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Family

Family Law & Mediation

For generations clients have turned to Gilbert Stephens Solicitors for help at what can be particularly difficult and sensitive times. The law and the attitude of society to relationships and their breakdown have changed enormously over the years, but the issues and people involved are still handled with the same tact and understanding.

During these difficult times it's not always easy to cope with everything that is happening around you. Our experienced family team offers both practical and legal advice - we try to encourage a conciliatory and constructive approach to problems and make every effort to help the parties resolve issues without the stress, delay and expense of Court proceedings.

We offer a comprehensive service specialising in:
  • Separation and divorce of married couples, and the breakdown of relationships between unmarried partners including same sex relationships.
  • Related financial issues; including the family home, maintenance, pensions and other assets.
  • Issues regarding child care and custody, such as where and with whom the children will live, contact between children and parents (and sometimes other family members) and details about the way in which they are to be brought up.
  • Transfers of interests in property between partners and ex-partners.
  • Domestic violence and abuse.
  • Care proceedings by the local authority.
  • Written agreements between people intending to live together or marry.

Family Mediation Service

We also offer a family mediation service which is designed to ease the process of separation and divorce. It can help couples (married or not) to talk about and resolve issues connected with separation or divorce including arrangements for children, financial support and the family home. In order to find out more, please contact us for a mediation leaflet that fully explains the advantages of this service.

Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, the services of the family department may be provided free through a scheme operated by the Legal Services Commission.


The Team

Terry Bastyan

Terry Bastyan
Partner
Exeter


Jessica Burgess

Jessica Burgess
Chartered Legal Executive
Exeter


Alexandra Croft

Alexandra Croft
Trainee Solicitor
Exeter

 

If you would like to contact our family law team:

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 01392 424242 - Terry Bastyan


What our clients say -

"I have dealt with two specific members of your firm under difficult and emotional times and found them caring and mindful, supportive, considerate and there for me in every way as a client. I would like to say a big "thank you"."