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 Call Now - 020 7100 6100Excellent 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.”
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“I was very impressed with your quick and efficient service with regards to prenuptial agreement. Would highly recommend”
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“I would wholeheartedly recommend Grayfords to anyone experiencing problems with contacting their children.”
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“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.”
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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.
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Grayfords Knowledgebase
5 Signs of an Abusive Relationship
In relationships, the lines between normal ups and downs and signs of something more harmful can sometimes blur, especially when emotions run high. Abuse is not always visible, and it does not always leave a mark you can see. It is often subtle, creeping into everyday interactions and creating a pervasive sense of fear, isolation, and self-doubt.
Understanding the hallmarks of an abusive relationship is a crucial first step toward seeking support, whether for yourself or someone you care about. Here are five signs that often indicate an abusive dynamic and steps to take if they feel familiar.
If you recognise these signs in your own life, remember that there is support available. Speaking up and seeking help can be challenging, but reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can be a crucial first step toward finding safety and clarity. Resources such as domestic abuse hotlines, legal support, and therapy can provide guidance and support.
At Grayfords, we understand that dealing with an abusive relationship can be complex and deeply personal. Our compassionate team of family law professionals is here to provide guidance and support for anyone facing such challenges. Whether you need legal advice, a safe space to talk, or a roadmap for moving forward, we are here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us at 020 7100 6100 for a free initial consultation – because no one should have to face this journey alone.
How to Freeze Out Financial Manipulation in Divorce
Divorce can be an emotional and challenging time, especially when financial disputes arise. In some cases, one spouse may attempt to hide or spend assets to limit the share available to the other. This tactic, known as asset dissipation, can leave the other partner-facing significant financial loss. Fortunately, UK family law offers a powerful tool to prevent this kind of financial manipulation: the freezing injunction.
Freezing injunctions (or “freezing orders”) are court orders designed to “freeze” certain assets so they can’t be moved, sold, or hidden during divorce proceedings. This step can be invaluable in protecting both parties’ financial interests and ensuring a fair settlement. Here’s a closer look at why freezing injunctions are used, what they involve, and how they protect families during this delicate time.
If you believe that your spouse is dissipating assets, seeking legal advice as early as possible is essential. A family law solicitor can help assess the situation, gather necessary evidence, and recommend steps to protect your interests. In some cases, they may suggest involving a forensic accountant, who can help trace and confirm suspicious financial activity.
Taking action early can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement. With a solicitor’s guidance, you can determine if a freezing injunction is right for your circumstances and act before assets are put beyond reach.
If you have concerns about your financial security during a divorce, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today at 020 7100 6100 for a free initial consultation – we are here to help you secure a just and fair resolution.
Divorce Tactics to Be Wary Of: Dissipation of Assets
Divorce can unfortunately bring out the very worst in people, and so it is essential to go into this process with a keen awareness of the potential ‘tactics’ that one spouse may choose to employ against the other to gain an upper hand – particularly when it comes to finances. One such tactic that frequently crops up in contentious divorces is the dissipation of assets.
Simply put, this term refers to one spouse intentionally depleting marital assets in an attempt to minimise the share that will be available to the other party as part of their financial settlement. Below, we’ve further explored this underhanded ploy so that you can learn how to spot any warning signs of a future ex-partner choosing this course of action, and also be aware of what legal recourses are available to combat it or minimise any negative outcomes if it has unfortunately already occurred.
What Exactly Is the Dissipation of Assets?
In the context of divorce, “dissipation of assets” means that one spouse has sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of assets that form part of the marital property to be considered in any financial settlement. This dissipation often occurs during or shortly before divorce proceedings as one spouse tries to prevent the other from benefiting from these assets, thus incurring a financial loss for them. The most common ways to dissipate such assets include selling them at undervalued prices, making unusually large gifts to family or friends, or transferring funds to hidden bank accounts.
Note that although this tactic may be appealing to those who are hoping to gain the financial upper hand in a divorce, courts are experienced at recognising this kind of behaviour and putting a stop to it. If a court does find that assets have been dissipated without any legitimate justification, then the spouse responsible can face serious penalties that will affect their share of any financial settlement.
