Family Solicitors in Oakham, Rutland
Belderbos Solicitors are specialist family law solicitors in Oakham, Rutland. Based on Church Street in the heart of Oakham, our team provides expert legal support for individuals and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Whether you need advice on divorce, children matters, financial settlements or domestic abuse, you’ll find solicitors in Oakham who will give you clear, honest guidance from the very first conversation.
Unlike larger, general practice firms, Belderbos focuses exclusively on family law. Every member of our team is a specialist, and every decision we make is guided by what is best for you and your family. We pursue resolution outside of court wherever possible, while acting decisively when the situation requires it.
We offer a free, no-obligation discovery call so you can speak to us about your situation before you commit to anything. Call us on 01572 490660 or email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk.
- Oakham
- 20A Church Street
- Oakham
- Rutland
- LE15 6AA
Opening Times
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Why choose Belderbos for family law in Oakham?
There are many family law firms across the East Midlands, but few that focus exclusively on family law. At Belderbos, every solicitor is a specialist. You will be assigned one fee earner who handles your matter from beginning to end, with handovers only when necessary, and no confusion about who is handling your case.
We are an independent firm, not private equity-backed, which means every decision we make is guided by what is right for you. Our Why Choose Us page sets out in full what you can expect from us.
Our approach is pragmatic. We pursue constructive, out-of-court solutions wherever they serve our clients’ interests, but we are not ideological about process. Where delay, obstruction or urgency demands court action, we will advise you to take it and act decisively. We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, and we manage expectations honestly throughout.
“James has been very firm and honest with my sister throughout the process, guiding her to make difficult decisions, and acting in an empathic and professional manner at all times.”
– Ms P, Leicestershire
“Nick put me at ease and explained everything to me, and answered all of my many questions”
– Robin, Leicestershire
“I felt 100% supported every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend James to anyone.”
– Mrs S, Stamford
“We used Sophie as our family solicitor during a really hard time. She was compassionate, supportive, knowledgeable, so so friendly, nothing felt like too much of an ask”
– Anonymous
Read more from our clients on our testimonials page.
Our Oakham team
James Belderbos, Director and Founder
James founded Belderbos Solicitors to provide specialist family law advice that puts clients first. A qualified collaborative lawyer, James is committed to constructive resolution wherever possible and brings empathy and strategic clarity to every case.
Sophie Ball, Family Law Solicitor
A family law specialist since 2019, Sophie advises on divorce, financial matters and children arrangements, taking a non-confrontational approach that always looks to minimise stress for her clients.
Nick Robertshaw, Family Law Solicitor
Practising family law since 2008, Nick specialises in divorce, children matters and financial disputes. He holds Resolution specialist accreditations and is known for his practical, straightforward advice.
Emma Potter, Family Law Solicitor
Qualifying in March 2025, Emma advises on divorce, finances and child arrangements, taking a sensitive yet strategic approach to achieving the best outcome for her clients.
Serving Oakham, Rutland and the surrounding areas
Our Oakham office is on Church Street in the county town of Rutland, England’s smallest county. We serve clients across Rutland and the surrounding areas, including Uppingham, Stamford, Melton Mowbray, Corby and Market Harborough, as well as clients across the wider East Midlands region. For those based closer to Leicester, our solicitors are also available from our Leicester office.
Our family law services in Oakham
Divorce and separation
Our divorce solicitors in Oakham will guide you through every stage of the process, helping you understand your options and reach an outcome that works for you and your family. We always explore out-of-court solutions first, and where court proceedings are necessary, we will advise you promptly and act with confidence on your behalf.
Children matters
Our children law solicitors in Oakham advise on child arrangements orders, prohibited steps orders, grandparent applications, relocation (including international relocation), specific issue orders, and financial orders for children. We keep children’s welfare at the centre of everything we do.
Financial matters
Our finance solicitors in Oakham help you understand what you’re entitled to, negotiate where possible, and make financial applications to court if required. We provide clear, realistic advice so you can make informed decisions.
