Family Law and Divorce Solicitors
We understand that you may be going through a difficult time but when it comes to Family Law, you need a solicitor that you can trust.
Your Local Family Law Specialists Offering Clear, Honest Advice
How Can Our Family Law Solicitors Help?
Our experienced team of Family Law Solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield and Mansfield can provide a wide range of legal services to help you navigate complex and sensitive issues with full clarity and support.
Divorce and Separation
If your relationship has come to an end, our team of divorce solicitors can guide you through the legal process, including no-fault divorce, financial arrangements, and child-related matters. We handle both straightforward and complex divorces with care and clarity, working to reduce the stress of what can be a very emotional process where possible.
Property and Financial Matters
Property and financial matters can be especially difficult during divorce or separation. Our team has extensive experience in resolving disputes, reviewing ownership, and negotiating asset division. We can also prepare formal agreements if you are separating but not divorcing. Our separation agreement solicitors can ensure the terms are fair, clear and legally sound.
Children and Parenting Arrangements
When children are involved, our priority is their welfare and best interests. We advise on child arrangements, parental responsibility, and safeguarding, with a practical focus on securing safe and stable outcomes. Whether you are navigating divorce or separation, our Family Law Solicitors Sheffield and Family Law Chesterfield teams are here to offer support, professional advice and representation in proceedings where necessary.
Parental Responsibility
If you’re married, both parents automatically share parental responsibility. But for unmarried couples, the biological father may not have it unless certain legal steps have been taken, such as being named on the birth certificate, by obtaining a court order or entering into a parental responsibility agreement. Parental responsibility enables a parent to make decisions about education, healthcare, and day-to-day care. If you are unsure of your rights or need to formalise arrangements, our team can provide clear advice and help you take the necessary steps.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
If you’re getting married or entering into a civil partnership, we can prepare a prenuptial agreement that outlines how your finances and assets will be treated if the relationship breaks down. This is especially important if one or both parties have property, savings, or children from previous relationships.
Grandparents’ Rights
If you’re a grandparent struggling to maintain contact with your grandchildren, we can advise you on applying to the courts for a contact order. While grandparents don’t automatically have rights, we can help you present your case to the court to obtain a contact order.
What do family law solicitors do?
A Family Law Solicitor can support you with a wide range of legal issues, including:
- divorce
- separation
- financial settlements following divorce or separation
- property arrangements
- child arrangements
- grandparents rights
- adoption
- prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
At Banner Jones, we know that relationships can be complicated, Our team of Family Law Solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Mansfield are here to offer clear, honest legal guidance.
For more information, call us in confidence on
Why choose Banner Jones Family Law Solicitors?
Legal 500
Our Family team have been ranked in the Legal 500 yet again for their outstanding work.
Choosing the right solicitor during a family breakdown is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Banner Jones, we pride ourselves on combining legal expertise with compassion, clarity and tailored advice to guide you every step of the way, whether through negotiations or court proceedings.
Our award-winning team of family law solicitors has been ranked in the UK Legal 500 year after year, recognising our high standards and client-focused approach. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, separation, child arrangements, property or finances, we offer practical advice and clear communication throughout.
We have specialist teams based locally in Chesterfield, Dronfield, Mansfield and Sheffield, so you will always have support nearby. With fixed-fee services available and no hidden costs, you stay in control of the process and your budget.
From your first call to the final outcome, our aim is simple: to give you peace of mind and support when you need it most.
Want to know more?
Online divorce advice - the pros and cons
Advice on Child Arrangement Orders
FREE DIVORCE GUIDE
Common law marriage - does it exist?
