Family Law Solicitors in Leicester & Rutland
Family law matters rarely arrive at a convenient time. Whether you’re facing a divorce, a dispute over where your children live, or uncertainty about your financial position after a separation, getting the right legal advice early makes a real difference to the outcome. At Belderbos, family law is all we do, which means you’ll always speak to a specialist who understands exactly what you’re facing.
Belderbos Solicitors is a dedicated family law firm with offices in Leicester and Oakham, serving clients across Leicestershire, Rutland and the wider East Midlands. Every case is handled by one fee earner from start to finish, so you’ll never need to re-explain your situation to someone new. As members of Resolution, we approach every matter constructively and act decisively when the situation calls for it.
Book your free discovery call
Our free discovery call is a straightforward conversation with one of our family law solicitors. There’s no obligation and no charge. It gives you the chance to explain your situation, ask questions and understand your options before you decide whether to instruct us.
To book, visit our discovery call page, call us on 01572 490 660, or email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk.
Our family law services
We help individuals and families across Leicester, Rutland and Leicestershire with the full range of family law matters. Whether your situation is straightforward or more complex, we’ll give you honest advice from the outset. Below is an overview of every service we offer.
Divorce & separation
Since April 2022, the only ground for divorce in England and Wales is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There’s no requirement to prove fault and your spouse can’t block the process. You can read more about the steps involved on the GOV.UK divorce guidance page.
Our divorce solicitors handle no-fault divorce at a fixed legal fee of £600 + VAT, plus the £612 court fee payable to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). We can also advise on judicial separation, which formalises a couple’s separation without ending the marriage.
Children & child arrangements
Decisions about where children live and how they spend time with each parent are among the most significant in any family law case. The court’s paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child.
Our children and child arrangements solicitors can help you reach an agreed parenting plan, apply for a Child Arrangements Order where needed, or represent you in contested proceedings. We prioritise out-of-court solutions wherever they genuinely serve your children’s interests.
Financial matters & settlements
Divorce ends a marriage. It doesn’t determine how assets are divided. Reaching a fair financial settlement and recording it in a consent order approved by the court is a separate legal process.
We’ll give you a realistic picture of what you’re likely to achieve, covering the family home, pensions, savings and any business interests. Where agreement can’t be reached, we can represent you in financial remedy proceedings.
Cohabitation & unmarried couples
Cohabiting couples don’t have the same legal protections as married couples or those in a civil partnership. The concept of a “common law spouse” has no standing in English law, so if you separate, disputes over property and assets can often be complex to resolve.
Our cohabitation solicitors can advise on your legal position, help you negotiate a fair outcome, or make an application under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) where ownership of property is in dispute.
Nuptial agreements
A pre-nuptial agreement sets out how assets will be divided if a marriage breaks down. A post-nuptial agreement does the same but is entered into after the marriage has taken place.
While neither is automatically binding under English law, courts give them significant weight where the agreement was entered into freely, with independent legal advice and full financial disclosure on both sides. Our pre and post-nuptial agreements solicitors will help you draft or review an agreement that’s clear, fair and likely to hold.
Domestic abuse
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, protecting you and your children is the immediate priority. We can apply for a non-molestation order, which legally prevents the other person from contacting or intimidating you, or an occupation order, which can exclude someone from the family home.
Both can be obtained urgently where the situation demands it. Our domestic abuse solicitors will handle your case with care and advise you clearly on every step available to you.
Out of court solutions
Court proceedings aren’t the only route to resolution, and they’re not always the right one. As members of Resolution, we explore out of court alternatives wherever they’re likely to achieve a better outcome.
We offer mediation, in which a trained mediator helps both parties reach agreement; collaborative law, in which both parties and their solicitors commit to resolving matters without going to court; and lawyer-led negotiation, often the most efficient route when both sides want a settlement.
Court proceedings
Some disputes can’t be resolved without a court order. Whether the issue involves finances, children or another family law matter, our court proceedings specialists will advise you clearly on when court is the right course and what the process involves.
We’ll prepare your case thoroughly, represent you at hearings and keep you informed at every stage. Where urgent action is needed, we won’t delay.
Why choose Belderbos?
There are family law solicitors across Leicester and Rutland. Here is what sets Belderbos apart:
- Family law only. We practise exclusively in family law. You’ll always speak to a genuine specialist.
- One solicitor throughout. The same fee earner handles your case from the first conversation to the conclusion. No handovers, no having to re-explain your situation.
- Members of Resolution. Every solicitor you deal with is dedicated to providing constructive solutions to family law issues when appropriate.
- Independently owned. Belderbos is not private equity-backed. We answer to our clients only.
- Transparent fees. For an uncontested no-fault divorce, we charge a fixed legal fee of £600 + VAT plus the £612 HMCTS court fee. For all other matters, we discuss costs clearly before any work begins.
- Two local offices. We have offices in Leicester and Oakham, with remote appointments available if this is more suitable.
- Free discovery call. You can speak to us before committing to anything. No obligation, no charge.
Frequently asked questions about family law
Do I need a solicitor for family law matters?
There’s no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor, but professional advice is strongly recommended wherever finances, property or children are involved. Even matters that seem straightforward can have long-term consequences that are difficult to undo. Early advice helps you understand your position and avoid costly mistakes.
How much does a family law solicitor cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of matter and how complex it is. For an uncontested no-fault divorce, we charge a fixed fee of £600 + VAT plus the £612 HMCTS court fee. For all other matters, we’ll discuss fees clearly and transparently at the outset so you know what to expect before any work begins.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. Our free discovery call is a no-obligation conversation with one of our family law solicitors. It gives you the chance to explain your situation, ask questions and understand your options. To book, visit our discovery call page, call 01572 490 660, email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk, or complete our simple enquiry form.
Will my family law matter have to go to court?
Many family law matters are resolved without ever going to court. Mediation, collaborative law and lawyer-led negotiation are all effective alternatives in the right circumstances. Where court is unavoidable, we’ll tell you so clearly and make sure you’re fully prepared. We don’t default to litigation, but we don’t shy away from it when it’s the right option.
What areas do you cover?
We serve clients across Leicester, Rutland and Leicestershire from our offices in Leicester and Oakham. We also advise clients in the wider East Midlands, including Stamford, Uppingham, Loughborough, Market Harborough and Corby. Remote appointments are available for those who prefer them.
Speak to our family law team
Our free discovery call is a straightforward conversation with one of our family law solicitors. There’s no obligation and no charge. It gives you the chance to explain your situation, ask questions and understand your options before deciding whether to instruct us.
To book, visit our discovery call page, call 01572 490 660, email admin@belderbossolicitors.co.uk, or complete our simple enquiry form.