Family Law Solicitors

During life’s difficult times, our Family Law Team will be there to listen, guide and reassure you through the consequences of the breakdown of a family relationship. With branches throughout Cheshire and Manchester, we are the Solicitors that care, right there on your doorstep.

In a world where it would appear that answers to all your questions can be found online, we believe that there is no substitute for advice tailored to your own particular situation, which is relatable, accurate and straightforward.

We aim to get to know you, to understand your needs and objectives. By building a relationship with you based on trust and understanding, we aim to ease the emotional, and practical, burdens that come with making life changing decisions.

Butcher & Barlow believe in access to justice for all and offer a free initial assessment for most family law issues, after which we will assess your case, explain how we can help and discuss funding options. Our team is also keen to achieve a positive outcome without the need for court proceedings if at all possible. We also offer legal aid contracts where appropriate to provide cost-effective advice, and affordable, fixed-price fees wherever possible.

We pride ourselves in remaining robust yet non-confrontational, which we find can reduce costs and cause less stress for our clients.

Our experienced Family Team is made up of members and accredited specialists of family law associations including Resolution and the Law Society’s Children Law and Advanced Family Law Panels. These accreditations recognise the specialist knowledge and expertise that our family law team has in all aspects of Family Law.

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss your situation, whether that be by video, telephone or in person, please get in touch with any member of our team. Alternatively, complete our Enquiry form by clicking the link and we will call you back as soon as possible.

How can we help you?

Whether as a result of breakdown of a marriage, a civil partnership, or a relationship where you have not been married, our team can help you resolve outstanding financial issues. If you have reached an agreement with the other party, we will assist you in getting this written into a Court Order which is binding on both parties and prevents any further financial claims. Where no agreement is reached, we will talk to you about the benefits of mediation, and if necessary, guide you through the court process. Find out more here.

From the issuing of the divorce proceedings through to the grant of the decree absolute, our team will guide you through the procedure as quickly and efficiently as possible, whether you are the applicant or the respondent. It is also important that we talk together about related property and financial issues, as well as issues relating to children. Find out more here.

Research has proven that if issues concerning the children can be agreed amicably and positively, this benefits the children. We therefore aim to resolve any disputes without the need to attend court, which can be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you are a mother, father, grandparents, step parents or other relative, our team can provide advice and assistance relating to contact, residence, injunctions, parental responsibility, adoption and special guardianship orders. Find out more here.

Sadly, domestic abuse is an issue in a large number of relationships.  Domestic abuse can include physical abuse and also emotional or financial abuse.  At Butcher and Barlow, our supportive team are able to advise on these sensitive issues and the support that can be put in place to assist you and your children if you are victims of domestic abuse. This includes applying to the court for non-molestation orders and occupation orders (injunctions). These orders can protect you and your children from domestic abuse and protect your occupation of a home.

In cases where Children’s Services (Social Services) and the Local Authority are involved with your children, our specialist care team can guide you through the process, whether a parent, grandparent or family friend.

 

Relationship agreements are legally prepared documents designed to give protection in the event that things do not work out as intended. They can be in the form of a Cohabitation Agreement if you are thinking of moving in together and sharing living costs, or a prenuptial agreement, whether for a marriage or a civil partnership. To ensure they are legally binding contracts and therefore enforceable, it is essential that they are prepared by a legal expert and executed in accordance with their instructions.

Entering into a marriage marks an exciting new chapter in your life. Regardless, it does come with potential complications for your finances. To ensure that you have the right protections in place, and feel more comfortable moving forward, entering into a prenuptial agreement may be a sensible decision. Find out more here.

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    Finances

    What is a Separation Agreement

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    Finances

    Prenuptial Agreements

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    Finances

    A guide to spousal maintenance

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    Children

    Grandparents rights

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    Children

    The role of a child in a court case

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    Divorce and Dissolution

    Divorce and the family farm

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    Kevan Hankinson

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    Claire Jackson

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    Angela Gleave

    Partner

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    Meet the
    Family Law Team

    Our people are what makes Butcher & Barlow what it is. Each one of our team is committed to building a solid, long-lasting working relationship with our clients across Bury, Manchester and Cheshire.

    Family Law Insights

    Who Gets the House in a Separation?

    Read more
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    How To Navigate Divorce

    Read more

    What our clients say about our Family Law Service

    From the start, I felt Tiffany instantly understood my situation and empathised. She explained everything to me clearly at a point in my life where everything was very confusing. Tiffany went out of her way to be responsive and communicative. Tiffany outlined the costs and gave me options for Barristers. She communicated with the Barristers in a timely manner and I felt everyone was kept in the loop and aware of what was going on at all times. I could never have navigated these waters without the team I had, and I am incredibly grateful that Tiffany was my Solicitor throughout this awful time. I would definitely recommend Tiffany if you are looking for an efficient, responsive and experienced Solicitor.

    Ms B

    I couldn’t recommend Tilly Hardy and Catherine enough! What has been one of the hardest situations of my life was made a little easier with Tilly and Catherine representing me. I am extremely grateful and can not fault them at all. Throughout the whole process, both were understanding, professional and always at the end of the phone when needed! I will be forever grateful for them being on this journey with me. I couldn’t have done it without them.

    Adrienne

    I am so happy I chose Butcher & Barlow to obtain my financial order for my divorce. From the first contact, I was confident that I was being given the correct information and that the advice given was in my best interests. Tiffany and Dianne have given a great service, quick to respond to queries and always professional and kind. I have really appreciated feeling that I had reliable representation that was great value for money and would choose to work with them again without hesitation.

    Ms C

    This firm is outstanding.

    The Legal 500 - 2025 Edition

    Butcher & Barlow have proven to be efficient, organised and client orientated. I engaged with Butcher & Barlow as part of a recommendation from a friend who has had positive experiences with the Firm. I find this Firm unique in that they have empathy with clients and are easy to communicate with. I am happy that I chose to entrust my case with this firm and highly recommend them.

    The Legal 500 - 2025 Edition

    Thank you for fighting my corner for me. Whilst I know it’s ’your Vocation’ I’ve felt as if you’ve gone out of your way and strived for the best outcome for me.

    Mr H

    Thank you to you all at Butcher & Barlow for everybody's hard and sympathetic work over troublesome times. I am now back working. I feel like a new or refreshed man.

    Mr T

    David is a very professional Solicitor. He explained everything very well. Whenever I needed to speak to him, he managed his time and listened to all my concerns and worries. I am very lucky to have him as my Solicitor. I absolutely recommend him, he is really good.

    H Nawaz

    We recently needed to consult a Solicitor regarding an aspect of Family Law. Upon advice, we booked time with Angela Gleave, of Butcher & Barlow. The whole process was simple and efficient. We found Angela to be easy to talk to, empathetic, extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. She offered sound advice, an alternative perspective and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

    Lisa

    The best Family Solicitor around in my opinion. I worked with my lead Solicitor Catherine, Nicola, who also represented me, and Laura and Mandy, for 10 months now and won my case. Always in the loop, very reliable and like I said, we won the case and got my daughter back full time!!! Thank you so much Butcher & Barlow. You really were my guardian angels throughout all of this.

    Caitlin