Why children come first in a divorce
Children & Separation Guide
Common Family Law Questions
Non-residential parents have to pay maintenance for their children; hopefully the amount can be agreed though negotiation and if not then the CSA will decide. Each case is different. If for example the Mum and the children stay in the family home then she may relinquish her claims over any other assets such as pension and savings in return. Our family law solicitors can advise on your specific circumstances. You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true: The aim when sharing out matrimonial assets is to be fair. Both spouses have to make full disclosure about their assets and debts before any decisions can be made about distribution, trying to hide anything won't work. Factors which are important when sharing out the assets include the current and future needs of each spouse and any dependent children; the length of marriage and the age, earning capacity and contributions of each party. Our family law Chesterfield team can guide you through this process. Your aim should be that both parents still play an active part in the raising of the child/children. Usually, parents sort this out amongst themselves, although if there are problems, mediation can be a good way to resolve this. Our family law solicitors will advise you on Shared Care Agreements and Live With and Spend Time with Orders. Going to Court should always be the last resort where when children are involved. Our family solicitors in Sheffield can help you make arrangements in your child/children’s best interests. No, getting a divorce should be an administrative excersise exercise only, and there are many options open to you that avoid going to Court. No fault divorce removes the need to prove one of the five facts of divorce (adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion of two years, separation of two years with consent to divorce and separation of five years without consent). Instead, only a statement of irretrievable breakdown will be needed. A couple can file for divorce once they have been married for at least 12 months. There is no need to apportion blame or fault, as was the case under the previous law when parties had not been separated for a period of over 2 years. The role of the divorce solicitor will change, but they will still have a role in: To file for a no fault divorce you usually have 3 options: Remember that this is just to start the divorce part of the process. The parenting and financial arrangements will normally need to be agreed separately to this part. Divorce for most people will take a minimum of 26-weeks or six months, with additional time for the conditional order application to be considered and pronounced. If the couple need more time to complete their divorce, then the law will allow for this. In exceptional circumstances (such as terminal illness or imminent birth of a child to one of the parties), it may be possible to have this process expedited. It makes sense that if your separation is less contentious, then the legal costs will be lower, but there are often financial arrangements to sort out as well as dissolving the legal marriage or civil partnership. With a no-blame culture in place, it is hoped that it will encourage more constructive discussions leading to better, and therefore less expensive, outcomes. However, there is no guarantee that this will necessarily be the case. A no fault divorce financial settlement is the same as any other divorce settlement, and may include maintenance and the division of assets etc. It is possible for one party to contest a no fault divorce in the same way that they could contest a traditional divorce. This occurs when the parties cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, i.e. a fair division of money and assets, maintenance, child custody etc. If this occurs, then the case will be put before a judge, unless the couple agree on ADR (alternative dispute resolution) such as mediation. There is now very little you can do to contest an unwanted divorce, unless there have been procedural errors in the application – which is rare. As the old process of divorce required one party to divorce the other and provide reasons for their desire to divorce, it was difficult to focus on moving forward without conflict. Old divorce law (prior to 6 April 2022) dates from the 1970s and did not adequately reflect modern society and introduced an unnecessary element of delay or conflict in the divorce process. Without the need for blame to be apportioned, it is likely that the process will be less upsetting for many, helping children get through a very difficult time. The change in the law will help avoid increased conflict. It will also help the co-parenting that will need to take place even after the marriage has been dissolved. These are separate areas of your divorce and are not covered under the no fault divorce law. You will need to reach an agreement on how you are going raise your children whilst living separately and also agree on a fair division of your assets and any ongoing payments. If you are struggling to agree between yourselves, family mediation is the next step as it is a pre-requisite for going to court for a decision in most cases. But there are also other options outside of court if mediation breaks down or is not suitable for your situation. You can apply for a no fault divorce online via the Government website. The online process may work for straightforward divorces where you can agree the grounds for divorce between yourselves, where both parties are co-operating with the divorce and where there are no issues over costs and/or children. However, having a solicitor providing legal advice ensures that you are supported throughout the process which can help to reduce the emotional burden. A solicitor can also ensure that the forms are completed correctly so that there are no delays and increased costs incurred by errors made on the forms. If you have managed your own divorce online without legal help, it is worth nothing that you have still not actually finalised your divorce until you have dealt with your financial affairs. Some couples are able to negotiate and agree financial terms amicably, but a consent order is the only way you can ensure that any agreement reached is legally enforceable. The consent order records the terms of the financial agreement you have reached and legally severs the financial ties between you. Without a consent order from the court, there is the possibility that your ex could make a claim for a share of your assets, property, income or pensions in the future.
He's got to keep a roof over our heads hasn't he?
How soon can I file for a no fault divorce?
What am I entitled to in a no fault divorce?
Will I lose touch with my children?
Will we have to go to Court during our divorce?
What is a no fault divorce?
Will I need a solicitor for a no fault divorce?
This is not an exhaustive list but illustrates that the divorce itself may only be a small part of the legal process of relationship breakdown.
How do I file for a no fault divorce?
How long does the no fault divorce process take?
Is a no fault divorce 'cheaper’?
Do both parties have to agree to a no fault divorce?
What is the no fault divorce process?
