The Family Court has refused a mother's application for permission to return to St Lucia with her six-year-old son , ruling that his welfare would be best served by his remaining in England. The boy's parents were originally from St Lucia and had married...
Our family law solicitors act for people across Staffordshire, from our offices in Stafford and Rugeley, on every kind of family and relationship matter: divorce, finances, arrangements for children, domestic abuse, and protecting yourself before or after marriage.
Whatever you are facing, we explain your options in plain language and help you decide the right next step. We offer all new clients a free 30-minute consultation.
Book your free 30-minute consultation
Call our Stafford office on 01785 603060 or our Rugeley office on 01889 803080, or make an enquiry online.
How our family law team helps
Family matters are stressful, and the right advice early on saves money, time and conflict later. A number of our team are members of Resolution, the national body for family lawyers committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach, and we work that way: we resolve matters by agreement wherever we can, and represent you firmly in court where we must. You work with a named, qualified solicitor from the outset.
Peace of mind on costs
We know cost is a worry in any family matter. We are open about how our fees work and agree the basis of them with you at the outset, so there are no surprises. Where a fixed fee is appropriate for a defined piece of work we will tell you, and where work is charged by the hour we set out the rate before you commit.
Our family law services
Divorce and separation
We guide you through divorce and the dissolution of a civil partnership under the no-fault rules, from the first application to the final order. See our divorce solicitors in Staffordshire.
Financial settlements on divorce
The financial settlement is what protects your future: the home, pensions, savings and maintenance, made binding by a consent order. See our divorce financial settlement solicitors, and for complex or high-value cases our high net worth divorce solicitors.
Arrangements for children
Where children live, time with each parent, parental responsibility, and specific issue or prohibited steps orders. See our child law solicitors in Staffordshire.
Domestic abuse
Urgent protection through non-molestation and occupation orders, handled sensitively and quickly. See our domestic abuse solicitors.
Mediation and collaborative law
Constructive, out-of-court ways to resolve finances and arrangements for children, quicker and less combative than court. See our alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law services.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Setting out how assets would be divided, to protect what matters before or during marriage. See our prenuptial agreement solicitors and postnuptial agreements.
Cohabitation agreements
Protecting unmarried couples who live together, who do not have the automatic rights married couples have. See our cohabitation agreement solicitors.
Separation deeds
Recording the terms of a separation where you are not yet ready to divorce. See our separation deeds service.
Civil partnership dissolution
The same no-fault process and financial protections, applied to ending a civil partnership. See our civil partnership dissolution solicitors.
Annulments and change of name
We also advise on annulments and on formally changing a name. See our annulments and change of name services.
Why choose Pickering & Butters
- A specialist family team acting across Staffordshire from our Stafford and Rugeley offices
- Resolution members on the team, committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach
- Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for practice management and client care, since 2004
- Collaborative law trained solicitors for those who want to stay out of court
- A named solicitor handling your matter from day one
- Free 30-minute consultation before you commit
- In practice in Staffordshire since 1890, with 98 per cent of clients saying they would recommend us and 100 per cent confirming we understood their needs
Our family law team is led by Donna Nicholls, Partner and Head of Department for Family. Meet the full team and their profiles.
Pickering & Butters LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Stafford ID 508758 and Rugeley ID 510208, and is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales under number OC342063. We advise on the law of England and Wales.
Frequently asked questions about family law
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Every new client is offered a free 30-minute, no-obligation consultation at our Stafford or Rugeley office, to talk through your situation and understand your options before you commit.
Do we have to go to court?
Usually not. Most family matters, including divorce finances and arrangements for children, are resolved by agreement through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law. Court is a last resort, and we will always try the constructive options first.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the matter and how much is agreed. We are clear about the basis of our fees from the start and agree them with you, so there are no surprises. We will give you a realistic picture at your free consultation.
What is Resolution, and why does it matter?
Resolution is the national body for family lawyers committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach. Members of our team belong to it, and we focus on resolving matters in a way that reduces conflict and cost, which is better for everyone, especially any children involved.
Do you act for people across Staffordshire?
Yes. We act for clients throughout Staffordshire from our Stafford and Rugeley offices, including Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Cannock, Stone, Penkridge and the surrounding areas.
Speak to our family law solicitors in Stafford and Rugeley
Whatever your family matter, early, sensible advice protects you. Book a free 30-minute consultation for clear, practical guidance on where you stand.
- Stafford office: 01785 603060
- Rugeley office: 01889 803080
- Make an enquiry online