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.

Free Consultation

Our Family Law team offer a free 30 minute consultation for new civil partnership clients and we offer flexible appointments that can be arranged around your work schedule.

Civil Partnership Fees

Our Family Law team are transparent with their prices and offer a variety of fixed fees.

Learn More

Our Family Law specialists can support with:

Family Law Articles

Family Law
‘No Fault Divorce’ is now an option for couples

06 Apr , 2022

Howells Solicitors

There has been a much awaited-for change in divorce proceedings. From 6th April 2022, we saw the introduction of the ‘no fault divorce’.This will allow couples to apply for a divorce without having to assign blame under the original grounds...

#No fault divorce
Family Law
Do I need a solicitor to deal with my Divorce?

30 Dec , 2021

Howells Solicitors

If you find yourself in the situation where your marriage breaks down and both parties agree to divorce either of you can start the divorce process. (more…)
Family Law
How to Achieve a ‘Good Divorce’

29 Nov , 2021

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 the nightmare divorces, but can there...
Family Law
What are the grounds for divorce?

19 Nov , 2021

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 by giving one or more of the following 5 reasons, otherwise known as ‘facts’. (more…)
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…)
Family Law
The darker side to football and domestic abuse

Howells Solicitors

With passions heightened as England head to the final of the Euros, the darker side to this is the impact that this can have on domestic abuse. (more…)
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
What is a financial settlement?

06 May , 2021

Howells Solicitors

Once you’ve taken the decision to divorce you will need to reach a formal financial settlement. A financial settlement is legally binding and covers the specifics of how to deal with your financial assets following separation. (more…)
Family Law
4th of January – National Divorce Day

01 Dec , 2020

Howells Solicitors

The Christmas holidays can create pressure within relationships; with many choosing to stay together until the end of the family season, however, early January is when many couples reach the end of their tether. The first Monday of January –...
Family Law
What is a Cohabitation Agreement? – Ask an Expert

27 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I’m moving in with my partner and we intend to buy a house together. My parents have suggested I contact a Solicitor to protect myself legally. How can a Solicitor help?” (more…)
Family Law
How Can I Support a Friend Suffering Domestic Abuse? – Ask an Expert

20 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I am worried that my friend is suffering domestic abuse in her relationship. How can I help her and are you able to offer any advice on how I can support her ?" (more…)
Family Law
What are the rules regarding Support Bubbles?

02 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

The new lockdown across England means people must stay home unless for specific reasons. The Government has declared that support bubbles will remain in place but many are confused by the rules. (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
Amicable Divorce – Ask an Expert

19 Oct , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“Me and my partner have decided to get Divorced and have made agreements how we will divide everything up, including time with our Children. What would you suggest I do next?” (more…)
Family Law
A Guide to Divorce & Separation

09 Sep , 2020

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, complicated and often heart breaking. When a couple decide to separate and begin the Divorce process they...
Family Law
What are your legal rights as a ‘Common Law Spouse’?

29 Aug , 2020

Howells Solicitors

There still seems to be a lot of confusion and misconception surrounding the idea of a ‘common-law spouse’.  The question to consider is whether there is such a thing? (more…)
Family Law
Domestic Violence Cases during the Coronavirus Outbreak

30 Mar , 2020

Howells Solicitors

Not a pleasant topic to discuss but the reality is that the self-isolation rules set out by the Government tier 3 policy, to tackle the Coronavirus outbreak, will likely increase the amount of domestic violence cases in the UK. (more…)
Family Law
Coronavirus likely to spark a rise in Divorce

26 Mar , 2020

Howells Solicitors

As many people are advised to self-isolate by the Government during the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are likely to experience an increase in Divorce matters after the storm has calmed. (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 – Are They Worth It?

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. However...
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
Howells Solicitors Proudly Expands Family Team

06 Sep , 2019

Howells Solicitors

South Yorkshire based Howells Solicitors has more than just 40 years in the legal sector to celebrate this year. Due to an increase of work into their matrimonial department, the firm have expanded their Family Law department which has resulted...
Family Law
Howells LLP family law specialist honoured with Deputy District Judge position

15 Mar , 2019

Howells Solicitors

Howells solicitors has more than just their 40th birthday to celebrate this year as they are very proud to announce that  their Partner and head of the children team, Sarah Walker, has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge by...
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
Today Is Divorce Day

07 Jan , 2019

Howells Solicitors

The first working Monday of the year is often referred to as 'Divorce Day'. The day is dubbed 'Divorce Day' as family lawyers tend to see a spike in divorce enquires on this day. (more…)
Family Law
Reforming the legal requirements of divorce

12 Dec , 2018

Howells Solicitors

The Government is still consulting on reforming the legal requirements of divorce and moving away from the need for one party to blame the other for the breakdown of the marriage if the parties have lived together within the last...
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
Supreme Court prevents wife from obtaining divorce against her estranged husband

25 Jul , 2018

Howells Solicitors

Today the Supreme Court has unanimously, although “with reluctance”, refused the appeal of Mrs Owens to obtain a divorce based upon her husband’s unreasonable behaviour. (more…)
Family Law
The end of a ‘meal ticket for life’ divorces

19 Jul , 2018

Howells Solicitors

The Supreme Court on 18th July 2018 unanimously allowed the appeal of a husband in the case of Mills and Mills - after the Court of Appeal had agreed with the wife who sought increased periodical payments. In this case,...
Family Law
Government’s ban on heterosexual civil partnerships discriminatory

28 Jun , 2018

Howells Solicitors

Couple win ruling at Supreme Court declaring Government’s ban on heterosexual civil partnerships discriminatory (more…)
Family Law
Courts bill: domestic violence cross-examination pledge

10 Mar , 2017

Howells Solicitors

According to a fact sheet produced by the Government,  the lord chancellor will end the cross-examination of domestic violence victims and instead seek the use of other methods, for example virtual hearings in order to allow victims to take part...
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
Supreme Court judgment to impact on divorced couples

19 Oct , 2015

Howells Solicitors

A recent judgment at the Supreme Court will have far-stretched implications for divorced and divorcing couples. In the cases of Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil, both have been allowed to appeal their divorce settlement figures after evidence has arisen that...
Family Law
National Acclaim for Howells Family Lawyer

15 Oct , 2014

Howells Solicitors

The skills of a Howells Family lawyer have been recognised by the UK’s leading family law group – Resolution.  Matrimonial Solicitor John Clegg, has recently gained Resolution accredited specialist status. John, who has been qualified for five years and specialises...
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...
Family Law
Howells Launches Fixed Fee Packages

25 Mar , 2013

Howells Solicitors

Changes to publicly funded legal work will take effect from 1st April 2013. The withdrawing of funding for specific areas of law will mean that those on low incomes can no longer access legal advice for free unless in certain...

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

0114 249 6795
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Liam Gray

0114 249 6605
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Louise Ellis

01709 364 000
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Ramandeep Kaur

0114 249 6703
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Sharon Lockwood

01709 364000
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Wendy Bailey

01226 805 190
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