Excellent Family Lawyers in London
Our expert team of family solicitors at Grayfords have built an unrivalled reputation over the past decade, delivering a modernised and caring approach to the legal profession’s traditional methods. As a result of our unique approach, we have achieved a remarkable 91% success rate in resolving contentious matters, consistently achieving the outcomes our clients deserve.
At our firm, we understand the importance of being available when you need us. That’s why we offer one of the longest initial free consultations in the country, additionally providing ‘360-degree access’ to our solicitors which allows clients to contact them at will across multiple platforms, including WhatsApp and LinkedIn. Whether you require legal guidance for family matters, personal support as you navigate a family conflict, or help with financial planning in relation to these areas, our team is here to help. We can offer legal options, ease confusion, provide answers to common questions, and even assist you in switching firms if need be.
Based in central London and with direct access to regional courts, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the South East, including Reading, Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol, with a focus on family and private client law.
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Our Holistic Approach
Specialised Service
At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. In the realm of family law, we understand the...
Time for you
At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always access...
Strategic Partnerships
At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental...
Regular Catch-up Strategies
At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. As experienced family and private client lawyers, and...
Offering More Than Just Legal Support
The wellbeing of our clients is at the core of our ethos at Grayfords and we understand the importance of having a robust support system in place that goes beyond just the legal practicalities of managing your family matter. Whether you are facing a divorce, separation, child custody matter, or any other interpersonal conflict within your family, our team of specialists are here to support you on a personal level should you need.
Still unsure about whether Grayfords is right for you? Take a look at what our clients have to say about us:
“Sheata went beyond the call of duty countless times, and most importantly really understood what I was going through. Thank you so much!”
RGoldberg
“Highly recommended – would recommend to a friend anytime! Special thanks to Sheata for making the toughest point in my life much easier to handle and generally the whole process run so smoothly.”
blue50
“I was very impressed with your quick and efficient service with regards to prenuptial agreement. Would highly recommend”
ewalker76
“I would wholeheartedly recommend Grayfords to anyone experiencing problems with contacting their children.”
patricia125
“I really appreciate and agree with your comments. Thank you for your asistance.”
John Bennie
“Many thanks again for all yours, Sheata’s and all at Grayfords work over the last year to resolve my custody and divorce settlements.”
Mr J
“Grayfords went above and beyond to help me through a difficult time in my life. Sheata was always at hand to answer any of my questions or concerns.”
Mrs T
“Dear Sheata, I have received the withdrawal order from the high court. I truly appreciate all the hard work during a tumultuous time for me. Thanks again for your help.”
Y
“Dear Sheata, thank you very much for giving me at least a little positivity and hope with your last email. I wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Kind Regards, Ms V”
Mrs V
“Efficient and friendly family Law firm. I can not thank Sheata enough for all the help. She was superb over a number of months, providing great advice and ultimately achieving a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Grayfords.”
L.
Our Leadership Team
Guided by principles of honesty, quality work and client service, our select leadership team is committed to producing the best results for clients. At Grayfords, our handful of renowned specialists are driven by the shared vision of success, not fees. Our wealth of knowledge in family law and commitment to clients ensures we deliver practical solutions to the most difficult situations.
- Senior Partner
- Partner
- Head of Private Client Law
- Solicitor
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Grayfords Knowledgebase
Before You Say Goodbye: 3 Key Things to Consider Before Divorce
Divorce is a deeply personal and often life-altering decision, one that touches every aspect of your life – your relationships, your family, and your future. While the idea of ending a marriage can bring a sense of relief for some, it also comes with emotional, financial, and practical complexities.
Before taking this significant step, it is worth taking the time to reflect on the broader implications and ensuring you are fully prepared for what lies ahead. Divorce isn’t just a legal process; it is a journey that involves careful thought and planning.
In the UK, divorce involves several stages – both legal and personal. From filing the divorce petition to negotiating financial arrangements and childcare plans, each step requires careful thought and planning. However, before starting the formal process, there are a few important points to reflect on:
Divorce is never an easy decision. It is a deeply personal moment that can feel overwhelming, with emotions running high and uncertainties about the road ahead. But taking time to reflect on your options and consider the practical and emotional impacts of this decision can make all the difference.
By thinking through your family’s needs, your financial future, and the possibility of reconciliation, you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that feels right for you.
At Grayfords, we understand that divorce isn’t just a legal process – it is a life-changing event. Our team is here to provide guidance and support, helping you navigate each step with compassion and care, so whether you are ready to move forward or still exploring your options, we are here to ensure you don’t have to face it alone. Call us today at 020 7100 6100 for a free initial consultation – because thoughtful decisions lead to better outcomes, and we are here to help you make the right one.
Love, Trust, and the Fine Print: What a Prenup Really Covers
When it comes to prenuptial agreements, people often misunderstand their purpose. It is easy to think of them as unromantic or even as a sign of mistrust, but in reality, a prenup is about something much deeper – it is about planning for the future and protecting what is important to both of you.
A prenuptial agreement allows couples to have open, honest conversations about their finances, assets, and goals before they say, “I do.” It is a way to ensure that both partners feel secure as they enter one of life’s most meaningful commitments.
Our infographic highlights the key areas that a prenuptial agreement can address. Below, we take a closer look at these areas, sharing why they matter and how they can actually strengthen your relationship.
While prenups can address many important issues, there are limits to what they can include. For example, in the UK, prenuptial agreements cannot decide child custody or support – that is up to the courts to determine based on the child’s best interests. Similarly, any terms that are deemed unfair or unreasonable may not be upheld by a judge.
