred to as “common law spouses” and may assume they have rights. There is, in fact, no such legal status. For police officers and their partners, this can create real uncertainty, particularly where property, income or death-in-service benefits are involved.

If you’re thinking about moving in together, it’s wise to consider a formal cohabitation agreement. This can set out how property is owned, how finances are shared and what would happen if one of you were to pass away. It can also clarify what should happen if the relationship breaks down, giving both parties legal certainty and protection.

Contact our police family law and divorce solicitors for expert advice.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence within a relationship can be an emotional, frightening and difficult time. It may contribute to the breakdown of family relationships, or it may occur because of a relationship breaking down. Whatever the case, domestic violence can have direct and indirect effects on someone’s life, and you must make the first steps to end the cycle of violence and break free.

Our friendly and supportive family team can guide you in the right direction and explain the options available to you and your family.

Finances on divorce or separation

When a marriage or civil partnership breaks down, any assets, financial or otherwise, have to be divided between the two parties. For police officers and their partners, divorce can involve additional considerations such as police pension settlements, shift-related income, overtime and benefits linked to service.

Several factors are assessed when deciding how assets should be shared, and there are several ways to reach a fair and workable financial agreement. Our experienced police divorce lawyers understand the unique financial structures within police life and are here to help negotiate, agree and finalise the division of assets. This means both parties can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Nuptial agreements

Naturally, everyone getting married believes they’ll be married for life. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A pre-nuptial or nuptial agreement, which is entered into before marriage or shortly after marriage, details how assets will be divided if the marriage breaks down, so both parties know exactly where they stand from the outset.

We provide a free initial consultation, discounted rates and fixed fees on some family law services to Police Federation members.

To speak to one of our experienced family lawyers or to book your free consultation, contact us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we’ll call you.

What can I expect during the free initial family law consultation?

The initial consultation is an opportunity for you to speak in confidence with a specialist family lawyer who has in-depth knowledge of all areas of family law and police divorce.

We’ll take the time to understand the full history of your situation and provide a holistic approach, covering any areas which may be inter-related to ensure you get the maximum benefit during your consultation.

This will enable you to fully understand your legal position from the outset in an easily digestible format, and the options available to you.

During the consultation, you can expect your lawyer to:

• Listen to and discuss the details of your circumstances to get a full understanding of your position and identify any distinct issues.
• Provide an explanation of your legal position, the legal process involved and the options available to you.
• Summarise the issues and the applications of the law.
• Provide a summary of the options available to you and advise as to the pros and cons of each.
• Empower you to take any necessary actions by providing a clear roadmap of what your next steps are.
• Explain the pricing structure for any chosen route.

If you’d like to arrange a free initial consultation with a specialist family and police divorce solicitor call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we’ll call you.