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    Family Lawyers

Going through a relationship breakdown can be incredibly tough. And when it involves children or financial issues it can be even more challenging.

That is why it is essential to plan for the future to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care of.

Our work is not just about what happens once a relationship, be it marriage, civil partnership or unmarried cohabitation, breaks down. It is becoming increasingly important to plan for the future and we can advise you, your family and trustees on a wide range of relationship agreements and wealth preservation strategies.

If you need assistance with fertility treatment, surrogacy, or adoption, we can help you navigate the legal issues that may arise, making your journey to parenthood smoother.

Our family lawyers

Our approach is both humane and pragmatic, catering to the needs of people with complex lives. Our clients are often from international families, and they possess significant assets or earnings. With our vast experience, we specialise in representing high-profile individuals who are often in the public eye.

Our family lawyers are leaders in their field. We are top-ranked in the UK and internationally, and have been involved in many of the leading cases. We are one of the largest and longest-established family law teams in the world, with unparalleled breadth and depth of expertise.

We have pioneered a cross-disciplinary approach to family law, and work alongside our Firm’s experts in tax and trusts, trust disputes, corporate law, immigration, property disputes, reputation management and other areas of law to provide you with a smart and bespoke service that meets your needs.

Flexibility is key to our approach. With leading family mediation and arbitration practices, as well as collaboratively trained lawyers, we always recommend innovative ways to resolve disputes.

While litigation may be the last resort, we protect your interests fiercely and successfully when court proceedings become necessary. We are experts in handling the most challenging and complex litigation and have acted in many leading family law cases. You can find our reported cases listed here.

We will always give you clear, realistic advice. We tell you what you need to know, even if it may not be what you want to hear. We listen to your concerns and priorities and help you find the best solution for you, no matter the circumstances. We are on your side.

We have family law specialists in our London, Guildford, Geneva and Hong Kong offices, and we regularly advise on international family law issues involving other jurisdictions around the world.

Our family law services

Industry recognition for our family lawyers

A great stable with some real talent - not flash or brash but quietly effective. They get the job done and done well. The overall impression is one of focusing on the best interests of the client overall, and where possible taking a collaborative approach to get there."

Legal 500 UK, 2025, Family Law

Charles Russell Speechlys are big hitters in this area, and rightly so. They are a substantial department with a real depth of quality, who provide a Rolls-Royce service."

Chambers High Net Worth 2024, Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth

Charles Russell Speechlys are a class act - calm, commercially savvy and a pleasure to deal with. The team is excellent at every level."

Chambers High Net Worth 2024, Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth

As a Firm, they are at the top of their game and are as good as you will find."

Legal 500 UK, 2024, Family Law

Charles Russell Speechlys' global coverage is a main indicator for their top ranking."

Chambers High Net Worth 2023

Membership

Connecting you with our membership of 6,500 family law professionals

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Our awards

Meet our family lawyers

Our family law services

Divorce & Finance Legal Services

Divorce & financial settlements

Our family law specialists give clear advice on all financial aspects of divorce.

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Children & Parental Disputes Legal Services

Children & Parental Disputes

We are well positioned to advise you on the best options for your children’s particular circumstances.

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International Family Legal Services

International Family Law

No matter where you are based, our approach is supportive with a fast turnaround time where required. 

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Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements & Wealth Protection Legal Services

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

We are recognised as being experts in the field of negotiating and drafting marital agreements.

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Unmarried Couples & Financial Claims for Children Legal Services

Unmarried couples, cohabitation & financial claims for children

Our role is to advise you on how to obtain the best outcome, irrespective of your situation

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Family Mediation & Dispute Resolution Legal Services

Family Mediation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

We advise on and offer several forms of dispute resolution, with each having their own merits.

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Parentage, Fertility & Surrogacy Legal Services

Parentage, Fertility Law & Surrogacy

We care about families in all their forms. Problematically for families, the law on parentage does not join up internationally. 

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Adoption Legal Services

Adoption

We help parents adopting children across borders, including advising on the cross-border recognition of adoption orders. 

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Case studies

family at home

Securing equal division of significant assets for our clients

We were very pleased to act for a wife in securing 50% of the family’s assets after her divorce, with a value of over £140m.

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international family

Delivering an integrated service to support an international family with varied business interests

Advised a global family on intergenerational asset transition, offering strategic guidance on UK hotels, estates, and tax planning.

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