Emmersons' senior partner Jacqueline Emmerson is head of the family department and is a member of the Law Society's Specialist Family Law Panel.

She is also one of a limited number of solicitors in the area who deals with the complexity of care proceedings on behalf of parents and other relatives.

Divorce

In the first instance you must consider if this is a step you really wish to take. Other options include:-

• Trying to resolve difficulties in your marriage e.g. by a referral to Relate
• Considering a separation. We can assist you in agreeing arrangements for living apart from your spouse. We can draw up a Separation agreement. This would cover issues such as where you would both live, contact between parents and children and the arrangement of your financial affairs. This is not a process that involves the Court, but to be effective, both partners should be independently advised by a solicitor.

In order to obtain a divorce you must be able to prove one of five grounds:

1. Adultery by your spouse
2. Unreasonable behaviour by your spouse
3. Desertion- where your spouse has left you for a period of two years.
4. Two years separation from your spouse and they consent to a divorce
5. Five years separation from your spouse in which case their consent is not necessary.

Click here for what you should bring to a first meeting.