Can I contest a no fault divorce?
Why do we need no fault divorce?
What happens about parenting and finance arrangements with a no fault divorce?
Can I file for a no fault divorce online?
We've divorced amicably and want to sort everything ourselves. What happens if we don't get a consent order for the finances?
Divorce and Children
Thank you for all your hard work and compassion with my matters.
Miss P, Chesterfield
Divorce
You can't begin to imagine how grateful I am to you. You have been matter of fact rather than thinking about the earning potential. You are a lovely women so thank you so so much.
Mrs L, Hasland
Excellent service. I would recommend Banner Jones for very helpful advice.
Mrs B, Berry Hill
Divorce and Family Law
Kelly was brilliant in how she explained things.
Mrs K, Arnold
Shetal Gudgeon was absolutely brillant dealing with my matter and have recommended her to friends going through the same thing. She is friendly and professional and made me feel at ease
Ms W, Chesterfield
Divorce and Family Law
I found the firm generally helpful, polite and a pleasure to deal with.
Mrs W, Stavely
Divorce
Exceptional service at a very reasonable cost.
Mr G, Forest Town
I would like to say a big thank you for your understanding at a very stressful time. You not only acted professionally but with great compassion. My family can not say in words how difficult a time we are having, and it means so much to have just a little kindness. No matter what the outcome today, you did a wonderful job.
Mr W, Swinton
Very pleased with the service provided. The Deed Poll process, fees etc. were all explained to me clearly by Kelly. All of the staff I dealt with were very helpful and professional. Thank you!
Miss B, Sheffield
Peter Jones is a very good solicitor, and helped and advised me to do what was best. He does not pressure you into taking his advice.
Mrs B, Boythorpe
Banner Jones Solicitors provided an excellent service in what was a slow and difficult divorce matter. The advice and persistence was very reassuring and eventually led to a good outcome.
Miss M, Chesterfield
Very efficient, friendly and professional. We would definitely recommend to friends and family. They made the whole experience problem free.
Mrs W, Mansfield
We’re really grateful for the work you did for us. 10 out of 10!
Mr & Mrs S, Bridlington
Very easy to make appointments, very personal service from all people at Banner Jones, my solicitor was very friendly and put me at ease. If I needed a solicitor again, Banner Jones would be the first on my list.
Mr C, Dronfield
Brilliant service, kept well informed all the way through the process. Would definitely recommend.
Miss H, Nottinghamshire
Cannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and cautious. Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.
Mr & Mrs D, Mansfield
Service provided was excellent. All the staff were very helpful, considerate and professional. I would highly recommend to friends and family.
Mr W, Nottinghamshire
I have always experienced complete satisfaction with Banner Jones and their services over the last 15 years.
Mr & Mrs R, Sheffield
My wife and I would like to thank you for representing us and achieving an outcome that exceeded our hopes and expectatons.
Mr & Mrs N
I would recommend Banner Jones Solicitors 100% to anyone. Completely trustworthy, efficient and kind. You can rely on them to do everything they possibly can to fight your corner and protect your interests. Banner Jones' team will also go the extra mile to help too.
Ms C, Chesterfield
Thank you once again to yourself and Graham for providing us with a fantastic service and if we need anything else in the future we will definitely come directly to you.
Mrs O, Mansfield
I just want to say thank you for your help and support with everything regarding my daughter It's just given me so much peace of mind, knowing that I had you representing me, and was prepared around all aspects of the case. Today has just allowed me to put the last few months behind me, and move forward with my life as a whole after a bad year. I can't wait to start spending some real, quality time with my daughter again, and actually get to watch her grow up.
Mr C, Chesterfield
Dear Peter, thank you for everything, especially your time in supporting me and most of all making me see sense.
Ms B, Chesterfield
A very big thank you to Peter Jones for the support, advice and guidance that you have given us over the last few months. Without fail, you have pitched your manner exactly right on each occasion, and I believe that you have definitley gone the extra mile and on more than one occasion!
On a personal note, I just wanted to thank you for guiding me towards the right decisions to help my daughter when my emotional involvement overshaddowed my commonsense! Amazing work!
Miss G
Thank you Peter for getting my baby back I won't ever forget you and what you did for us.
Miss M, Chesterfield
I just wanted to thank you for all your help and the support you have given during my recent divorce.
Mrs P, Sheffield
Very good. I am pleased with the outcome of it all.
Mr W, Wymeswold
Many heartfelt thanks for all you have done.
