Matrimonial and Children Law
Clear advice when life is changing.
Family law is a significant part of Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd’s practice.
Our team includes two highly experienced senior family Advocates, Lydia Mulligan and Louise Cooil, both of whom practise across the full range of family and children law and have substantial experience appearing before the Isle of Man Courts.
They are supported by the wider Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd litigation team, giving the practice depth across financial proceedings, disputes concerning children and public law cases.
Calm advice. Clear priorities. Strong representation.
What we do
- Divorce and separation
- Financial provision
- Complex and high-value matrimonial finances
- Businesses, pensions, property and other assets
- Private children proceedings
- Care and public law children proceedings
- Domestic abuse
- Relocation and international children issues
- Hague Convention matters
- Cohabitation
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
- Adoption
- Appeals
Divorce & finances
The end of a relationship can raise difficult questions about homes, businesses, pensions, income and future financial security.
We advise on straightforward financial settlements as well as substantial and complex cases involving businesses, trusts, investments, inherited assets, property and disputed disclosure.
Our focus is not simply on dividing assets.
It is on understanding what matters to the client and achieving a workable outcome.
Children
Disputes concerning children require particular care.
We represent parents and other family members in private children proceedings involving where children live, the time they spend with each parent, relocation and other significant decisions about their upbringing.
Our experience also includes international children and Hague Convention matters.
Care proceedings
Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd has substantial experience of public law children proceedings.
We represent parents, children and other family members where Social Services are involved, including in contested care proceedings involving expert evidence and decisions of profound importance to the family.
Domestic abuse
We advise and represent clients seeking protection and those responding to allegations made against them.
These cases can require urgent action and frequently overlap with children, housing and relationship breakdown.
We approach them carefully, recognising both the need for protection where required and the serious consequences allegations can have for everyone involved.
Mediation & resolution
Some family problems can be resolved through advice, negotiation or mediation.
Others require the Court.
Our family lawyers are experienced in both.
Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd also has qualified and accredited mediators who can accept independent mediation appointments.
Advocacy
Your family lawyer can also be your advocate.
Our family Advocates regularly appear before the Isle of Man Courts.
That continuity can be particularly valuable in family proceedings, where understanding the history, personalities and evidence may be as important as understanding the law.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid may be available depending upon the nature of the proceedings and applicable eligibility rules.