Far from being unromantic, a prenup is a way for couples to show mutual respect and understanding. It allows you to plan for the future together, ensuring that both partners feel protected and secure. Think of it as a foundation for open communication – a way to start your marriage on solid ground.
If you are considering a prenup, our family law team at Grayfords can help you craft an agreement that reflects your individual needs and circumstances. Call us today at 020 7100 6100 to book your free initial consultation, because love and trust deserve a plan for the future.
What Questions Should I Ask My Partner Before Getting Married?
Marriage is often described as a lifelong conversation, one that continually evolves and deepens as you come to know your partner more and more intimately for who they are over time. As wonderful as this journey is, making such a serious lifelong commitment to someone is no laughing matter as the legal implications of a failed marriage can be significant, should things unfortunately turn sour between the two of you.
This is why you should take the time to first ask your partner some key questions about their expectations in marriage if you want to pave the way for a successful and enduring partnership. The importance of open and honest communication to understand each other’s values, expectations, and beliefs cannot be understated here. To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of essential topics to explore with your partner before saying the words, “I do.”
1) What Are Our Non-Negotiables?
Everyone will have a set of core needs and non-negotiables when it comes to how they navigate relationships. Whether these relate to personal habits, their career goals, or simple lifestyle choices, ensuring you discuss these points openly will help to build mutual respect for what each of you needs to thrive in life. For instance, are there hobbies or friendships that one of you isn’t willing to give up after marriage, or does one of you want to live abroad at some point?
Career ambitions and how they will intersect with family responsibilities are also very important to clarify here. If you plan to have children, being in agreement about which one (if any) of you would be willing or best placed to take a step back professionally to focus on raising them is key. It is also advisable to discuss how you might handle any unexpected demands, like a sick child or a career opportunity that requires relocation.
2) How Do We Define What Commitment Means To Us?
Commitment can take a variety of forms which can look notably different from couple to couple. As such, the subject of fidelity is an important topic to explore as many marriages often come to a screeching halt over conflicting views surrounding this.
For example, emotional and digital infidelity are grievances that are increasingly being cited as a reason for divorce amongst separating couples, so ensuring that you both clearly define what you classify as cheating is absolutely necessary. Conversations around whether physical intimacy is exclusive to your marriage are also important to cover. You may wish to be completely monogamous, or perhaps you want an open relationship – but one that exclusively allows for emotional intimacy between just the two of you, instead of with other sexual partners. Finding what works for the both of you and honouring this will help ensure long term success in your relationship.
3) How Will We Deal With Money and Finances?
It is no secret that money matters are a common source of tension in relationships – and, in fact, they are often the most contentious part of divorce proceedings, taking up the most amount of time to be resolved in court. It is therefore essential to discuss your financial commitments and expectations in marriage from the outset.
Questions such as do you prefer joint or separate accounts? How do you approach saving, spending, and managing debt? And whether you would like to put in place a prenuptial agreement before getting married are all key points to explore. Remember that when you marry your partner, all your assets can be swept up into one ‘marital pot’, and this includes any financial ties such as debt. Full transparency about both of your current financial statuses is therefore essential if you want to avoid any uncomfortable surprises later on in your marriage.
4) What Are Our Views on Parenting and Children?
If you’re planning to have children, aligning your intentions for this chapter of your life as early as possible is crucial. Differing expectations and/or parenting styles can cause immense strife within a marriage, so make sure to tackle questions like how many kids do you want? When do you ideally want to have children? And will you pursue biological children, adoption, or surrogacy if necessary? Don’t hesitate as well to dive into parenting philosophies so you can both be clear about what you envision when raising/disciplining your children and how you intend to share childcare responsibilities.
Speaking of family, marriage often combines yours and your partner’s families, so it is important to discuss how involved each of your in-laws will be in your lives moving forward. For example, you should explore your preferences surrounding how often you will visit them and whether or not grandparents should be involved with childcare. Aim to establish clear boundaries surrounding holidays, family gatherings, and other significant events to avoid any unnecessary conflict in future.
5) How Do We Handle Conflict and Are Our Values and Beliefs Aligned?
Conflict is of course inevitable in any relationship so take time to reflect on how disagreements were handled in your family growing up and share these experiences with your partner. You will need to understand each other’s default conflict style—whether that is calm discussion, avoidance, or heated arguments— if you want to successfully navigate disagreements in a constructive way.
You should also consider whether there are any areas of your lives that may be particularly prone to conflict between the two of you. Aligning yourselves on core values and beliefs can strengthen your bond, so be sure to discuss your political views, stances on social issues, and your priorities in life to be sure you are truly compatible for a long-term relationship. Note: if religion or spirituality is important to either of one you, it is extremely important to explore how it will influence your marriage and the way you raise children.
How Does One Navigate These Conversations?
Many of the topics covered above may seem daunting, but showing bravery in addressing them with your partner is ultimately non-negotiable if you want to build a truly solid foundation for your marriage. With that said, these discussions are understandably quite intense, so aim to space them out naturally, such as during quiet evenings or after watching a relevant TV show or movie that naturally sparks conversation. The goal is to foster honest and respectful dialogue in approaching these subjects and not to overwhelm your partner with what may seem like a ‘checklist’ of ground to cover.
At Grayfords, we believe in enabling people to thrive within their relationships and our family law solicitors can help you to build a legal framework that supports this goal. Whether you need assistance with a prenuptial agreement, financial arrangements, or a simple cohabitation agreement, our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7100 6100 today and book in your free initial consultation to find out more.
