Civil Partnerships | Family Law | Howells Solicitors
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Civil Partnerships

Civil Partnership

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 gave same sex couples legal protection and in 2019 mixed sex couples can register for a  Civil Partnerships too. However these laws didn’t make them immune from the emotional fall-out and practical burden of separation.

Speak to our team today

Sorting out possessions, deciding on housing, agreeing the finances and making proper provision for children – dealing with the breakdown of a Civil Partnership can be distressing. Whereas our Family Law specialists cannot take away the hurt that’s been caused, they can help take you forward.

Our Family Law team are compassionate, caring and patient, and your needs are the most important consideration to them. They can support you with:

  • Pre-registration agreements/financial contracts
  • Dissolution orders
  • Financial orders
  • Parental responsibility orders
  • Joint residence orders
  • Issues relating to children
  • Wills, trusts and inheritance tax planning
  • Support through mediation and collaborative services

We aim to achieve a final result that meets or exceeds a client’s expectations and to handle all proceedings in such a way that we reduce distress and upset.

Wherever possible and appropriate, we can assist with mediation and collaborative services to lessen impact on all parties, taking special care and consideration when it comes to arrangements for children and earning the best possible entitlements when it comes to financial and property settlements.

Advice by telephone

We appreciate that it’s not always possible or easy to visit a solicitor in person. That’s why we offer a telephone service – it’s the same high quality advice from the same experienced lawyers, but with the added convenience of not having to make and attend appointments. We simply take your instructions and advise you over the telephone – call us today for a free initial consultation.

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Free Consultation

Our Family Law team offer a free 30 minute consultation for new clients and we offer flexible appointments that can be arranged around your work schedule. Contact us on 0114 2496666 to make a booking.

Book Now

How can we help? Contact us today

Contact us on 0114 2496666 and one of our advisors will be in touch to discuss your situation. We will take some initial information and if we can help, we will book you in for a consultation with a legal professional.

Contact Us

Our Family Law specialists can support with:

Family Law Articles

Family Law
What is a Divorce Financial Settlement?

03 Oct , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Once you’ve taken the decision to divorce you will need to reach a formal financial divorce settlement. A financial settlement is legally binding and covers the specifics of how to deal with your assets following separation and will outline who...
Family Law
Protecting Assets During Divorce

26 Sep , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, but it's important to protect your assets during this time. Understanding the types of assets involved in a divorce, such as matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets, is crucial. Additionally, premarital protection can be an...
Family Law
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

31 Aug , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Living together or buying a first home as a couple is a big step and it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of house hunting and choosing furniture. However, without a formal agreement, such as a cohabitation...
Family Law
Change of Name in the UK: What You Need to Know

21 Aug , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Changing your name is a big decision, and it's important to know the process involved. Whether you're getting married, going through a divorce, or simply want to change for personal reasons, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements and procedures...
Family Law
Common Law Partner Rights Explained

15 Aug , 2023

Howells Solicitors

What is a “Common Law” Partner and How Do You Become One? A “common law” partner, often referred to as a "common law spouse", is someone you have lived with in a marriage-like relationship, perhaps have children with, without being...
Family Law
Do I Need a Pre-Nuptial or Post-Nuptial Agreement?

02 Jun , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Talking to your partner about a pre-nuptial agreement can be an uncomfortable conversation. However, in many circumstances, it is sensible to ensure that certain financial assets you already own are secured for your future. Once you are married, there may...
Family Law
No Fault Divorce – UK Divorce Law Changes Explained

25 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

In April 2022, the introduction of the long awaited ‘no fault divorce’ came into effect in UK divorce law. Since then, separated couples are able to apply for a divorce without having to assign blame for the breakdown of the...
Family Law
Do I Need a Solicitor For My Divorce?

19 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

You may be considering, or have decided, to end your marriage and file for divorce. The divorce process is an emotionally challenging experience, and it can be complicated and often heartbreaking for all involved. When a couple decides to separate...
Family Law
Amicable Divorces

Howells Solicitors

One of the big worries when entering divorce proceedings is how much stress it will place on the separating couple and the impact it will have on any children. We hear a lot about nightmare divorces, but can there be...
Family Law
What are the Grounds for Divorce?

19 Nov , 2022

Howells Solicitors

As the current law stands, to apply for a divorce, you must do so on the grounds that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. Technically, this is now the only grounds for divorce. Previously, the law set out in the...
Family Law
Methodist Church permits same-sex marriages

08 Jul , 2021

Howells Solicitors

The Methodist Church has become the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages, in a much welcomed announcement on 30th June 2021. (more…)
Children Law
Who Would Look After Your Children if You Died?

29 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We know that it’s a hard and uneasy thought to have, but also one which many parents do think about. Do you know who would look after your children if you died? If you have shared parental responsibility and one...
Family Law
Date is announced for No-Fault Divorce

09 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We are very pleased to hear that “no-fault divorces” will come into force on 6th April 2022. This week, Ministers have announced that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame. These...
Family Law
National Divorce Day

01 Dec , 2020

Howells Solicitors

After the festive period draws to a close, family law specialists tend to see a spike in divorce enquiries. This has resulted in the first working Monday of the calendar year being known as National Divorce Day.  (more…)
Family Law
How to Support a Victim of Domestic Abuse

20 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

(more…)
Family Law
Ask an Expert – Will a divorce financial settlement affect my benefits?

