Family Law Solicitors in Reading

Family matters are rarely just legal problems. Whatever has brought you here, a separation, a question about the children, or simply wanting to protect what matters, you want clear advice and someone steady in your corner. Our family law solicitors in Reading give you exactly that: practical guidance, genuine support, and a sensible way forward.

Call us on 0118 951 6200 or get in touch via our online enquiry form. Your first conversation is confidential, and there is no obligation.

What is family law?

Family law covers the legal issues that arise when relationships change, divorce and separation, dividing finances and property, arrangements for children, and agreements such as prenuptial and cohabitation agreements. A family law solicitor advises you on your options and represents your interests, whether in or out of court.

At FSP, we help individuals and families across Reading, Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley, as well as families across the country from Cornwall to London, to the North of England, resolve these issues with as little conflict as possible. Every case is different, and so are the people behind it, so we tailor our advice to you rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Family law touches some of the most important moments in life, and the decisions you make now can affect your finances, your home and your relationship with your children for years to come. Our role is to give you a clear picture of where you stand, set out the realistic options, and help you choose the path that protects what matters most to you. Wherever possible, we look to resolve matters by agreement; it is usually quicker, less costly and far less stressful than going to court.

Family law services we offer

Our family and matrimonial team advises on the full range of family law issues. Each service below links to a dedicated page where you can read more.

Divorce and separation

We guide you through the no-fault divorce process from start to finish and deal with the financial settlement that runs alongside it. We also advise unmarried couples and those who wish to formalise a separation without divorcing.

Financial settlements on divorce

Dividing finances fairly is often the hardest part of a separation. We advise on dividing property, pensions, savings, businesses and investments, and on securing a financial consent order so the agreement is legally binding. We are experienced in complex cases involving company shareholdings, trusts and high-value pensions, and the team is recommended by the Armed Forces Pension Society for armed forces pensions on divorce.

Arrangements for children

When parents separate, the priority is a stable arrangement that works for the children. We help you agree on where they live and how time is shared, and we represent parents in disputes where agreement is not possible. We also handle complex and international children’s cases, including matters reaching the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Family mediation and non-court options

Going to court is rarely the best place to start. Where it is right for you, we help you resolve matters constructively through family mediation and other forms of non-court dispute resolution, such as collaborative law and Resolution Together, which are often quicker, calmer and more cost-effective. All our lawyers are members of Resolution, committed to resolving disputes without unnecessary conflict.

Protecting your position: family agreements

Clear agreements prevent disputes later. We prepare and advise on prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, separation agreements and declarations of trust, practical ways to set out expectations and protect property, savings and business interests, whatever stage your relationship is at.

How we work with you

We keep the process clear and the next step obvious, so you always know what is happening and why.

  1. First conversation: We listen to your situation, explain your options clearly, and agree on a realistic plan. This first call is confidential and without obligation.
  2. Clear advice and costs: We set out the likely steps, timescales and costs up front, and match the right level of lawyer to your matter so you are not paying for more than you need.
  3. Resolving it: Wherever possible, we resolve matters by agreement, through negotiation, mediation or another non-court route, and only go to court when it is genuinely the right call.
  4. Making it final – We tie up the legal loose ends, such as a financial consent order or a child arrangements order, so your agreement is properly documented and secure.

From experience, the early decisions matter most. Taking advice before you sign anything, move out, or agree to a financial split can protect claims you may not realise you have, for example, against a pension or a jointly built business. We would always rather have an early, low-key conversation than be brought in to unpick an agreement later.

Family law solicitors in ReadingFamily law solicitors in Reading and across Berkshire

Our office is at 1 London Street in the centre of Reading, and we act for clients throughout Berkshire and the Thames Valley, including Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury, Maidenhead, Henley-on-Thames and Oxford, as well as clients further afield, from London, Surrey, the South Coast and the North of England.

We know the local courts and the local context, and we offer appointments in person, by telephone and by video, whichever suits you best. As one of the largest family teams in the area, we can usually see you quickly when time matters.

Why choose FSP for family law

Our family team is one of the largest in the Reading area and has been top-ranked in independent legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for many years. That depth means we can match the right lawyer to your matter and your budget.

