We offer a free, no obligation consultation to answer your questions and discuss your needs and goals. You can book a free appointment by calling us on 01509 270288 or via email here.

At BWS Law, we understand that family law matters can be emotionally challenging and complex. Whether you simply want to know your position for the future, are facing the consequences of a relationship or marriage breakdown, need advice about children’s issues or domestic abuse, or want help with a family law document such as a nuptial agreement, our expert team is here to offer compassionate guidance and representation. We are equipped to assist with a wide range of family law matters.

Here's how we can help

Separation and divorce/dissolution

Our experienced family law solicitors provide comprehensive support throughout the divorce or separation process, including same sex marriages, helping you to navigate complex legal and financial considerations while safeguarding your interests. We can talk to you about your rights and the divorce process before you make any decisions and assist you with the application from the outset through to the final stages.

You may want advice about a separation agreement and our experts can talk to you about that too.

Children matters including living with and contact arrangements - ‘Child Arrangement Orders’

BWS Law recognises the importance of putting the best interests of children first. We support clients in matters relating to children where parties need help to agree where the children should live, who they should spend time with and on what terms, following the unfortunate breakdown of a relationship. It is widely recognised that children can suffer the effects of a separation/divorce if it is not handled sensitively and properly. Our team are specialists in ensuring that any impact on children is kept to a minimum wherever possible.

We work closely with other family professionals and will guide you through discussions with your ex to try and reach an agreement. That might include engaging the help of a family mediator.

We can help you to draw up a parenting plan agreement or to obtain a Court order if necessary.

Prohibited Steps Orders, Specific Issue Orders and Parental Responsibility

Sometimes families need other remedies where children are concerned. A prohibited steps order is an order to stop the other person from doing something without the other’s consent or permission of the court. This might include taking a child out of school, relocating the child(ren), changing their name or to prevent medical treatment, amongst other things. A specific issue order is an order to compel the other person to do something, for example return the child(ren) to the primary carer’s care, hand over passports, to allow a name change, or to attend a certain education provider, amongst other things.

Where a person needs or is entitled to parental responsibility, our team can help with applications for an order, declarations of parentage and parental responsibility agreements. That can include other family members that have care of a child such as stepparents, grandparents and other guardians.

Special Guardianship Orders

Our specialist Solicitors have the knowledge and experience to advise and assist clients in obtaining Special Guardianship Orders. A Special Guardianship Order provides for a child’s long-term care where they cannot be cared for by their parents. This is often grandparents, other family members and long-term foster carers. As part of the process, we will assist clients in ensuring they receive the right support from the local authority prior to and after the order is made. We do not offer legal aid but we often secure private payment of legal fees through the local authority.

Financial Settlements

Our team provides expert advice and negotiation skills to help you achieve a fair financial settlement following a divorce or separation. We take into account your individual circumstances, including capital assets such as property and savings/investments, businesses, income and pensions, as well as ensuring that any debt is shared appropriately, to protect your financial future.

Our specialist solicitors we help you navigate the often emotionally fraught process of understanding the marital finances and how they should be divided fairly for everyone involved, keeping any children at the forefront.

We work closely with divorce coaches, mediators, financial experts and other professionals to ensure that we can help you achieve the best outcome on all fronts, so that you can rebuild your life, and the lives of any child(ren) for a positive future.

TOLATA and Schedule 1 applications following separation (unmarried couples)

Our expert team can advise and assist you to ensure that finances are dealt with properly following the breakdown of a relationship of unmarried couples. This might include distributing property or ensuring appropriate financial provision for children.

Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements, and Cohabitation Agreements

We offer guidance and assistance in creating agreements that protect your assets and clearly outline financial arrangements in the event of a divorce or separation. This can include a pre-nuptial agreement that will be prepared before a marriage, and post-nuptial agreements that can be created after the marriage has taken place.

Where parties do not intend to marry but wish to protect their assets, a cohabitation agreement can be drawn up.

These are all specialist documents, that if not prepared properly, will not hold the necessary weight if later relied on in court. It is crucial that you have these prepared by an expert solicitor such as a member of our team.  

