Every year at Higgins Miller Solicitors we are used to seeing an increase in new clients wanting to commence divorce proceedings in January. This can sometimes be because they have had a difficult time over Christmas with their spouse or simply because they want to make a new start along with the new year.
We will always discuss all of the options with new clients to see whether divorce is actually what they want. If necessary we will refer them to organisations such as Relate to see whether relationship counselling can help resolve their problems.
If the marriage is completely broken down then we will do our very best to help our client’s resolve matters in the most amicable way possible whilst still achieving our clients’ objectives. We also do what we can to minimise costs and we now offer a fixed fee divorce for £250 plus VAT to help our clients keep track of their costs as the process moves forward. We also offer legal aid subject to eligibility.
We also routinely refer clients to mediation only using court as a last resort. We find that if people can reach agreement on issues such as financial settlements and arrangements for children then they are far more likely to be successful. However, we do recognise that sometimes it is impossible to resolve matters in this way, particularly if the client’s spouse is unwilling to be co-operative and in those circumstances we able to offer full advice and representation in relation to court proceedings.
If you are looking for a family solicitor in Stockport then please contact us to arrange an initial appointment with one of our solicitors.
Divorce and Civil Partnership Dissolution At Higgins Miller we understand that a breakdown of a relationship can be a very traumatic time and we are committed to making the process of divorce or civil partnership dissolution as straightforward and stress-free as possible without incurring necessary costs. 
Financial Disputes Following the breakdown of any relationship we are able to offer advice with regard to how to resolve financial disputes. The law in this area is different in relation to married and unmarried couples and we are able to offer advice in both situations. 
Children Disputes When parents separate there can often be differences of opinion as to who children should live with and how much time they should spend with each of their parents. There are also often difficulties in relation to agreeing what decisions should be made for those children, for example which school a child should attend. 
Social Services and Care Proceedings We understand that when social services become involved in a family’s life it can be extremely stressful for parents and children alike. We aim to offer sensitive and useful advice at all stages of social services involvement with children and families both in and out of court proceedings. 
Protection from Domestic Abuse At Higgins Miller we are aware that there are people who are subjected to violence in their own homes on an all-too regular basis. We are able to assist victims of domestic abuse in quickly obtaining the protection that they need from their partners or ex-partners. 
Adoption At Higgins Miller we are able to assist in relation to all kinds of adoption case including step parent adoption, international adoption or adoption from care we will be able to offer advice on the best course of action for your individual circumstances. 
Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements Pre-nuptial agreements are a fast changing and developing area of law and the courts are becoming more and more willing to recognise them when resolving divorce settlements. 
Legal Aid and Funding your Case At Higgins Miller we are authorised by the Legal Services Commission to provide advice under the Legal Aid scheme in relation to all areas of family law and subject to eligibility criteria.