- What happens once I have contacted a family lawyer?
- One of our dedicated family law team will meet with you in order to understand the facts of your individual case and what you would like to achieve. This is usually done in a first consultation, which in most cases will be for a fixed fee.
- Depending on the facts of your case and your requirements, we will then discuss with you the options available to you. This will be in the form of clear and concise advice whilst at the same time recommending the best options available to you.
- How much does a specialist family lawyer cost?
The cost of your case will depend entirely on your requirements and the specifics of the case.
At TWS Legal Consultants we will provide you with a clear cost estimate at the start of the process with transparency as to the approach used.
We ask that you complete an information form prior to attending the consultation so that your circumstances can be assessed effectively. The consultation also provides you with an opportunity to address the key points and questions in your mind.
Frequently asked questions relating to family law
- What cases can a family lawyer assist with?
A family lawyer specialises in family law and will be able to advise you on a wide range of services including divorce, all areas of financial provision – property, pensions, maintenance etc., child arrangements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic violence and more.
- When should I contact a family lawyer?
Whenever you feel you are in a situation where you need to seek legal advice, it always recommended to do so. Often clients will seek advice to clarify their position and rights and this does not automatically require them to instigate legal proceedings. Some clients are at the beginning of the separation or divorce thought process and want to find out more about the process and the implications. Others have decided which course of action they would like to follow and require legal assistance in pursuing the same.
- How does family law affect me?
Family law protects the rights of all those in a family, whether that be adults or children. We at TWS Legal Consultants understand that family issues can be both complex and sensitive and decisions cannot be rushed. As family lawyers we assist clients with their legal and also emotional issues and can provide you with bespoke legal advice to suit your individual circumstances.
- What is the process if I want to get divorced?
Our family lawyers are experienced in dealing with different jurisdictions and can provide you with the advice you need to decide whether you wish to divorce in the UK or the UAE. We will be able to advise you as to what you need to do, how long the process will take and what the total cost is likely to be.
There are similarities between a Sharia divorce and a UK divorce, whereby an application needs to be made at the local courts. The benefit of starting the process is that you retain greater control over the divorce timetable.
- Do all child custody and contact arrangements need to be formally approved by the court?
In most jurisdictions, even if the couple is in agreement, an agreement relating to children and finances will need to be ratified by the court as matter of procedure.
- What if my spouse and I cannot agree over contact between the children and finances?
In cases where agreement is absent in the first instance, mediation is a form of dispute resolution employed by family lawyers to assist the parties in amicably settling their differences.
- How do assets and income get divided in a divorce?
Assets include property, pensions, bank accounts, investments and savings. When deciding to separate assets, it is always more cost effective and time saving to reach an agreement outside of court. The various techniques used in achieving this include solicitor negotiation, mediation or round table meetings. Both parties usually provide voluntary financial disclosure of all their assets and liabilities, after which negotiations will take place via the respective solicitors engaged by both parties. Any agreement should be recorded in an agreement and lodged with the court.
If parties fail to reach an agreement then the decision-making power is transferred to the court by making an application and the judge will decide how to divide the assets.Differences aside, it is widely recognised across jurisdictions that in deciding family or matrimonial matters, the best interests of the child of the family should be of paramount importance and at the forefront of considerations for the court and parties involved.
Contact us on +971 4 448 4284 or email on info@twslegal.ae to speak with a member of our family law team.