22 Oct , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I receive Tax Credits and other benefits and allowances, will a lump sum settlement from my divorce affect what I can claim?” Speak to our Team Today (more…)
Family Law
Barnsley Families Supported as New Family Law Specialist Joins Howells Solicitors

23 Jan , 2020

Howells Solicitors

This week we boast a new jewel in our crown, as senior solicitor and collaborative law specialist, Wendy Bailey, joins our matrimonial team in Barnsley. With 27 years’ experience of Family Law in the South Yorkshire region, Wendy, who is...
Family Law
Civil Partnerships: Not just for same sex couples

09 Dec , 2019

Howells Solicitors

Civil Partnerships now allow mixed sex, as well as same sex, couples to register. However what is the difference between a civil partnership and marriage? (more…)
Family Law
DIY Divorce

28 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

A rising number of couples are resorting to DIY services in an attempt to reduce the costs of divorce. Filing for a divorce independently can cost as little as £550, which is the court fee for a divorce petition.  If...
Family Law
Howells Boost Matrimonial Department with Addition of New Family Law Specialist

04 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

At a time where many law firms in the region are struggling to grow their matrimonial department, Howells are thrilled to be expanding theirs. In October, not only are Howells celebrating their 40th anniversary, but they are celebrating another addition...
Family Law
What is the difference between Marriage and Civil Partnership?

18 Jan , 2019

Howells Solicitors

With the announcement in October 2018 from the Government to introduce civil partnerships for mixed sex couples, we take a look at the difference between marriage and civil partnerships. (more…)
Family Law
Divorcing couples reminded of the importance of pensions in addressing the division of matrimonial finances.

13 Sep , 2018

Howells Solicitors

According to a report publicised by Age UK, thousands of pensioners are missing out on pension provision that would have helped them in retirement. (more…)
Family Law
Divorce Refused in UK Courts

17 Feb , 2017

Howells Solicitors

A woman has stated how “desperately unhappy” she is after being married for 39 years. Yet the UK Courts have refused to grant her a divorce. This case highlights the need to seek advice. Howells can offer a free half...
Family Law
Howells Family Partner qualifies as Mediator

02 Jul , 2013

Howells Solicitors

Howells  has extended the services the family team can offer as Partner Alyson Siddall has now  qualified as a Resolution Trained Mediator. Alyson can offer clients who find themselves in dispute an alternative way forward to resolve their disputes together without...

Request a Call back

The Howells Solicitors law team are compassionate, down-to-earth and professional, offering you the best expert advice. Get in touch with solicitors in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley to see how we can help. Fill in the form or give us a call at:

The Civil Partnerships team

The Howells Matrimonial team are one of the best in the country and one of the largest in South Yorkshire. It has been consistently highly ranked for family law work in the north, and is overseen by the hugely respected Alyson Siddall.  The team are also Resolution accredited who recognise members that demonstrate excellence in the practice of family law.

Sensitive and compassionate in her client relationships, Alyson Siddal understands that she is not dealing with ‘cases’ but with people, not bound by legal process but in real lives. Furthermore, Alyson has been a key part of Howells Solicitors for over 30 years and offers a wealth of expertise and experience. Alyson and the Matrimonial team are highly ranked in the Legal 500 rankings, with specific feedback on Alyson which is “Alyson Siddall is a very experienced matrimonial lawyer who is personable and approachable in addition to being an excellent solicitor”.

Sharon Lockwood is a highly regarded Family Law and Divorce Solicitor in Rotherham, with a specialism at dealing with complex cases involving children and high value assets. Sharon is very active in the local community of South Yorkshire and receives a high amount of praise from her clients and colleagues and has established herself as one of the most distinguish divorce specialists in the region.

John Clegg is a family specialist and covers all aspects of Matrimonial law including Divorce, civil partnership and cohabitation breakdown, financial matters arising on separation and divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements and protection from domestic abuse.

Legal 500

The Legal 500 2022 edition ranks Family as a top tier firm in Yorkshire and Humber, saying “Family head Alyson Siddall, matrimonial specialist Sharon Lockwood and children team head Sarah Walker are the key names at Howells Solicitors. Based in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley respectively, they oversea a team that is particularly well  known for high net worth cases with assets ranging from three to six million pounds.

The firm recently expanded its department with the addition of a collaborative law facility. John Clegg is an additional name to note.”

Alyson Siddall

0114 249 6659
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Caroline Euinton

0114 249 6643
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John Clegg

Family Law

0114 249 6795
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Liam Gray

0114 249 6605
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Louise Ellis

Family Law

01709 364 000
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Ramandeep Kaur

0114 249 6703
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Sharon Lockwood

Family Law

01709 364000
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Wendy Bailey

01226 805 190
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