A local solicitor from Aughton has opened a new family law firm in Southport to offer city expertise to local couples and families.

Spence Family Law, based on Anchor Street, has been established by Adele Spence, a family solicitor with over 18 years’ experience, who left her role at Peterson Solicitors in Southport to set up the new firm.

Services provided by Spence Family Law include divorce and separation and related financial and property matters, issues relating to children arising from separation, pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation disputes.

Adele told QLocal the focus of the firm will be on finding legal resolutions for couples in a robust but sympathetic and sensible way.

She said: “With all cases, I want to enable people to move on with their lives and look after their families as quickly as possible.

“Going through a divorce can be a hugely distressing time, especially when children are involved. Whilst we are sympathetic and strive for an amicable resolution, our priority is to get the right outcome for our clients and this is what drives us.”

Adele is a member of Resolution, an organisation of 6,500 family lawyers who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. She will be joined by another highly experienced family law solicitor, Laura Olson, who is also from Aughton, and support staff at the firm.

In September 2018, the government launched a consultation on introducing ‘no-fault divorces’, which would update legislation that has not been changed for almost 50 years.

Adele commented: “The current system which requires one of the parties to apportion blame if they want to speed up the process is outdated and often fuels animosity and increased stress for all concerned. This can be particularly damaging where children are involved.

“Quite often, a marriage can break down naturally and a system that makes it easy for those people to move forward without unnecessary acrimony and delay is a progressive step.”

Adele previously worked for Fletchers Solicitors and DWF Solicitors, two of the leading law firms in the UK.

She added: “As we’re in the heart of Southport, our clients have easy access to city legal expertise which is more cost-effective.”