Mr M, Chesterfield
I am very happy and satisfied with the service you have provided and wish you all the best in life, with peace, harmony, health and wealth with abundance.
Thank you once again and may I also personally thank you sincerely for your compassion and sincerity throughout this difficult process.
Miss E, Sheffield
Really helpful. Able to discuss issues with a friendly, informative mediator and ex partner. Thank you for all your help. You have really helped us all xx
Mr G, Dronfield
I would like to say thank you for all your help and advice throughout this matter.
Ms B, Chesterfield
Thank you for everything you have done Kelly.
Ms M, Chesterfield
Thanks for your help and support for the last few years
Ms P, Chesterfield
After the 1st meeting my husband and I decided we could get together and we came to a mutual agreement on the financial situation and therefore didn't need further meetings, thanks to your initial help.
Mrs R, Grassmoor
You and value have been amazing with this case. I appreciate everything that you've already done and still doing. Seriously Shetal not sure I'd of got through the past 2 years without you both being strong for me and the children. Thank you so so much.
Ms S, Sheffield
Divorce is always a stressful affair, however Kelly Walters removed all this for me by handling the whole thing without fuss and very efficiently. Kelly understood my rather complicated requirements and managed everything perfectly, keeping me in the loop at every stage. People often fill these forms out and put top marks for every aspect without thought. In my case, I put excellent for all categories because every aspect of the service I received was perfect. Banner Jones are now my go-to solicitor for ALL my legal needs.
Mr W, Dronfield
Mr S, Grindleford
Very many thanks for your excellent and professional support
Thank you for your patience, understasnding and determination to help us get there eventually
Mrs S, Chesterfield
The family department at Banner Jones have just completed the legal arrangements in respect of my divorce. The service I received was exemplary and I wanted to write to you to let you know this. I have been pretty constrained in relation to availability to meet and most of our business has been done over email which I appreciated. Responses have been very timely, updates provided regularly, deadlines hit and fees reasonable. I contrast this with the service provided by a large law firm in Sheffield in the early part of the year and your approach and that of your staff to customer services, in my view, sets your firm apart. Your firm came to me through personal content by a friend and I shall be happy to do the same. Thank you again.
Mr C, Sheffield
I am speechless, I cannot thank you enough for taking this case on at such short notice and doing a fantastic job
Ms C, Nottinghamshire
Thanks for all your work and help on this Shetal, I really appreciate eveything you have done for me
Mrs R, Barlborough
Thank you for your assistance and work on this matter. I would be delighted to recommend Banner Jones to friends and colleagues when they require similar services.
Mr & Mrs B, Oughtibridge
I would like to thank you all for your help during this difficult time.
Ms P, Chesterfield
It was extremely convenient to be able to discuss my case with Kelly before work in the morning. This avoided us missing each other, did not interfere with my work day and I knew that if I had something to deal with during the day I could discuss it with her the following morning. Our lives have been turned upside down during the pandemic and as such we all have to work more flexibly. It was refreshing and reassuring to see Banner Jones Solicitors embracing this flexibility by responding positively and dynamically to their client’s needs and pressures.
Architect
It was extremely convenient to be able to discuss my case with Kelly before work in the morning. This avoided us missing each other, did not interfere with my work day and I knew that if I had something to deal with during the day I could discuss it with her the following morning. Our lives have been turned upside down during the pandemic and as such we all have to work more flexibly. It was refreshing and reassuring to see Banner Jones Solicitors embracing this flexibility by responding positively and dynamically to their client’s needs and pressures.
Mr Miller Director, Manchester
In the 2021 guide Shetal received this testimonial from a women's refuge;
‘Shetal Gudgeon has a long history of working with women fleeing domestic abuse. We recommend her to our residents because we like the manner and tone of voice she uses when communicating with our women. She makes them feel valued and important. She shows empathy and respect. This is something some of our women have never experienced. Our women need a certain kind of person as they have fled domestic abuse, lost their homes and sometimes children. They have complex needs and are dealing with trauma.’
Previously recognised as a recommended Family Lawyer in The Good Lawyer Guide – the independent guide to solicitors in England and Wales –She is well known for providing clear and practical advice described as “second to none” and leaving “no stone unturned”. She has also been described as “professional”, “welcoming” and “empathetic”. Shetal works closely with her contacts such as charities in the areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Women's refuge
- Director
- Solicitor
- Head of Family Law
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