Matrimonial & Family

We offer an initial FREE meeting to discuss your options either in person, over the phone or online.

At Dawson Hart we understand that any relationship breakdown is an emotional and difficult time for all involved. Our team are experienced in dealing with the issues that arise and will provide practical and clear advice that is tailored to you and cost effective.

All members of our team are members of Resolution, an association of family lawyers committed to a code of practice which promotes dealing with all family matters in a constructive way.

What the team is known for

Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, international publications  which research and rank lawyers, say of the Dawson Hart Family Team:

“Respected team specialising in complex financial issues connected with relationship breakdown. Also experienced in private children law, including Schedule 1 applications and cases of parental alienation. Represents professional clients from a range of industry sectors. Committed to resolving disputes outside of court where possible, with team members who are qualified mediators and arbitrators, as well as collaborative lawyers.

Strengths One client notes: "The team is very approachable and focused on achieving the very best results for its clients. In my opinion it offers excellent service and good value for money."

Another source lauds the team as "diligent, knowledgeable and warm."

Interviewees find this to be an "excellent firm" that is "efficient and cost-effective."

Mahie Abey has invaluable experience in high-value matrimonial finance matters. "He is an outstanding lawyer who quickly grasps the key issues and provides an excellent service to his clients," says a source, adding that "he seeks pragmatic and workable solutions."

Caroline Bourn wins praise from clients for "her ability to inspire confidence, to reassure and to go through layers of legal detail forensically, yet still retain her warmth and humour." She acts on a broad array of family law issues, including both matrimonial finance and private children law matters."

Our services include the following areas (further information is available by clicking on the links on the right hand side of this page):-

• Divorce
• Financial Arrangements
• Children
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Property Disputes for Cohabiting Couples
• Financial Provision for Children of Cohabiting Couples
• Civil Partnerships
• Prenuptial and Post Nuptial Agreements
• Separation Agreements
• Personal Protection
• Collaborative Law
• Private Hearings and Arbitration

How much will it cost?

We want to be as transparent as possible regarding the likely costs of your matter. There are some areas of work where we can give you a clear idea of costs. For example, a straightforward divorce would cost around £600 to £800 plus VAT and a Court fee which is currently £58.

If you and your partner have agreed all of the financial matters and simply wish for us to draw up the legal documentation, the costs are likely to be between £1,000 to £2000 plus VAT and a Court fee which is currently £58.

However, where there is a dispute between you and your partner about financial matters or matters relating to the children it is much harder to give a clear idea of the total likely costs because many different factors will determine how much time and work might be needed before your case is resolved.  

We charge our time on an hourly rate, which currently ranges from between £250 to £350 per hour plus VAT. The hourly rate depends on the level of experience and seniority of the solicitor that you choose to instruct. 

In the initial FREE meeting, once we have learnt a bit more about you and the circumstances of your matter, we will be able to give you some clearer guidance as to what the likely costs will be, as well as what route we think would be most appropriate to enable you and your partner to resolve all the matters arising from the breakdown of  your relationship as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.