Family Law | Divorce | Children

Family Law

Couchman Hanson has expertise across a wide range of Family Law matters. We offer a free initial consultation meeting with one of our specialist Family Law solicitors. In this meeting you can discuss your situation and then come to a decision on if you would like instruct us. We are able to do initial meetings remotely (by phone or video) or in person.

Our Family Law Solicitors are all members of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers who believe in a constructive approach to family law matters.

At Couchman Hanson, we know that every client situation is different and often complex requiring a personal and professional approach.

Our Family Law team can help you with:

• Separation

• Divorce (including no-fault divorce)

• Specialist pension advice on divorce

• Children Arrangements

• Pre and Post Nuptial agreements

• Co-habitation

• Grandparents & Grandchildren

• Resolving Financial issues

Divorce and Separation

For anyone considering a divorce or separation, or finding themselves in this situation, this is a very emotional and stressful time. There are often associated challenges with needing to look after children affected and rearrange finances to suit new arrangements. Having a supportive and competent solicitor can make the seperation and divorce process smoother. We put special emphasis on being compassionate and understanding of all our clients’ needs as well as resolving issues as quickly as possible with as little stress as possible.

Children Arrangements

When a family unit breaks down this can cause immeasurable distress, anxiety and upset for children. Couchman Hanson has expertise in this specialist area of Family Law. Any arrangements put in place for your children need to be in their best interests and workable for all parties concerned. We work to put in place the best possible arrangements for children and seek to do this in as compassionate and non-confrontational a way as possible.

Co-habitation

Co-habitation, meaning couples living together who are not married or in a civil partnership, is an increasing trend in the UK. Co-habitating couples don’t enjoy the same rights as married couple, no matter how long they’ve been together. If you are already co-habitating, or considering doing this, then you need to think about protecting your rights. A co-habitation agreement can be used to capture the details of the arrangements between you and your partner.

Mediation

In family law, mediation is a process where two separating partners can talk about future arrangements for children and finances in a neutral setting with the help of a professional mediator. This would usually involve one mediator working with a couple in one room to help them make decisions for the future. The mediator is not there to judge or to tell either side what to do, only to facilitate communication.

There is also a style of mediation known as ‘hybrid mediation’. With hybrid mediation, the mediator can bring other family professionals and experts into the process. This can include the lawyers for both parties’ to offer help and advice. It can also include shuttle mediation, where the mediator spends time with each party on their own.

Agreements made during mediation are not legally binding. However, your solicitor can take what you agreed at mediation and use it to prepare a consent order, which formalises your arrangements.

Mediation has many benefits, and at Couchman Hanson, we often recommend it as a way of resolving your separation without going to court. We offer both traditional and hybrid mediation and can recommend experienced and knowledgeable mediators.

Get in touch with us

If we can help you with any of the Family Law areas listed above, please call us or email using our online enquiry form. We have a Family Law solicitor based in each of our offices.

Haslemere office: 01428 774756
Crowthorne office : 01344 203217
Farnham office: 01252 881993
Email: familylaw@couchmanhanson.co.uk

Read our Family Law articles

If you need further information on Family Law matters and have a few minutes to spare, please have a look at our Family Law articles.

What is family mediation and why do we recommend it?
What is hybrid mediation?
Explaining no-fault divorces

5 Ways Cohabiting Couples Can Protect Their Rights

Online Enquiry

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Any information provided by you in this form will be processed in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found here. The information you provide will be only used by us to administer your enquiry and any response. Use of this form does not create a solicitor-client relationship and information transmitted will not necessarily be treated as privileged or confidential. If you are a client, please get in touch with your usual firm contact directly for the most timely response.

Our Family Team

Would Recommend ★★★★★

I would totally recommend Couchman Hanson Solicitors. I have used them over the last 3 years for various legal matters. They have given me a lot help and advice with a professional, efficient but friendly approach. I would not hesitate to use them again.

- Marilyn, 5th March 2026

Caring and Considerate ★★★★★

I had a very positive experience with Sarah Watts. She was calm, clear, and professional throughout, helping me avoid unnecessary conflict and stress. Her initial session was great value, and she explained everything in a way that made sense. She worked constructively with the other side, kept things efficient, and billed fairly. Divorce is hard enough — having someone who knows the law, works well with mediators, and keeps things from escalating made all the difference.

- Andrew, 13th October 2026

Divorce and financial matters ★★★★★

I can’t thank Emily enough for guiding me through a very challenging time, with her expertise and reassurances She was able to walk me through step by step allowing me to understand the process.

- Martin, 24th June 2026

Great experience ★★★★★

I couldn’t recommend Gavyn & the service that he provides enough! Gavyn made himself available at short notice when I had questions that I needed answering. He helped reassure me with my case and prepared me in the best way possible to give the confidence to represent myself in court. I sincerely hope I won’t need to however if I needed a solicitor in the future then Gavyn would be the man for the job!

- Jonathan, 23rd September 2025