Family Law Solicitors St John’s Wood

Our Law Firm

Shortlands Solicitors is a respected, boutique family law firm with over 20 years’ experience and more than 10,000 cases successfully completed. Headquartered in London and founded in 2004 by Principal Shabana Walayat, Shortlands Solicitors is known for representing high-net-worth clients across the UK and abroad, with expertise in complex cases where children, assets and emotional wellbeing need to be sensitively protected.

We know family matters can be some of the most emotionally challenging experiences in life. If you are navigating a divorce, separation or dispute involving children or finances, our priority is to make the process as smooth, supportive and stress-free as possible. We take the time to listen to you, guide you and offer clear, compassionate advice to meet your needs.

Situated close to St John’s Wood, our team of dedicated family law solicitors provide a unique blend of legal expertise and empathy, all delivered with discretion. No matter how complex your situation, we can help you move forward with clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Our Expertise

At Shortlands Solicitors, we specialise in all aspects of family law, offering tailored legal solutions that meet the unique needs of every client. Our services include:

• Divorce – Expert legal advice to help you apply for divorce and to guide you through each stage with confidence
• International Divorce – Expert advice on complex cross-border divorce and jurisdictional disputes.
• Financial Settlement – Guidance through the negotiations process to ensure you reach a fair and financially secure settlement
• Cohabitation Agreements – Fixed-fee advice and agreements for couples who live together
• Pre and Postnuptial Agreements – Protect your financial interests before or during your marriage
• Child Arrangements – Expert advice to help you reach fair, workable and sustainable arrangements for your children
• Mediation & Collaborative Law – Alternative dispute resolution to help you reach agreement quickly and amicably.
• Domestic Violence – Immediate and confidential legal advice for victims of domestic abuse
• Wills & Probate – Expert assistance with drafting your will, probate matters and all aspects of estate administration
• Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning – Ensure that your legacy is as tax efficient as possible for future generations
• Commercial Issues – Helping you and your business when legal problems occur in the context of family problems

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 understand the pressures of busy lifestyles and the need for confidential, efficient, and solution-focused legal advice that safeguards both family and financial interests.

Considering Divorce and Looking for Legal Support in St John’s Wood, London?

Under the law of England and Wales you can apply for a divorce if you have been legally married for at least a year, your relationship has broken down irretrievably and the UK is your or your spouse’s permanent home. The rules for same-sex marriage are the same as for opposite-sex marriage.

You have to prove to the court that your marriage has broken down by presenting one or more facts, which can include adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or periods of separation. We guide you through your options, take you through mediation where possible, and protect your financial and parental rights.

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

• No-Fault Divorce – Assisting clients through the modernised, no-fault divorce process made possible by recent legislation in the UK.
• Mutual Divorce – Supporting couples to achieve amicable, fair outcomes without court proceedings where possible.
• High Net Worth Divorce – Representing clients with complex financial assets, business interests and overseas property.
• International Divorce – Advising clients with marriages or assets in more than one jurisdiction.
• Post-Divorce Matters – Including the enforcement of financial orders, making child arrangements and amending existing agreements.

Explore Mediation with Shortlands Solicitors

Shortlands Solicitors can provide mediation and collaborative law services to couples seeking to resolve their issues without going to court. Our approach is to enable you to talk openly and to negotiate fairly so you can reach an agreement on finances, property and child arrangements that will work for you, and that will be less stressful and expensive than going to court. Where appropriate, we will help you to protect relationships as part of the process.

Facing an International Divorce?

Divorcing in a different country can raise many complex legal questions. You might not know where you can file for divorce, or how another country’s laws affect your finances or child arrangements. Our lawyers can help you find clear answers, realistic options and practical solutions, always working to protect your interests.

Looking to Secure a Fair Financial Settlement?

Financial settlements following divorce or separation can be complicated. Our solicitors near St John’s Wood will work with you to achieve a financial settlement that fairly divides assets, protects your future and considers financial commitments going forwards. We offer clear advice and will guide you through negotiation, or if needed, through court proceedings.

Need a Cohabitation Agreement?

For couples living together without marrying, a cohabitation agreement can help you protect your rights and agree on financial matters. Our team in St John’s Wood offer fixed-fee advice and bespoke cohabitation agreements, so you can avoid disagreements in the future and feel confident that you’ve got a fair deal.

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

Pre and postnuptial agreements allow you to protect your financial interests before or during your marriage. Our solicitors can draft clear, enforceable agreements that reflect your wishes and provide certainty for both partners, ensuring that expectations are understood and legally protected.

Seeking Fair Child Arrangements?

We assist parents in establishing child arrangements that prioritise the welfare of their children. Whether through negotiation, mediation or court proceedings, our St John’s Wood team can advise you on custody, visitation and shared parenting arrangements, helping to ensure that they are practical, fair and sustainable.

Other Areas We Serve

Get in Touch for a Confidential Consultation Appointment

Whether you’re beginning divorce proceedings, protecting assets, or seeking guidance on child arrangements, our experienced family law solicitors are here to help.

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

👉 Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our family law specialists in St John’s Wood, London.

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.