  • Resolution members: Every family lawyer is a member of Resolution and follows its constructive, non-confrontational code of practice.
  • Armed forces pension specialists: Recommended by the Armed Forces Pension Society for our expertise in military pensions on divorce.
  • Quality assured: Lexcel accredited and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
  • The right level of expertise: From newly qualified to the most senior level, so you only pay for what you need.
  • A full-service firm: Your Wills, Tax and Trusts team, Residential Conveyancing team and Employment Law team are all under one roof for joined-up advice.

Ready to talk to our family law solicitors?

Now that you have a sense of how we can help, the next step is a simple conversation with our family law solicitors in Reading. Call 0118 951 6200, or get in touch via our online enquiry form. We are based at 1 London Street, Reading.

What does a family law solicitor do?

A family law solicitor advises on the legal issues that arise when relationships change. This includes divorce, financial settlements, arrangements for children, and agreements such as prenups and cohabitation agreements. They explain your options, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed.

How much do family law solicitors cost?

Costs depend on the type of matter and how it is resolved; agreed outcomes through mediation cost far less than contested court proceedings. At FSP, we set out likely costs at the outset and match the right level of lawyer to your case. Please get in touch for a tailored estimate.

What should I look for when choosing a family solicitor in the UK?

When choosing a family solicitor, look for genuine expertise in family law, membership of Resolution, which commits them to a constructive, non-confrontational approach, and recognition in independent directories such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. It matters just as much that they set out costs clearly and that you feel comfortable talking to them, since family matters are personal as well as legal. Our Reading family team meets all of these.

Do I have to go to court for a family matter?

No. Most family matters are resolved without a final court hearing. Options such as mediation, collaborative law and arbitration often reach a fairer, faster outcome. Since April 2024 the family court expects parties to have seriously considered non-court dispute resolution before issuing a claim.

Can FSP help with other legal needs at the same time?

Yes. As a full-service firm, we can coordinate your family matter with related needs such as updating your Will, transferring or selling property, or advice on a business, pension or tax issue, giving you a single joined-up service.

How do I start?

Just get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation. We will listen to your situation, explain your options clearly, and set out the likely next steps and costs so you can decide how you would like to proceed.

Legal 500 UK
"The family team is an extremely cohesive group of stellar lawyers, led by the first-class Bethan Thomas."
Legal 500 UK
"Stand out team, who provide flawless legal advice, great team work and an empathetic approach."
"Field Seymour Parkes is professional, knowledgeable and caring. The team provides great support, timely responses and is always available."
"Field Seymour Parkes is an extremely cohesive and well-led team that provides excellent service to its clients."
"Field Seymour Parkes are experts in their field."
"They take the best approach possible for each individual client."
"The lawyers at Field Seymour Parkes have excellent communication and are always very friendly."
"Field Seymour Parkes gave prompt attention to all matters and advised me of all progress."
Legal 500 UK
"A strong family law team with excellent client care and expertise in complex international cases, including in the High Court and Court of Appeal."
“Their replies are quick and prompt, communication is very good and everybody is professional yet compassionate to my case.”
"The team at FSP are always proactive in helping their clients. They look at the big picture."
"The team stands out for its people, knowledge, application of knowledge and retaining humanity through the process."
"The case they presented was prepared and executed perfectly."
"The team was extremely fast to respond and ensured any response was fully thought through and to the point."
"The team was supportive, helpful and professional."
Legal 500 UK
"There was plenty of time for discussion and a fair degree of flexibility to have calls and discussions at a time that suited me. There was lots of clear explanation of the process."
Legal 500 UK
"I felt FSP were a cohesive and well-integrated series of specialist teams who worked well together for my case."
Legal 500 UK
"This strong team was further strengthened by the arrival of Bethan Thomas. They now have really able people at all levels. As a consequence they have the ability to provide a first class service for all types of family work."
Legal 500 UK
"Thorough and experienced matrimonial finance lawyers who are a match for any London firm. FSP are tenacious when they need to be, but also keen to reach a resolution provided it is in the best interests of the client."
"FSP has a formidable team of solicitors dealing with family law. They provide a highly professional, sympathetic and practical approach to all of their cases."
"They are a very reputable team in the Reading area. They are extremely experienced and deliver excellent client care to their clients. They are also lovely people to work with."
"FSP are frequently instructed in complex high-value cases. They quickly grasp key issues and develop strategies accordingly and early on in the management of the case."
Family law solicitors in Reading
"FSP’s Family team is first-class and the advice is correct for every given situation."
Family law solicitors in Reading
"The Family team is technically very strong and able to deliver services in a human way."

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