Family law encompasses a broad range of legal topics relating to domestic relationships, particularly those between married and unmarried couples, same sex couples and between the children and their parents. Our family lawyers are based throughout Portsmouth, Chichester and Alton and we offer a free telephone consultation to understand your needs and how we can help. Our family law services cover divorce, financial matters, mediation, legal separation, court of protection, civil partnerships, domestic abuse, prenuptial agreements, matters relating to children and cohabitation disputes. We support separating couples to resolve their matter through non-court options, such as mediation. We also have collaborative lawyers who can provide the collaborative law process as an option to help you reach a solution.
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Our Family Law Services
We have a full team of dedicated family lawyers offering expert legal advice on a wide range of family law matters. Whether you are facing a divorce, dealing with children issues or seeking proactive protection, our local family team is here to support you every step of the way.
Divorce
When your marriage or civil partnership comes to an end, our family lawyers will guide you through the divorce process with clarity and care. We help you prepare and file the divorce application, negotiate financial settlements and assist with any child arrangements or family court applications.
Find out more about divorce law here.
Financial Matters
Dividing assets, pensions, businesses or property can be complex and emotionally draining. Our family law team offers robust legal advice on financial remedy applications, disclosure obligations, settlement negotiations and court-ordered financial resolutions.
Find out more about financial matters here.
Mediation (Non-Court Solutions)
In many cases, avoiding full court proceedings is beneficial for cost, speed and emotional wellbeing. We actively encourage non-court options — working with our clients to reach fair, sustainable outcomes without adversarial conflict where possible.
Learn more about our mediation services here.
Legal Separation
If you are not ready to divorce but need to formalise your separation, our family lawyers can advise on legal separation agreements, protecting your position and clarifying responsibilities around finances, children and living arrangements.
Learn more about legal separation here.
Court of Protection
Situations involving vulnerable adults, mental capacity or long-term care needs call for specialist family legal advice. Our lawyers can act in relation to the Court of Protection, deputyship applications and asset management, giving you reassurance and support in difficult times.
Learn more about court of protection here.
Civil Partnerships
Whether you are dissolving a civil partnership or need advice on rights and obligations during or after one, our family lawyers throughout Hampshire have expertise in this area and will guide you through the process, including associated financial and children matters as needed.
Learn more about civil partnerships here.
Domestic Abuse
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic abuse or harassment, our specialist family lawyers will provide urgent legal advice in a safe place, help you apply for non-molestation orders or occupation orders, and represent you in the family court to safeguard your safety and rights and those of any children.
Learn more about domestic abuse services here.
Prenuptial Agreements
Looking ahead? We also advise on pre- and post-nuptial agreements to put clear arrangements in place, protect assets and support a constructive start to your relationship. Getting legal advice early can save significant worry later.
Learn more about prenuptial agreements here.
Children Matters
When disputes arise on child arrangements, parental responsibility, relocation or contact, our team applies child-centred legal advice to navigate you through this process. We strive for outcomes that serve the best interests of the children and support you through a difficult period.
Learn more about children matters here.
Cohabitation Disputes
Unmarried couples often face unique issues when separating — property rights, informal agreements, child arrangements. Our family lawyers help resolve cohabitation disputes and draft formal agreements to provide clarity and protection for you.
Find out more about cohabitation disputes here.
Submit an enquiry
Expert Support from our Family Lawyers
At JC Solicitors, our family law team draws on local insight, national expertise and a personal, down-to-earth approach. We understand how stressful the breakdown of a relationship can be. That’s why our lawyers combine clear legal advice, tailored strategy and compassionate support. We stay with you throughout the process — whether you’re negotiating settlement, preparing documents, or representing you in the family court.
Tania Jeffery
Tania Jeffery is managing director of JC Solicitors After completing her law degree at Southampton University and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Guildford, Tania undertook her training contract with a regional firm based in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
You can contact Tania on 01243 850 860 or email tania@jcsolicitors.com
Submit an enquiry
Paula Solieri
Paula Solier
i is a Chartered Legal Executive and has specialised in family law for over 25 years. Paula is known for her client-focussed approach and capacity to simplify complex issues and provide support.
You can contact Paula on 01243554273 or email paula@jcsolicitors.com
Submit an enquiry
Josie Buck
Josie Buck provides legal support for Tania and Paula and has worked for various law firms across Chichester and Worthing.
You can contact Josie on 01243850308 or email josie@jcsolicitors.com
Submit an enquiry
Find your Local Family Law Office
Portsmouth Office
Located in the heart of Portsmouth, our Portsmouth family law team is well-versed in the regional family court procedures and network. Ideal for clients across Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampshire coastline. Contact on 02392170969 or email portsmouth@jcsolicitors.com.
Chichester Office
Serving Chichester, Worthing and West Sussex, our family lawyers in Chichester offer convenient access and specialist family law support for local clients seeking family law assistance nearby. Contact on 01243850861 or email chichester@jcsolicitors.com.
Alton Office
For those in Hampshire’s inland and rural communities, our family lawyers in Alton provide accessible support with the full range of family law services, including children, divorce and financial matters. Contact on 01420769989 or email alton@jcsolicitors.com.
What Our Family Law Clients Say
We pride ourselves on delivering expert family law legal advice and representation that makes a difference. Clients regularly highlight our clear communication, local knowledge, strategic support and genuinely caring approach.
Family Law FAQs
What is a family lawyer?
A family lawyer (or family law solicitor) is a qualified lawyer specialising in legal matters that arise from family relationships — for example divorce, civil partnership dissolution, children arrangements, domestic abuse, cohabitation disputes and more. They provide legal advice, prepare necessary documents, negotiate on your behalf and represent you in the family court if your matter proceeds to hearing.
How much do family lawyers charge?
Costs vary depending on the complexity, whether the matter proceeds to court and any specialist expertise required. Our family lawyers offer an initial free telephone consultation. It’s essential to ask for a clear estimate of fees upfront, and whether your matter might be resolved via mediation (which may be less expensive) versus full court proceedings.
What does a family lawyer do?
A family lawyer provides expert legal advice on your rights and obligations; helps you negotiate settlements; drafts legal documents such as separation agreements, prenuptial agreements or court applications; and if necessary represents you in the family court to achieve an outcome that protects your future and your children’s interests.
