Your trusted family law solicitors for divorce, children and family matters
As long‑established family law solicitors with offices at 6 Park Place, Cardiff (CF10 3RS) and a dedicated family law team, Robertsons Solicitors has been helping families across South Wales for over a century. Our Lexcel‑accredited team advises on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, cohabitation and separation agreements, civil partnerships and international family law. We can meet you in person at our central Cardiff office, hold video consultations or provide initial advice by phone on 029 2023 7777.
Why choose Robertsons Solicitors in Cardiff?
- Experience and accreditation: Established in 1903, Robertsons has over 100 years of experience and holds Lexcel (Law Society) accreditation. This means we follow best‑practice management standards and deliver high‑quality client care.
- Personal service: We listen to your individual circumstances and explain your options clearly. Whether your case involves a straightforward divorce or complex financial and children issues, our solicitors offer practical advice and robust representation.
- Local knowledge: Our team regularly attends hearings at the Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre and knows the procedural nuances of Welsh family courts.
- Full‑service firm: In addition to family law, we have departments for conveyancing, wills and probate, employment, litigation and education law. This allows us to support you beyond the immediate family issue, for example by updating your will after divorce or handling a property sale.
Our family law solicitors in Cardiff
Divorce and financial settlements
- No‑fault divorce: Couples can apply jointly or individually for a no‑fault divorce. You must have been married for at least one year and meet residency or domicile requirements. The court will issue a conditional order after a minimum 20‑week reflection period, followed by a final order six weeks later.
- Financial orders: We negotiate settlements on property, pensions and spousal maintenance. Where necessary we apply for financial orders to ensure a fair division of assets.
- High‑net‑worth cases: Our expertise in business valuations and complex assets helps to protect your interests. Making us family law solicitors with exceptions expertise.
Children matters
- Child arrangements and parental responsibility: If parents cannot agree on where the children will live or how much time they spend with each parent, we can help you negotiate an agreement or apply for a child arrangements order. We also assist grandparents and other relatives seeking contact.
- Relocation and international issues: We advise on applications to relocate children abroad or within the UK, and cases involving abduction or international contact.
Cohabitation and separation agreements
- Cohabitation agreements: Unmarried couples do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. A cohabitation agreement can record how you and your partner will manage property, finances and children during your relationship and if you separate. We ensure both parties receive independent legal advice so the agreement is more likely to be upheld in court.
- Separation agreements: Married or cohabiting couples who do not wish to divorce immediately can agree to live apart and set out arrangements for property, maintenance and children. The agreement should be fair, supported by full financial disclosure and signed as a deed.
Cohabitant property claims
If you jointly own a home or have contributed to its purchase, you may be able to claim a beneficial interest under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. As family law solicitors, we advise on whether you are joint tenants or tenants in common, and how resulting or constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel may apply.
Frequently asked questions about family law in Cardiff
How long does a divorce take in Wales?
There is a minimum 20‑week period between issuing the divorce application and receiving the conditional order, and a further six weeks until the final order. Complex financial negotiations may extend this timeframe.
What does a cohabitation agreement cover?
It typically covers who owns the property, how bills and household expenses will be paid, and what happens to property and savings if you separate. It can also include pensions, personal possessions and arrangements for children.
Do unmarried couples have “common‑law marriage” rights?
No. Cohabiting couples do not automatically rights over each other’s property. Claims are decided under trust law, and rights depend on how the property is owned and each partner’s contributions.
Where is the family court in Cardiff?
Most family hearings take place at the Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre, 2 Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1ET. The court deals with divorce, financial and children matters and has Welsh‑speaking judges and staff.
If you have a question not covered here, please call us on 029 2023 7777 or use our online contact form to arrange a confidential consultation.
Our legal services for Cardiff
- Divorce & Civil Partnership Dissolution in Cardiff – how to start a no‑fault divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, timelines and local court information.
- Financial Settlements & Property in Cardiff – dividing pensions, property and savings, spousal maintenance and consent orders.
- Children & Parental Responsibility in Cardiff – child arrangements orders, parental responsibility, welfare checklist and specific issues.
- Cohabitation & Separation Agreements in Cardiff – rights of unmarried couples, cohabitation agreements, separation agreements and TOLATA claims.
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements in Cardiff – protecting assets before and after marriage, enforceability and key steps.
- Domestic Abuse & Protection Orders in Cardiff – non‑molestation and occupation orders, how to apply and support available.
