Partner Rachel Horman heads up one of the only department of its kind in the North West. Our aim is to get victims the protection they need as quickly as possible. We are able to see victims straight away rather than make them wait for a vital appointment and generally we will get them into court within 24 hours. We obtain emergency Injunctions (click for fact sheet- guide to family matters) which can prevent the perpetrator coming near the victim and can even obtain orders forcing the perpetrator to leave the house. The injunction orders can be made against partners or former partners even if they have never lived together and against family members such as parents, in-laws and older children.

Breach of an injunction is now a criminal offence punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment.

See Legal Aid and Criminal Injury Claims.

Children are often the forgotten victims and we regularly obtain injunctions protecting the children and preventing the perpetrator from removing the child from the victim’s care. We also deal with cases where the court is asked to suspend or prevent contact altogether between the child and the perpetrator due to the risk to the Client or child.

We liaise closely with local refuges and domestic violence groups and can arrange to see clients in the refuge or at home if they are unable to get into the office.

Contact Rachel Horman for a confidential discussion

CHILDREN



Issues regarding the children are often the most worrying and at Watson Ramsbottom we pride ourselves on finding the best possible solution to your situation in the quickest time possible. Often we will make an emergency application regarding the children the same day so as to ensure the best interests of the children are protected. We will ensure that you are kept fully informed and always take your concerns seriously – you are best place to know what is best for the children after all.

We have fought and succeeded for many clients in this area including mothers, fathers, grandparents and step-parents in relation to Contact (formerly access) including enforcing contact orders and preventing contact, Residence (formerly custody), Prohibited steps, Specific issue orders, Child abduction cases, Permission to remove from the jurisdiction and Change of name applications.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY



Parental responsibility allows a parent to make important decisions for a child such as which school they should attend, what surname they should have and to give consent to medical treatment. It is a concept involving the status of a parent. It generally falls to be considered where the parents of children have not been married. The mother of the child automatically has parental responsibility for her child. However the father of the child does not automatically have parental responsibility.

Where a child is born before 1st December 2003 and the parties are not married, the father does not automatically acquire parental responsibility.

Where a child is born after the 1st December 2003, the father will automatically acquire parental responsibility, but only where he is registered as the child’s father on the birth certificate.

Where the father does not have parental responsibility, the father and mother may agree that the father has parental responsibility and enter into a formal agreement confirming this. However, if it is disputed, the father may have to apply for a Parental Responsibility Order. As in all other cases, the interests of the child will be regarded as of the first importance in determining whether such an Order should be made.

FORCED MARRIAGE PROTECTION ORDERS



Forced Marriage protection orders are like Injunctions and can be granted to prevent a client being forced into a marriage in the UK or abroad, and also after a forced marriage has taken place to protect the client if he or she then wants to leave the forced marriage. Orders can be made against several family members and the court can also order that the victims passport is surrendered to the court for safekeeping if appropriate.

Clients do not have to be 18 to obtain an order. Breach of a forced marriage protection order is punishable in the county court and although not a criminal offence can result in up to 2 years imprisonment.

SOCIAL SERVICES INVOLVEMENT



If you have social services involved with the children we can help steer you through this worrying time. Allan Pickup heads up the childcare department and has over 30 years experience in this area as well as being a part time Judge. We have a team of experts available at short notice to attend meetings and or court with you to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact Allan Pickup.

DIVORCE AND DISSOLUTION OF CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS



Here at Watson Ramsbottom we believe that divorce doesn’t have to be acrimonious. Mediation is encouraged and we look to achieving the best possible result for the client in the fastest timescale.

Divorce is rarely the only issue and we also deal with any children or financial matters which may also arise.

Contact Ryan Bickham for more information.

FINANCIAL AND PROPERTY



The courts look at various considerations in deciding who should get what upon separation and the law is different depending on whether you were married or simply living together. We can advise what the likely outcome would be in your particular case and how best to achieve your preferred outcome regarding the finances. Our advisors are skilled negotiators and ensure that you get the best deal possible with the minimum of animosity. Mediation is almost always recommended but if your case cant be settled through negotiation we aren’t afraid fight your case in court.

We can also advise with regard to child maintenance and child support applications.

Contact Ryan Bickham for more information.

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS



Although not necessarily always binding the courts are looking at these agreements more and more especially where the marriage or civil partnership is relatively short. It makes sense to consider a prenuptial before getting married particularly if you have more capital than your intended spouse. Our lawyers can advise as to whether a prenuptial is recommended in your particular circumstances and draw up the document quickly.

Contact Ryan Bickham for more information.

COHABITATION



The law surrounding this area is constantly evolving and our advisors pride themselves upon being ahead of the game. Whether the property is held in joint names or just in your partner’s name you may well be entitled to monies from the property. It is also possible to make financial claims against the property on behalf of the children and this is something that we can advise you fully on.

Contact Ryan Bickham for more information.

WILLS



If you need advice in relation to family matters the chances are you will also need a will. A will can state who should look after your children in the event of your death. Marriage makes any previous will you have signed invalid. A will can make sure that your ex partner does not inherit your wealth in the event of your death.

Contact Stuart Maher and see our Private Client section for more information

LEGAL AID (PUBLIC FUNDING)



We are proud to have had a high quality Public Funding franchise for many years. We are able to grant emergency Public Funding to enable clients to get to court the same day if appropriate. Even though you are employed and not in receipt of benefits you may still qualify for public funding and it is worth speaking to us as we are able to calculate this for you in a matter of minutes. We offer public Funding in the following areas:

• All family disputes
• Employment
• Housing
• Criminal Injuries
• Debt
• Wills

Contact Rachel Horman.