Family

Family breakdown is inevitably a traumatic and difficult time. At Cocks Lloyd the experienced and specialist members of our Family Department aim to provide a comprehensive service on all aspects of marriage breakdown. We are committed to giving in depth advice on how to achieve the best outcome. We will explain the steps and options open to you, advise you how to proceed, negotiate on your behalf and if necessary take your case through the Courts.

We offer specialist advice in the following areas:-

• Divorce and Separation including Prenuptial and Separation Agreements.
• Cohabitees – all aspects arising upon relationship breakdown.
• Civil partnerships including dissolution and financial provision.

Children

We recognise that issues relating to children are important to you. We are able to advise on all aspects of law relating to a child’s upbringing. We have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the Children Act 1989 and ensure that we adhere to the principle set out in Section 1 of the Children Act, that is that at all times the welfare of the child is our paramount consideration.

We offer specialist advice in the following areas:-

• Parental Responsibility for both unmarried fathers and step-parents.
• Residence and Contact Orders settling with whom the children are to live and how often they spend time with the absent parent.
• Child care – matters involving children where Social Services have intervened.
• Adoption.

Financial Matters

Settling financial arrangements arising out of relationship breakdown can potentially be lengthy, complex and expensive. We at Cocks Lloyd are committed to providing sensible realistic advice from the outset and whilst committed to achieving the best outcome will seek to resolve matters on your behalf in a timely, conciliatory and cost effective manner.

We offer specialist advice in the following areas:-

• Financial matters ancillary to divorce including maintenance capital and pension provision.
• Financial matters arising as a result of cohabitation breakdown including applications under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustee Act.
• Schedule I Children Act Applications.

Partners

Mrs Sharon Wilkinson is a Partner and Head of the Family Department at Cocks Lloyd. Mrs Wilkinson was admitted as a Solicitor in 1989 and has specialised as a family Solicitor throughout her career. Mrs Wilkinson is an Advanced member of the Law Society Family Panel demonstrating her competence to advise in all aspects of family law. Mrs Wilkinson is also a member of the Law Society Children Panel enabling her to regularly represent both parents and children themselves in child care proceedings.

Mrs Fiona Wilson is also a Partner at Cocks Lloyd specialising wholly in Family Law. Mrs Wilson was admitted as a Solicitor in 1996 and she too has specialised as a family solicitor throughout her legal career. Mrs Wilson is a Resolution Accredited specialist recognising her extensive knowledge of general family law and issues arising from cohabitation.

Both Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Wilson are Members of Resolution and jointly ensure that all members of the department subscribe to the Code of Conduct of this specialist family organisation.

For more information contact:

Sharon Wilkinson - sol@cockslloyd.co.uk
Fiona Wilson - sol@cockslloyd.co.uk

or alternatively telephone: 024 7664 2707