Domestic abuse
If you’re in an unsafe situation, we can act quickly. Our domestic abuse solicitors advise on injunctions, non-molestation orders, and emergency applications to court. Your safety is the priority, and we treat every case with the sensitivity and urgency it deserves.
Nuptial agreements
We advise on both prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements, helping you put clear financial arrangements in place before or during marriage.
Cohabitation
Our cohabitation solicitors in Oakham advise unmarried couples on separation, separation deeds, and cohabitation agreements, helping you protect your interests and plan ahead.
Mediation
Our mediation solicitors work with accredited mediators to help you reach agreement on finances, children and property without the stress and expense of court.
Collaborative law
In the collaborative law process, both parties and their solicitors commit to resolving matters without going to court. It is a structured, respectful approach that often preserves family relationships.
Family arbitration
Our family arbitration service gives you the certainty of a binding decision without the delays of the court system, allowing you to control the timeline of your case.
Lawyer-led negotiation
Our team is experienced in lawyer-led negotiation, working constructively to reach agreements that protect your interests and those of your children.
Court proceedings
Where non-court solutions are not appropriate, our solicitors are fully prepared to advise on and conduct court proceedings. We will always be clear with you about when court is the right course of action and what to expect.
Local resources in Oakham and Rutland
Peterborough Combined Court Centre
The Peterborough Combined Court Centre handles family law proceedings for clients across the region, including applications relating to divorce, children and domestic abuse.
Leicester County Court and Family Court
The Leicester County Court and Family Court serves clients across the East Midlands and handles a range of family law matters.
Citizens Advice Rutland
Citizens Advice Rutland provides free, independent guidance on family and housing matters and can help with initial information and signposting.
How to reach our family solicitors in Oakham
Reach us by car
Oakham is accessible by car via the A606. Our office is on Church Street in the town centre, with street parking available nearby and Oakham town centre car parks within walking distance. There is a pay-and-display car park opposite the office.
Reach us by bus
Several bus routes serve Oakham town centre, with stops within easy walking distance of Church Street. Services run from Stamford, Melton Mowbray and surrounding villages.
Reach us by train
Oakham railway station is served by trains on the Midland Mainline route and is approximately a 10-minute walk from our Church Street office.
Plan your journey
You can plan your journey to our Oakham office on Google Maps.
Accessibility
Belderbos Solicitors is committed to making our office as accessible as possible for all clients. If you have any accessibility requirements you would like to discuss ahead of your visit, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Frequently asked questions about family law
At Belderbos, we offer a full range of family law services, including divorce and separation, children matters, financial settlements, domestic abuse, nuptial agreements, cohabitation, mediation, collaborative law, family arbitration, lawyer-led negotiation and court proceedings. We are a specialist family law firm and do not practise in any other area of law.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your matter and the approach taken. The first step is a free, no-obligation discovery call where we can discuss your situation and give you a clear sense of likely costs.
Legal advice is strongly recommended, particularly where children, finances or property are involved. Our out-of-court solutions can help manage costs while ensuring you have expert support throughout.
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation discovery call for all new enquiries. It is a straightforward conversation to help us understand your situation and explain how we can help.
We serve clients across Rutland and the surrounding areas, including Uppingham, Stamford, Melton Mowbray, Corby and Market Harborough. We also work with clients remotely across the wider East Midlands.
In mediation, a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement, with your solicitor advising you separately. In the collaborative law process, both parties and their solicitors meet together and commit to resolving matters without court. We can help you decide which approach suits your circumstances.
Book your free discovery call
Taking the first step can feel daunting. Our free discovery call is a no-obligation conversation with one of our family law solicitors in Oakham, giving you the chance to explain your situation and understand your options before making any decisions.
To book, visit our discovery call page, call us on 01572 490660, or email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk for a speedy, personable response.

