Out of Court Divorce Services

We understand that divorce is not just a legal process, it’s an emotional and often difficult experience. Not every separating couple needs to go to court, where it can work our aim is to help you reach a fair and practical settlement without the stress, cost, and conflict that often comes with going to court.

Our specialist family law team offers a range of out of court solutions designed to keep conversations constructive, reduce tension, and put you in control of the decisions that matter most.

Negotiating your divorce settlement outside of court

Focus on open discussion rather than going to court, and save money by avoiding lengthy litigation.


How Can We Help

No two families are the same, and neither are divorces. Our family law team will take the time to listen, understand your situation, and help you choose the option that feels right for you.

Whether that’s the supportive team environment of Collaborative Law, or the shared journey of Resolution Together, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law provides an alternative to court proceedings during divorce or separation, helping both parties make arrangements for their children and finances whilst reducing the potential for conflict and animosity.

Replacing the emotionally charged context of the courts, Collaborative Law allows you to resolve any differences you have in a private and supportive environment. At Taylor Emmet, we are well-positioned to support you with the complete Collaborative Law process, with our Head of Family Law, Michaela Evans, being a specially trained Collaborative Lawyer.

Resolution Together

Resolution Together is a way of working that allows qualified lawyers to provide joint, impartial legal advice to separating or divorcing clients. This ‘one couple, one Solicitor’ ‘two client, one Solicitor’ approach comes after the implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, which allows couples, for the first time, to make joint applications to end a marriage together.

Resolution Together is a comprehensive client service provided to a separating couple by our Resolution Together specialist, Michaela Evans, ideal for those who want to manage their separation or divorce together. This method can be effective for couples who are separating amicably.

Resolution Together differs from the traditional way of dealing with a divorce, where each party has their own lawyer. With this approach, both clients can receive legal advice from Michaela on an equally beneficial basis.

Taylor Emmet is currently one of only a small number of firms in Sheffield that currently offers the Resolution Together service.

Michaela, one of the first solicitors in the country trained in the Resolution Together method introduced the service amid increased demand from separating couples keen to resolve matters together in a cooperative, cost-effective way, and it sits alongside the wide range of other services the firm offers, including collaborative law and traditional representation.

If you’d like to explore your options, our approachable team is here to listen. Contact us today for an initial conversation about how Taylor Emmet can support you through your divorce.

We have Family Law Solicitors near you

If you are interested in understanding how Taylor Emmet can help you with your family law issues then please contact us.

0114 218 4000

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More Family Law Services

Life isn't straightforward, and we know that things don't always go to plan. But when they don't, it's important to have agreements and plans to negate the need for court action, especially regarding your family.

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Divorce and Financial Settlements

Securing your financial future following a divorce or civil partnership dissolution will understandably be one of your top priorities. We know that this can be a daunting prospect, which is why we are here to support you in negotiating a financial settlement that protects your current and future interests.

Our Family Law Solicitors and lawyers are experienced in supporting clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, including high-net worth individuals who require advice on their financial rights and responsibilities.

Where required, our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers at Taylor Emmet can also work in tandem with our Property, Trusts and Corporate specialists to offer a comprehensive service to make sure that every detail has been accounted for.

Divorce and Civil Partnership

No matter the circumstances, a divorce or civil partnership dissolution is always like to be a difficult time, with a range of emotional and practical challenges to overcome. While the process of obtaining a divorce has been streamlined with the introduction of The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, it is still vital that you have an expert on your side to help you navigate the process with confidence and to ensure your financial security is not put at risk.

Our expertise ensures that we can advise you on every aspect of your divorce or civil partnership dissolution, from the formal application process through to additional arrangements for your finances and children.

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements may not seem like the most romantic notion on the surface. Equally, many people may believe that such an agreement is only accessible for the rich and famous. This is far from the case.

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements have grown in popularity in the UK, and for good reason. For many couples, these types of agreements can be a highly effective way of determining how assets will be handled during a future separation, reducing the potential for disruptive and costly disputes.

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can provide bespoke advice in relation to pre- and post-nuptial agreements, helping you to consider what should be included, or respond to any documents that have been sent by your partner.

Child Arrangements

Making arrangements for your children in the wake of divorce or separation is extremely important. While in many cases couples are able to come to a voluntary agreement, there may be situations in which an application to court is required.

Our team will work alongside you to establish what arrangements are best suited to you and your children, ensuring that you have the support you to achieve a resolution, including in situations where a court order will be required.

Cohabitation Disputes

Despite popular belief, cohabiting couples do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This can have a range of potential consequences, particularly in the event of a future separation.