The Warning Signs of Asset Dissipation
Now that we understand what this nefarious tactic involves, the importance of recognising the signs of asset dissipation is crucial to be able to act quickly and prevent any such financial losses before they happen. Although you may not be able to control all spending of your soon-to-be ex-spouse (routine daily expenses are of course exempt after all), you can take measures to restrict certain behaviours that indicate a clear intention to deplete assets. Below are some key warning signs to watch for when it comes to such behaviours:
- Out-of-Character Purchases and Spending Sprees: Sudden, uncharacteristically lavish spending—like luxury shopping, high-end vacations, or excessive gifting—is a strong indicator of dissipation of assets.
- Unplanned Asset Sales: Quickly selling property or valuable items, especially if below market value, can be a tactic to turn these assets into cash, which is harder to track in financial proceedings.
- Large, Unexplained Withdrawals: Unusually high withdrawals from shared accounts or savings, with no clear purpose, may signal an attempt to transfer funds to hidden locations.
- Gambling: Although it may be a coping mechanism for some, gambling can also be used to “hide” or “lose” assets, thus diminishing the marital pot significantly.
- Increased Gifting to Family or Friends: Making significant gifts to close friends or relatives can also be an attempt to transfer wealth out of the marital pot temporarily.
If you witness any of these actions from an estranged spouse, especially if they are inconsistent with their typical spending habits, then this could suggest an attempt to dissipate assets. However, bear in mind that you will need to have concrete evidence to support any suspicions of such unreasonable financial behaviour if you are going to take any legal action.
Legal Remedies to Combat Asset Dissipation
The first thing to do if you suspect that your spouse is dissipating assets is to consult a family law solicitor as early as possible. They will be able to help you understand what steps are necessary to combat this behaviour quickly and effectively, and they may also suggest involving financial experts like a forensic accountant if need be. In England and Wales, there is legislation in place that allows courts to issue protective measures in the event that a real, imminent risk of asset dissipation is at hand. These include:
- Freezing Injunctions: The most common measure, this order freezes the spouse’s ability to access or control assets, preventing further depletion. Your spouse may not be notified about this injunction immediately to prevent them from moving assets before the order takes effect.
- Payment Orders to Court or Solicitor: Another protective measure, this can require the spouse to pay a set amount to the court or a solicitor, ensuring funds are safeguarded during proceedings.
While these orders provide protection, you should be aware that they do carry some risk. For example, if the court finds later on in proceedings that the injunction was in fact unnecessary or not well-founded, you may become responsible for your spouse’s legal costs. This is why it is crucial that you always seek legal advice first to ensure that you have the relevant evidence before making such a claim.
What Should You Do if Dissipation Has Already Occurred?
If assets have unfortunately already been dissipated by your spouse, you may still have some legal recourse. Courts have the authority to ‘add back’ dissipated assets to the marital pot by accounting for their value in the financial settlement. Where possible, they may also be able to reverse any relevant transactions that occurred as part of dissipation of assets. Courses of action available in such circumstances include:
- Recovering Misallocated Assets: If a spouse gifted money to family members, the court might recover those funds if they’re accessible.
- Notional Add-Backs: If the court can’t recover dissipated assets, they may adjust the financial settlement by treating the spouse as though they still have the missing assets.
- Larger Share of Remaining Assets: If the assets can’t be recovered or added back, the court may grant the affected spouse a greater share of what’s left.
These options enable courts to provide fair financial compensation to both parties in a divorce, even if one spouse has attempted to manipulate the division of assets. However, it is important to note that if assets were lost through irreversible methods (such as gambling losses), a notional ‘add-back’ might be the only feasible option available.
At Grayfords, our team of family law solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with contentious divorces that involve a vast array of complications arising from disputes over finances and child custody matters. We can provide you with expert legal strategies to protect your interests and guide you through the divorce process, while also supporting you on a personal level alongside our consultants specialising in private client law, mediation, and therapy. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today on 020 7100 6100 to book your free initial consultation and find out more about how we can help.