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

If you are a woman or a man experiencing domestic abuse and need advice/assistance to protect yourself and/or children, or require a protective order such as a Non-Molestation Order or Occupation Order, our compassionate solicitors can help you obtain the necessary legal protections, prioritising your safety and wellbeing. You may wish to talk to one of our solicitors prior to taking any steps, to know your position, and we can help with that discreetly and confidentially.

Adoption and Surrogacy

BWS Law understands the complexities of adoption and surrogacy processes, to include obtaining Parental Orders where required. Our dedicated team offers support and guidance, ensuring all legal requirements are met as you pursue creating or expanding your family.

Paternity and DNA Testing

If there are questions regarding paternity, our solicitors can guide you through the process of obtaining DNA testing, ensuring accurate parentage is established and legal rights and responsibilities are addressed.

Change of name deeds

If you, or your child, would like to change your name, we can advise and assist you through the process of doing so, including contacting another person with parental responsibility to obtain their consent, and preparing the documentation. You will be provided with several copies to send out, and we can advise you as to where they need to be sent to.

Make An Enquiry

To find out more about how we can help you, please call us on now on 01509 232611 or Click here to make an enquiry.

Team Members

Contact our team

via this form or call 01509 270288

Comprehensive legal services for businesses and individuals in the East Midlands with over 40 years of experience.

Specialist Resolution Solicitors

Resolution is an organisation committed to following a non-confrontational and constructive approach. The Code of Practice promotes a constructive approach and considers the whole family, in particular the children.

At BWS Law, our empathetic and skilled family law team is committed to helping you through the challenges that can arise within relationships. We approach every case with sensitivity, offering practical solutions and clear guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact us today to discuss your family law needs and discover how we can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome.

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What our clients say about us

CHERYL W.
4 days ago
We have been dealing with Bird Wilford & Sale for many years and can highly recommend them. Very professional advice at very reasonable costs. First class service.
Orlaith G.
4 days ago
Updated review:

We have now completed on the sale aspect of the process. The 5 star comfortably still stands. Roy and Nicole were incredibly communicative, efficient and effective. We thoroughly recommend BWS. You would be in the safest of hands with their service.

....

We instructed BWS for the both sale and purchase of properties. We have now completed of the purchase element so I felt it was appropriate to provide some feedback. We worked closely with Roy and Nicole and we cannot thank them enough. They were communicative, available and importantly, very efficient. They worked diligently to meet our deadlines and communicate on our behalf. The online solution - Redbrick - was also great from the perspective of visibility and document sharing. We look forward to continuing to working with them on our sale.
Rachel C.
2 weeks ago
Chloe was really professional and her advice was very useful. I would definitely recommend her and BMS Law to my friends and family.
Tim S.
2 weeks ago
I highly recommend Chloe Shippley as an extremely experienced family lawyer she is concise, polite, practical, non inflammatory
and very fair in her charges. I have a lot of experience of other top named companies falling very short of the mark - so a strong recommendation from me.
sy C.
2 weeks ago
I am having a great help from BWS - Solicitors.
Chloe helps me go through the divorce step by step.
She recommended a seven stars barrister for my final hearing.
By the help of the both professional lawyers ,
Judge gives me 100% of the assets with some cash payment.
THANKS THANKS THANKS -- deeply from my heart !
Mar 2026
Sanne V.
2 weeks ago
Clare has been amazing. We're first time buyers and were in a long chain, and she was always super proactive and honest throughout the whole process. Thanks for making the move so much easier!
Tracy M.
2 weeks ago
I would definitely recommend BWS Law for conveyancing. Their quote and subsequent fees were transparent and honest. Communication was excellent and their research on the property thorough.
Dan
3 weeks ago
I had a great experience using BWS law. Clare and her team were fantastic from start to finish. Constant communication, fast response and extremely helpful. They made my 1st house purchase easy, fast and stress free. I would highly recommend this firm and I shall only use them in the future.
Joely R.
3 weeks ago
Really positive experience. Speedy response, professional and supportive.
Sally D.
4 weeks ago
Nahida at BWS Law worked with us over eight months on Conveyancing matters.
She answered and actioned our emails and queries promptly and in a detailed manner. One was particularly complicated and her great skill in dealing with this was much appreciated. Throughout she kept us informed of progress at all times, especially when other agencies were slow. We appreciated her positive attitude and skill.