At Switalskis, our family law solicitors handle everything from divorce proceedings to child arrangements, financial settlements and care proceedings. We know these situations are often emotional and difficult, and our Barnsley office is a safe space for tough conversations. We also have deep experience in sensitive and complex cases involving child abduction and domestic violence. No matter what you’re going through, we’ll stand up for your rights and work to achieve the outcome you deserve.

All of our advice is confidential and tailored to your specific needs. At the start of the process, we'll take the time to discuss your situation and understand your requirements, so that we can provide targeted advice on the steps you need to take.

Our team provides a first-class service to people across South Yorkshire. We combine professional expertise with a friendly and caring approach, and avoid the legal jargon that is often used in legal proceedings. Instead, we use straightforward language to make sure you understand the consequences of every choice.

Barnsley families can get support with everything from the divorce process to negotiating child arrangements from our experienced and knowledgeable team. Switalskis specialises in family law cases involving all of the following circumstances:

Divorce proceedings

Our team in Barnsley can guide you through every stage of the divorce process, and handle everything from the paperwork involved to negotiating a financial settlement or child arrangements. We have experience even in complex cases, and have helped people to protect their interests in family businesses during a split, or managed cases where one parent wanted to take the children overseas.

We prioritise communication and, where possible, will support you to reach an amicable resolution on the division of assets or issues involving children. Where this isn't possible, we're ready to represent you and protect your rights in court.

Child arrangements

When a relationship ends, you must decide where your children will live, where they will go to school, how much time they spend with each parent and other key considerations. We support parents to reach an informal agreement on child arrangements where possible, and find an outcome that is in the best interests of the children. If this isn't possible, we can also pursue mediation, or more formal court proceedings to reach a suitable resolution.

Where disputes happen regarding parental responsibility or child maintenance issues, we can provide the advice you need to make sure your children are provided for and that you have a right to make decisions about their lives. Even in these cases, we aim to settle disputes without litigation whenever we can.

Financial settlements

Financial settlements are a necessary part of any separation, divorce or dissolution. While this may just involve your home, your savings, or your business, many of our clients in Barnsley own businesses or have shares in family firms that must form part of this conversation. When questions arise about how to divide these assets or whether you can protect them, you need a family lawyer who understands the commercial side of a split.

Our solicitors will review the full list of your assets and finances and work to keep your business viable while pursuing a fair agreement. We understand that businesses are often the result of years of hard work. We often resolve disputes without litigation, but our expertise in complex financial settlements enables us to work towards a fair agreement even when court proceedings are needed.

Pre and post-nuptial agreements

A pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement is a way to protect assets before or after you get married, and while it's not legally binding, it can carry significant weight in financial proceedings during a divorce or dissolution. Switalskis can help you to draft a pre-nuptial agreement before you get married, or a post-nuptial agreement after the wedding, to clarify how assets, property and businesses should be handled in the event of a split.

Both types of agreement can prevent future disputes and costly litigation if prepared correctly. We'll make sure the agreement is legally sound and fair to both parties, which will strengthen your position.

Support for victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse - including physical, emotional or financial abuse - our family law solicitors can take quick action to protect you and your children. We can move swiftly to secure court orders like non-molestation orders and occupation orders, to restrict a person from coming near you or your home.

We handle domestic violence cases with the utmost care and speed. We understand the bravery it takes to speak out, and our team will provide a safe space for you to talk about what’s happening. Then, we’ll stand by you throughout the legal process to ensure your safety.