Cohabitees have minimal protection during separation, so it is vital that you understand exactly where you stand and what your options are if you find yourself in a cohabitation dispute with your former partner.

Our Family Law specialists can advise you on your position and responsibilities, as well as guiding you through the necessary steps to take to protect both yourself and your children.

Collaborative Law

The Collaborative law process is a method of dispute resolution that can act as a viable alternative to court proceedings during divorce and separation. During collaborative law, both parties appoint a Solicitor who is specially trained to support them during round table meetings, agreeing on the practical details of the separation.

You can arrange an initial meeting with our collaborative lawyer Michaela where she can take a closer look at your circumstances and determine whether it is a suitable process for your separation.

Resolution Together – 1 Lawyer, 2 Clients

Resolution Together is a new initiative designed to allow a single Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer to work alongside a couple jointly, as opposed to one individual, during a divorce or separation.

This method of resolution is likely to be ideal for a wide range of separating couples, including those that intend to make a joint application for divorce.

Taylor Emmet is currently one of a small number of firms in Yorkshire that offer the Resolution Together service.

Domestic Abuse

In every instance, your safety, and that of your family, is paramount. Our empathetic Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers have substantial experience and, with members of our team Resolution specialists in handling cases of domestic abuse - we understand the impact domestic abuse can have on the health of you and your family.

We will handle your case with sensitivity and tact, guiding you through all of the legal options that are available to you, including applying to the court for orders under the Family Law Act 1996. We have a legal aid contract, which means we are able to offer legal aid for anyone eligible.

Separation Agreements

There are many reasons why formal proceedings won’t be the right option for couples who intend to separate. Whether it’s because you are undecided about the current status of your relationship, or you simply wish to try a temporary period apart from one another, it is sensible to consider the alternative options that are available – such as a separation agreement.

Separation agreements are legal documents which couples can prepare, confirming the practical arrangements they have made following a separation. They can be used by married couples, civil partners, and cohabitees.

Child Support

Our Family Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help ensure that you are able to find a solution that provides the right level of financial support for your children now and in the future.

We understand how sensitive matters involving your children are likely to be. As such, we are committed to promoting an amicable approach to resolving any disputes that may arise surrounding child support, avoiding lengthy legal battles wherever possible. That said, if court proceedings are required to find a solution, you can be certain that you will receive robust representation and diligent legal advice.

Frequently asked questions about Family Law

What is family law?

When we talk about ‘family law’, we are typically discussing any legal matters that are related to family relationships. This could involve marriages, civil partnerships, cohabitation, parents and children, and the individual arrangements that are made in relation to these relationships.

Family law can also cover various other matters, such as change of name and domestic violence.

What does a Family Solicitor or Lawyer do?

Family Solicitors and Lawyers play a vital role in helping individuals, couples and families to navigate the various hurdles they may be confronted with when dealing with a legal matter.

Exactly what role a Family Solicitor or Lawyer will play will vary from case to case. In addition to providing legal advice that confirms someone’s rights, responsibilities and options, a Family Solicitor can also help parties in dispute to work towards a fair and just resolutions, as well as providing representation during court proceedings.

How much does a Family Solicitor cost?

The fees you may be expected to pay for family law services from a specialist Solicitor or Lawyer will vary from case to case and will depend on a wide range of factors. Once we have a clearer understanding of what your case involves and the level of support you require, our team will be able to advise you further on what the likely costs will be. Legal aid may also be available in certain circumstances, depending on your eligibility.

How can we avoid going to court?

There are a number of methods of dispute resolution which can all be used to help avoid the prospect of having to head to court.

At Taylor Emmet, we are the only firm in Sheffield to offer the full range of options, meaning we are well positioned to help you find a solution to your matter while keeping conflict to a minimu.

Our expertise includes Collaborative Law and Resolution Together, all of which our team can advise you on in detail.

Is it better to have a Solicitor in the family court?

There may be a situations whenre it is necessary to take a case to the family court in order to achieve an outcome that is in theyour best interests of you andand those of your children. In every case, it will always be more beneficial to have a dedicated Family Law Solicitor or Lawyer on your side, who will be able to understand the intricacies of your case and the legal processes involved, significantly increasing your chances of achieving a positive outcome.

Why choose us?

Taylor Emmet Solicitors in Sheffield

SHEFFIELD CENTRAL
0114 218 4000

SHEFFIELD SOUTH WEST
0114 218 4000

ROTHERHAM
01709 916961

DRONFIELD
0114 218 4000

PEAK DISTRICT
01629 812613

LONDON & SOUTH EAST
0203 838 9000

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