Family Law Solicitors Hampstead

Our Law Firm

With over 20 years of experience and more than 10,000 cases successfully handled, Shortlands Solicitors is a respected boutique family law firm based in London. Founded in 2004 by Principal Shabana Walayat, we are recognised for representing high-net-worth individuals in the UK and abroad, with particular expertise in complex cases where children, assets, and emotional wellbeing must be carefully protected.

Family issues can be some of the most emotional matters anyone is likely to face. Whatever your circumstances – divorce, separation or a dispute involving children or finances – our aim is to make the process as smooth, as supportive and as stress-free as possible. We take the time to listen to your needs, to guide and advise you with a clarity and compassion that’s tailored to you.

Located near Hampstead, our experienced team of family law specialists are a unique combination of legal excellence and empathy and discretion. Whatever your situation, we will help you move forward with clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Our Expertise

At Shortlands Solicitors we cover all aspects of family law, providing flexible, creative legal services that are tailored to suit the needs of each individual client. These include:

• Divorce – We can provide you with specialist legal support to help you apply for a divorce and guide you through each stage of the process with confidence.
• International Divorce – We have the experience and knowledge to give you expert advice on complex international cross-border divorce and jurisdictional issues.
• Financial Settlement – We can help you to understand your options for achieving a fair and secure financial settlement to protect your wealth and future.
• Cohabitation Agreements – We can provide fixed fee advice and agreements for couples who choose to live together.
• Pre and Postnuptial Agreements – We can help you to protect your financial interests before or during your marriage.
• Child Arrangements – We can provide specialist advice to help you to achieve fair, workable arrangements for the care of your children.
• Mediation & Collaborative Law – We can advise you on alternative methods of dispute resolution, which can help you to resolve issues quickly and amicably.
• Domestic Violence – We provide immediate, confidential legal support to victims of domestic abuse.
• Wills & Probate – We can provide expert advice and assistance in drafting wills, probate and the management of estates.
• Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning – We can advise you on how to structure your legacy to ensure it is efficient for future generations.
• Commercial Issues – We can advise business owners who need support with commercial issues if they are faced with legal action as part of a family dispute.

We Work With

Our clients include:

• Bankers and finance professionals
• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Property developers and hoteliers
• Executives and high-income professionals
• Couples with complex international or financial matters

We know how hectic life can be and the importance of private, effective legal advice that is solution-led and will protect your family and financial interests.

Considering Divorce and Looking for Legal Support in Hampstead, London?

The law of England and Wales allows you to divorce if you have been legally married for over a year, if your marriage has irretrievably broken down and if you are domiciled in the UK (i.e. the UK is your permanent home or the permanent home of your spouse). This is the same for same-sex marriages.

You must prove to the court that your marriage has broken down by establishing one or more ‘facts’; grounds for divorce, for example adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or periods of separation. We explain your options, guide you through mediation if possible and ensure your financial and parental rights are protected.

Our team is highly experienced in all forms of divorce, including:

• No-Fault Divorce – Supporting clients through the modern, simple divorce process created by recent changes to UK law.
• Mutual Divorce – Assisting couples to make fair, amicable agreements outside of court whenever possible.
• High Net Worth Divorce – Representing clients with significant assets, business interests and overseas property.
• International Divorce – Advising clients who were married in different jurisdictions, or have assets in more than one jurisdiction.
• Post-Divorce Matters – Enforcing financial orders, dealing with disputes about children and making applications to vary existing orders.

Explore Mediation with Shortlands Solicitors in Hampstead, London

Mediation and collaborative law are the ways to resolve disputes without having to go to court. Our Hampstead solicitors guide you through these processes, encouraging open communication and fair negotiation.  Whether it’s finances, property or children, we’ll work with you to help you reach amicable agreements and keep stress levels down and maintain relationships wherever possible.

Facing an International Divorce?

An international divorce can be complex. This can include different divorce jurisdictions and international law. We help you to understand where you can file for a divorce, how other countries’ laws might affect you, and how the financial settlement and child arrangements will be determined. We’ll give you straightforward guidance and practical solutions, protecting your interests every step of the way.

Looking to Secure a Fair Financial Settlement?

Divorce or separation can make financial settlements difficult. Our solicitors near Hampstead are here to help you. We will make sure that you get a financial settlement that works for you and your circumstances. Whether it’s about splitting assets and protecting your future, or considering ongoing financial commitments, our aim is to give you the clear advice you need. We will guide you through settlement negotiations or any necessary court proceedings.

Need a Cohabitation Agreement?

If you are not getting married but are living together, a cohabitation agreement can set out the financial arrangements between you and protect your rights. We offer fixed fee advice and bespoke cohabitation agreements in Hampstead, which will save you money and avoid costly disputes in the future. We make sure that both parties reach a fair agreement and have their expectations clarified and put in writing.

Want to Protect Your Assets with a Pre or Postnuptial Agreement?

A pre or postnuptial agreement allows you to agree your financial arrangements before or during marriage. Our solicitors draft bespoke and easy to understand agreements to suit your individual circumstances and ensure that your agreement is fair and likely to be upheld in the future.

Seeking Fair Child Arrangements?

We help parents to make child arrangements with the best interests of the children as the primary focus. Our Hampstead based solicitors can provide advice on negotiating arrangements, mediation and going to court to get practical, equitable and sustainable child arrangements.

Other Areas We Serve

GET IN TOUCH FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT

Whether you are at the start of divorce proceedings, need to protect your assets or want advice on child arrangements, our experienced family law solicitors can help.

At Shortlands Solicitors, we combine deep legal expertise with empathy and discretion — ensuring that every client receives personal attention and practical solutions.

Getting in touch

👉 Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our family law specialists in Hammersmith, London by using info@shortlands.co.uk or call us 02076299905 or book an initial online consultation.