The Family Department is led by Paul Hunt, a Partner with over 25 years' experience in Family Law, supported by a team experienced in dealing with a range of problems arising from family breakdowns.

We understand the emotional strain of divorce or separation and disputes over custody of children and can help to alleviate some of the stress, while also assisting in resolving property or financial matters.

Divorce and Separation
We prepare petitions for divorce or judicial separation, which will in due course include petitions for the dissolution of civil partnerships.

Property and Financial problems
We assist with disputes regarding ownership and occupation of properties arising from breakdown of marriage or of cohabitation relationships. We will initiate negotiations in an attempt to resolve the issues amicably, but where appropriate, provide referral to mediation or representation at Court.

Disputes over the residence of children and contact with children
As well as agreement over residence of and contact with children, this can include other issues such as advice as to acquiring ‘parental responsibility' (now also possible for step-parents). We also deal with specific issue and Prohibited Steps Orders when there is a dispute between parents regarding major issues on the upbringing of a child and issues as to whether a child should be removed permanently from the country.

Involvement with Social Services
Involvement with Social Services, mostly consisting of representation of parents in proceedings brought by the Local Authority for care or supervision orders.

Domestic Violence and Emergency Injunctions
This includes orders to prevent violence or threats of violence, harassment or and pestering or orders to exclude one party from the home where this is necessary for the protection of either adults or children.

Accredited solicitors
As a member of Resolution (previously known as the Solicitors' Family Law Association), Paul is committed to offering a conciliatory and constructive approach to family disputes while being able to take a firm line and emergency action where it is required, especially in domestic violence situations.

Paul is an Advanced Member of the Law Society's Family Law Panel, and specializes in children disputes and financial issues.

We will always endeavour to avoid you facing the cost and trauma of litigation by mediation or conciliation.

For more information, or to arrange a meeting, please call Paul Hunt on 0151 608 9078 or email him at phunt@kirwanssolicitors.co.uk

For emergency advice, out of hours, please call our 24 hour emergency hotline on 0800 525 035.

Family Department Staff

Prenton

	Paul Hunt – Partner, Head of Family Department
	Anna Ellis – Solicitor

Moreton

	Sara Naughton-McCall – Legal Executive
	Jo Massey– Legal Clerk