Family Law Solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester
Whether you’re facing divorce, sorting out arrangements for your children, or dealing with financial matters, we’ll guide you through with practical advice that’s focused on achieving the right outcome for your family.
Our expert family law solicitors in Manchester, Sale and Chester are here to give you honest guidance and practical support to help you move forward with confidence. We also advise clients across the UK from offices in Central London, North London, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Sheffield.
Family structures look different today than they did a generation ago. Our family solicitors advise on adoption, parental orders following surrogacy, step-parent adoption, and other legal matters affecting modern families. We understand the unique challenges these situations bring and work to establish legal frameworks that protect everyone involved.
Court isn’t always necessary or the best approach for your family. We offer family mediation to help you reach agreements outside court in a neutral setting. Our collaborative law service brings both parties and their solicitors together to find solutions that work for everyone. We also provide arbitration for couples who want a binding decision without going through the court system.
Domestic abuse support
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, we can help you take immediate legal action to protect yourself and your children. We assist with obtaining non-molestation orders to prevent further abuse and occupation orders that can exclude an abuser from your home. We understand how difficult these situations are and provide sensitive, practical support to put legal protections in place quickly. Your safety comes first, and we’ll guide you through every step with compassion and urgency.
How our family law solicitors help you
Family law can feel overwhelming when you’re going through it for the first time. Here’s what to expect when you work with our family solicitors.
Understanding your situation
We start with a straightforward conversation about what’s happening and what you want to achieve. You’ll speak with an experienced family solicitor who’ll explain your legal rights, the likely process, and realistic outcomes. You’ll leave with a practical plan and costs laid out upfront.
Gathering information and assessing your position
We’ll ask you to provide documents like financial records and property details. Thorough preparation, particularly with financial matters, often leads to better settlements and fewer costly delays.
Negotiation and resolution
Most family law matters settle without court. We negotiate on your behalf through direct discussions, mediation, or collaborative law. This typically takes 2-4 months for straightforward cases.
Court proceedings (if necessary)
If negotiation doesn’t work, we’ll represent you at court. We know the local family courts well and handle all the paperwork.
Why choose Slater Heelis for family law
Recognised excellence you can trust
We’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026, with our family law team being highly commended. The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading family law firms in the North West. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us to others going through difficult times.
Over 250 years serving our clients
We’ve been providing legal advice to families since 1773. With offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we’re rooted in the communities we serve and understand the issues families face. We also advise clients across the UK from offices in London, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Sheffield. Our family law team is one of the largest in the North West, with over 18 qualified solicitors dedicated to family matters
Specialist knowledge across all family matters
Our family law team includes specialists in niche areas like high net worth divorce, international child abduction, and complex financial settlements involving businesses and pensions. We provide culturally sensitive support for Islamic and Jewish divorce, and dedicated support for neurodiverse clients and domestic abuse cases.
A personal service
You’ll work directly with experienced family solicitors who take time to understand your circumstances and priorities. We explain your options honestly and tailor our advice to get the best outcome for your situation.
Our offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester are open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK, with meetings at other locations, such as London, Leeds and Liverpool, available by appointment. We’ll keep you informed, act quickly and help you move forward during what we know is a difficult time.
Family law covers legal matters related to family relationships including divorce and separation, financial settlements, children arrangements, cohabitation and prenuptial agreements, civil partnership dissolution, domestic abuse protection, international child abduction, and inheritance disputes. If it involves your family relationships, finances, or children, it likely falls under family law.
When should I involve a family law solicitor?
Involve a solicitor early if you’re separating and have children, property, pensions, or businesses to divide. It’s particularly important if your ex-partner has already instructed a solicitor, there’s domestic abuse, or disputes about finances or children arrangements. Early advice prevents costly mistakes and protects your interests from the start of negotiations.
How much does a family law solicitor cost?
Family law costs vary by complexity. Straightforward divorces with agreed finances typically cost £1,500-£3,000, whilst contested financial settlements or children matters requiring court can cost significantly more. We give you fee estimates at your initial consultation and offer fixed fees for certain services. Legal aid may be available for domestic abuse or children matters.
Do I need a solicitor for divorce?
You’re not legally required to use a solicitor, and some couples handle straightforward cases themselves. However, family solicitors handle the paperwork, help negotiate fair financial settlements, and protect your interests, particularly with children, property, or pensions involved. Legal advice often saves you money and stress long-term, especially with financial matters that affect your future.
What is family mediation and do I have to try it?
Family mediation is where a neutral mediator helps you and your ex-partner reach agreements about finances, property, or children without going to court. It’s usually quicker and cheaper than court proceedings. Before making most family court applications, you must attend a MIFA (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) to explore whether mediation could work, unless domestic abuse or urgency makes it unsuitable.
Can I stop my ex-partner from seeing our children?
You can only prevent contact if there’s evidence your children would be at risk of harm. Courts believe children benefit from relationships with both parents unless there are serious welfare concerns like domestic abuse, substance misuse, or neglect. We can help you apply for protective orders or supervised contact if genuine safety concerns exist.
What am I entitled to in a divorce settlement?
There’s no automatic 50/50 split. Courts consider your marriage length, financial contributions, needs (including children’s), and future earning capacity. Assets include property, savings, pensions, and investments. Long marriages often result in equal division, whilst shorter marriages may mean keeping what you brought in. Our financial settlements team can assess your specific situation.
How do child arrangement orders work?
Child arrangement orders set out where children live and time spent with each parent. Courts prioritise children’s welfare, considering their wishes (depending on age), relationships with parents, and impact of changes. Most parents reach agreements through negotiation or mediation without court orders. Court cases usually require attending mediation information meetings first.
What rights do unmarried couples have if we separate?
Unmarried couples have far fewer legal rights than married couples, regardless of how long you’ve lived together. There’s no automatic right to property, pensions, or maintenance unless you’re named on ownership documents. If you have children together, arrangements and child maintenance apply as with married couples. Cohabitation agreements can protect both partners by setting out financial arrangements if you separate.
What should I do if I'm experiencing domestic abuse?
Your safety comes first – call 999 if in immediate danger. Contact our domestic abuse team for non-molestation orders (preventing further abuse) or occupation orders (excluding abusers from your home). Applications are usually heard within days. You may qualify for legal aid regardless of income. We work with local support services for accommodation and practical support.
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