Family Law Case Studies Newcastle

We achieve the best possible outcomes for Newcastle clients seeking help with divorce

Many people in Newcastle and throughout Tyne and Wear receive assistance from the skilled and committed family lawyers at Stowe Family Law in matters involving divorce, separation, financial agreements, and child custody.

The case studies below show the Newcastle team's commitment to giving its clients the best legal advice and representation, under the direction of Partner Nicky Hunter.

The team will provide you the assurance and peace of mind you require, whether you are going through a challenging divorce, trying to achieve a financial settlement, or finding it difficult to agree on your child arrangements.

Collaborative divorce 

If a couple has problems agreeing on issues linked to their divorce, such as money, property, and children, collaborative family law can be an effective strategy.

The client is at the centre of the process, using the collaborative approach to divorce. While avoiding the courtroom, it emphasises people working through their problems to find the best solution for the entire family.

It differs from mediation, in that each party has a lawyer who has received collaborative law training at all meetings to ensure they always receive legal counsel. Additional professionals, such as financial advisors, auditors and valuers may be brought in.

Sessions involve in-person discussions between the teams of the parties to find solutions to disagreements.

A collaborative divorce uses a more relaxed, adaptable, and controllable process based on talk and agreement, which helps many couples avoid the stress and expense of the family court system.

Collaborative divorce trained Nicky Hunter often helps clients in Newcastle use this approach to reach a fair and amicable divorce agreement.

The tricky division of family heirlooms 

In financial proceedings during divorce, both parties are required to disclose all their personal belongings over the value of £500, including gifts and family heirlooms. 

Due to their significant sentimental value and occasionally monetary significance, the division of family heirlooms can be a particularly sensitive subject during a divorce.

Fortunately, disagreements about who gets to keep an heirloom are uncommon, because most people are considerate of each other's emotional attachments.

However, the division of family heirlooms became a point of controversy in a recent case handled by the Newcastle team.

In this instance, our client had inherited a valuable jewellery collection, including rare pieces of jade, passed down from her Grandma with an estimated independent value of £50,000.

The other party requested the collection be treated as a marital asset and taken into account while dividing assets in the divorce settlement.

Our client vehemently disagreed with this, believing the collection was a non-matrimonial item that should be kept as a family heirloom and passed down to her daughters.

The Newcastle team examined all the marital assets listed in the financial disclosure together with their client to determine whether a settlement could be struck.

Despite offering a fair solution to the issue, the other party rejected it. However, both sides agreed to participate in mediation to settle the dispute prior to family court proceedings and a judge's decision.

Thankfully, after careful negotiation in mediation, it was agreed that our client would keep the jewellery collection and that the husband would receive a larger amount of the couple's furniture and antiquities.

The negotiations for the wider financial settlement could then continue. Once agreed, a consent order was put in place to make it legally binding and avoid future financial claims. 

Avoiding court proceedings 

Stowe Family Law handles most cases without family court proceedings.

Many couples work out their disputes amicably on their own or through negotiations between their lawyers. These agreements are then formalised as orders to make them legally binding.

There are several options available for couples who are having separation-related concerns, such as finances, property division, and child custody. Some of these options include mediation, arbitration, and collaborative family law.

These techniques have a much greater success rate, save everyone time and money, prevent misunderstandings between the parties, and promote future positive communication and relationships.

With their client's and their family's best interests at the forefront of any decision-making, the Newcastle team assists many clients in avoiding court procedures and concentrating on resolving issues with a constructive and collaborative approach.

At Stowe, several of our lawyers have received training to serve as mediators, arbitrators, and collaborative lawyers. The Newcastle team also has access to a network of other experts who can help you settle your dispute outside of court.

Get in touch with the Newcastle divorce lawyers at Stowe Family Law

The largest family law firm in the UK, Stowe Family Law, has more than 60 offices across England and Wales.

The legal staff at the Newcastle office in Tyne & Wear assists numerous clients in navigating the challenges brought on by a partnership breakup, including divorce, separation, child custody disputes, pension troubles, and separation agreements.

Partner Nicky Hunter, and lawyers Sarah Crilly and Hollie Morgan and the rest of the Stowe team in Newcastle, can help with any family law matter.

Contact our Newcastle Team of family lawyers today on 0191 816 2056.