Rebecca is experienced in advising in all areas of Family Law. Rebecca can assist couples who are going through a separation or if assistance is required in relation to a dispute relating to children arrangements. Rebecca can also help obtain necessary Court Orders to assist victims of domestic violence.
See our Family Services below;
- Fixed Fee First Meetings
- Divorce
- Financial Provision
- Children Agreements
- Cohabiting Couples
- Domestic Violence
- Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements
Fixed Fee First Meetings
We offer an initial face to face appointment to ensure that we fully understand your situation. During this appointment, we will not only take your full instructions, we will provide you with the in depth advice that you require and we will outline all of your options and the likely costs involved.
Our Fees
The fixed fee is £150.00 plus VAT.
Please note that fixed fee work requires payment on account prior to the meeting/work taking place
Divorce
It can be quite a stressful experience when going through a separation. There are a range of issues which need to be considered and we will do our best to ensure that the process is completed as smoothly as possible.
We will ensure that the process is completed as quickly as possible and it is our aim to ensure that all matters are dealt with in a friendly and non-confrontational manner.
Our Fees
We offer a fixed fee divorce of £500.00 plus VAT.
Please note that fixed fee work requires payment on account prior to the meeting/work taking place
This provides you with the assurance that your legal costs will not increase during the case, if further steps need to be taken.
Other Expenses
There is an initial Court fee of £550.00 for filing your divorce petition with the Court and there may be further Court fees applicable, if your case requires further action to be taken.
Financial Provision
During a divorce there will almost always be financial matters which need to be considered. This may involve a property, pensions, debt or other issues which you will require assistance with. Rebecca will ensure that these matters are addressed from the outset, with the aim of reaching a suitable settlement.
It may not be possible to reach an agreement during negotiations and if so, Rebecca will take the necessary steps to progress your matter to a successful conclusion, which may involve an application to the court if necessary to ensure that you obtain a favourable overall financial settlement.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Children Agreements
Reaching an agreement with your ex-partner in relation to the arrangements for your children can often be difficult. At Bates Wells and Braithwaite we take a non-confrontational approach, with the aim of assisting you to resolve such issues in the best interests of your children in a way which provides a sustainable long term routine.
If an agreement cannot be reached, Rebecca will take the appropriate steps to ensure that you have an arrangement in place which will rectify the previous difficulties you were experiencing.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Cohabiting Couples
The law in relation to cohabitation is often misunderstood. It is our aim to ensure that you fully know what your legal position is in respect of any assets you own with your ex-partner.
It is quite common for unmarried couples to own a property together and upon separation the issue arises as to what happens to this property. We will ensure that you obtain the correct advice in relation to your options and this will enable you to make the appropriate choice in regard to the next steps you wish to take.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Domestic Violence
As a victim of domestic violence it is imperative that you receive the appropriate support and assistance available to you. It is important to be aware that the definition of domestic violence is not limited to physical violence and there are different types of abusive behaviour that you are able to obtain assistance for. Rebecca will ensure that the appropriate steps are taken immediately, which may involve applying to the Court for emergency Orders, if your situation requires such steps to be taken.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Other Expenses
Various expenses such as court fees may apply but you will be advised of them in advance of any such fee being required.
Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements
Pre or Post Nuptial agreements are for couples who are considering marriage but wish to protect assets either previously inherited, or as a result of a former marriage. Rebecca can advise you as to the most appropriate way forward, of course, your partner will have to agree to enter into such an agreement either pre or post marriage. They themselves may wish to secure their own assets too.
Such agreements are becoming widely recognised by the courts in certain circumstances.
Rebecca can advise you as to the full effects of entering into such agreements.
- Fixed Fee First Meetings
- Divorce
- Financial Provision
- Children Agreements
- Cohabiting Couples
- Domestic Violence
- Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements
Fixed Fee First Meetings
We offer an initial face to face appointment to ensure that we fully understand your situation. During this appointment, we will not only take your full instructions, we will provide you with the in depth advice that you require and we will outline all of your options and the likely costs involved.
Our Fees
The fixed fee is £150.00 plus VAT.
Please note that fixed fee work requires payment on account prior to the meeting/work taking place
Divorce
It can be quite a stressful experience when going through a separation. There are a range of issues which need to be considered and we will do our best to ensure that the process is completed as smoothly as possible.
We will ensure that the process is completed as quickly as possible and it is our aim to ensure that all matters are dealt with in a friendly and non-confrontational manner.
Our Fees
We offer a fixed fee divorce of £500.00 plus VAT.
Please note that fixed fee work requires payment on account prior to the meeting/work taking place
This provides you with the assurance that your legal costs will not increase during the case, if further steps need to be taken.
Other Expenses
There is an initial Court fee of £550.00 for filing your divorce petition with the Court and there may be further Court fees applicable, if your case requires further action to be taken.
Financial Provision
During a divorce there will almost always be financial matters which need to be considered. This may involve a property, pensions, debt or other issues which you will require assistance with. Rebecca will ensure that these matters are addressed from the outset, with the aim of reaching a suitable settlement.
It may not be possible to reach an agreement during negotiations and if so, Rebecca will take the necessary steps to progress your matter to a successful conclusion, which may involve an application to the court if necessary to ensure that you obtain a favourable overall financial settlement.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Children Agreements
Reaching an agreement with your ex-partner in relation to the arrangements for your children can often be difficult. At Bates Wells and Braithwaite we take a non-confrontational approach, with the aim of assisting you to resolve such issues in the best interests of your children in a way which provides a sustainable long term routine.
If an agreement cannot be reached, Rebecca will take the appropriate steps to ensure that you have an arrangement in place which will rectify the previous difficulties you were experiencing.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Cohabiting Couples
The law in relation to cohabitation is often misunderstood. It is our aim to ensure that you fully know what your legal position is in respect of any assets you own with your ex-partner.
It is quite common for unmarried couples to own a property together and upon separation the issue arises as to what happens to this property. We will ensure that you obtain the correct advice in relation to your options and this will enable you to make the appropriate choice in regard to the next steps you wish to take.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Domestic Violence
As a victim of domestic violence it is imperative that you receive the appropriate support and assistance available to you. It is important to be aware that the definition of domestic violence is not limited to physical violence and there are different types of abusive behaviour that you are able to obtain assistance for. Rebecca will ensure that the appropriate steps are taken immediately, which may involve applying to the Court for emergency Orders, if your situation requires such steps to be taken.
Our Fees
Work is charged at an hourly rate of £175 + VAT. A costs estimate will be provided after initial discussions as work involved can vary from matter to matter.
Other Expenses
Various expenses such as court fees may apply but you will be advised of them in advance of any such fee being required.
Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements
Pre or Post Nuptial agreements are for couples who are considering marriage but wish to protect assets either previously inherited, or as a result of a former marriage. Rebecca can advise you as to the most appropriate way forward, of course, your partner will have to agree to enter into such an agreement either pre or post marriage. They themselves may wish to secure their own assets too.
Such agreements are becoming widely recognised by the courts in certain circumstances.
Rebecca can advise you as to the full effects of entering into such agreements.
Our team of specialist family solicitors have extensive knowledge and experience which will enable us to deal with all aspects of your enquiry.
Call us on 01787 880440 or complete our online enquiry form so that we can arrange to speak to you.
Rebecca Smith
Rebecca joined Bates Wells and Braithwaite in February 2019. Rebecca initially qualified as a Legal Executive and later as a Solicitor. She has over twenty years’ experience in a wide range of family disputes having previously trained and worked as a family solicitor in Bury St Edmunds.
Rebecca is a member of Resolution.
In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys horse-riding, walking and cooking with family and friends.