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