Bad behaviour & divorce — does an affair affect the financial settlement?
We explore how adultery and other forms of misconduct fit into the current divorce framework and when behaviour affects the financial settlement.
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Family law and divorce solicitors in Preston, Lancashire
Based in Bamber Bridge near Preston, our award-winning Lancashire family law team provides expert advice on divorce, child law, financial matters and modern family issues.
0333 004 4488
family@brabners.com
Family law services we offer in Preston and Lancashire
Our nationally-recognised team is one of the largest in the North, giving you peace of mind with the best legal expertise on your case.
We provide strategic, bespoke legal advice and guidance covering all areas of family law:
- Alternative dispute resolution — a quicker, more cost-effective alternative to traditional court proceedings, ADR can help you achieve an effective result in respect of financial and child disputes, even in complex cases.
- Child arrangements — we're deeply experienced and have a highly successful record in all manner of child law matters. This includes complex child-related disputes, abduction and relocation.
- Co-habitation — contrary to popular belief, couples who live together don't enjoy the same financial rights as married couples. To safeguard your interests and achieve financial security, we can help cohabitees to draft a cohabitation agreement.
- Divorce and financial settlements — most divorces are straightforward, though others can be more complex, particularly if there's an international element. We can guide you through the entire process, safeguarding your interests and helping you to achieve financial security.
- Fertility, surrogacy and parenthood — our preeminent team has helped to shape fertility law in the UK by acting in several important cases. Whether you're exploring routes to parenthood or have an issue arising from your family’s circumstances, we can help you too.
- Pre- and post-nuptial agreements — while prenup and postnup agreements are pragmatic ways of safeguarding your assets, negotiating terms has the potential to raise tensions. We can walk you through every stage.
Not only can family law be personally challenging — it’s often a time of great emotional upheaval for all involved — but the various aspects of family law can be complex and highly specialised.
We adopt an empathetic, bespoke, outcome-oriented approach. As well as being recognised leaders in their respective fields, our Lancashire family law team contains members of Resolution, meaning that they promote a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family — placing the needs of any children at the heart of the process.
We handle cases of all shapes, sizes and complexities. This includes disputes involving significant assets and investments, including property, businesses and pensions.
Our team will work closely with you to understand your case, walk you through all the options and put together a bespoke strategy aimed at achieving the best possible end result — enabling you to move forward with confidence.
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Award-winning Lancashire family law and divorce solicitors
We're one of the largest, most decorated family law teams in the North. For several years running, we've been acknowledged in The Times Best Law Firms, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Our Lancashire-based solicitors include Helen Marriott, a 'Hall of Fame' lawyer and Spear's-recognised qualified arbitrator who brings over 30 years of experience across family law matters, as well as Partner Chris Fairhurst, a trained mediator who deals with high-value financial arrangements and complex children issues following separation, and financial and private law children matters expert Amanda Long.
Our family lawyers are commended by peers as leaders in their respective fields, including international divorce, child issues, fertility law and financial matters. Our expertise is routinely called on for TV, radio and press. We offer an extensive range of services across the firm, while maintaining a highly personal service. We champion change and best practice in family law through our membership of various committees and organisations, with team members accredited with Resolution.
Our family law team covers the entire Lancashire region, including Preston, Lytham, the Fylde Coast, Ribble Valley and Lancaster, as well as further north into Cumbria. You can discuss your case face-to-face with us at our welcoming office, closer to your home or, if you'd prefer, we can work with you remotely.
Talk to us by calling 0333 004 4488, emailing family@brabners.com or completing our contact form.
Meet our Lancashire family law team
Accredited, experienced family law experts
“After a ten-year ordeal — spanning separation, divorce, child custody and financial disputes... The outcome is everything I'd hoped and prayed for — not just for me but for my girls, my future and the chance to finally move forward... [I prayed] for God to hand-pick not just any legal counsel but His very best for my case. And He chose YOU.”
Client feedback
“Brabners is an outstanding firm. The way in which you manage our family’s affairs gives us genuine confidence and peace of mind — we quite literally sleep easier at night knowing that matters are in your hands.”
Brabners Personal client
“Joe Ailion [has] a depth of understanding and empathy rarely seen in a solicitor... His honest and straightforward advice, coupled with a genuine warmth, created a sense of security for our family during a tumultuous time. For us, Joe is not just a solicitor — he’s a beacon of hope and reassurance.”
Family law client
We are a purpose-led independent family law firm, proudly anchored in the North.
Our independence allows us to be objective, principled and serve our communities with heart and personality.
Through the Brabners Foundation, we aim to make a real difference for our people and our communities across Lancashire and the North of England.
In 2022, we became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside of London) to become B Corp certified — an independent recognition that we're purpose-driven, committed to creating benefits for all stakeholders and operating as a force for good.
Northern Ambition
The collaborative network for purpose-led businesses. We’re building a more sustainable and innovative tomorrow.
Sustainable Business
In 2022, we proudly became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside London) to become B Corp certified.
Community Impact
We channel the energy of our public-spirited people and clients towards improving our local communities.
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Should you have an NDA when getting divorced?
NDAs are becoming more prevalent in divorce proceedings, especially for high-profile individuals or where sensitive information is concerned — but do you need one?
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International divorce cases are highly complex and the choice of jurisdiction can make a significant difference to financial outcomes.
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Standish v Standish — what is ‘matrimonial property’ in divorce & financial remedy proceedings?
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Gifting Shares: Navigating 2026 Inheritance Tax Changes for Family Business Owners
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Do I have to attend family dispute mediation? 15 exemptions explained
Mediation may not be suitable for every case. Our family law team explain 15 exemptions where court proceedings may be more appropriate.
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Full and frank disclosure — when does the duty end in the financial remedy process after divorce?
In the realm of financial remedy proceedings following divorce, the duty of full and frank financial disclosure is a long-established principle.
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3 common divorce pitfalls — the importance of financial orders and ‘Remarriage Trap’ explained
Three common divorce pitfalls involve clean break orders, pension rights and Will writing. Find out the importance of obtaining a financial order.
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Contact our Preston family law and divorce experts
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