Shortlands Solicitors

Business Details

22 Years

experience

Expert Family Law Solicitors in London

Shortlands Solicitors is a boutique family law firm with over 20 years of experience guiding clients through complex legal matters. Founded in 2004 by Principal Shabana Walayat, we specialise in divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, and international family law cases. Our team of expert solicitors has extensive experience handling high-net-worth disputes and prioritises mediation to reduce conflict and costs. We are committed to providing tailored solutions that protect clients' interests while maintaining a compassionate approach during emotionally challenging times. Our track record includes successfully resolving over 10,000 cases, with a focus on achieving swift, effective outcomes.

We offer fixed-fee initial consultations and transparent pricing structures to ensure accessibility. Our reputation for professionalism is reflected in numerous client testimonials praising our expertise, responsiveness, and dedication to client welfare. We serve clients in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and internationally, with a team that combines deep legal knowledge with practical problem-solving skills. Our approach balances legal rigor with empathetic support to navigate family law challenges effectively.

Services

Divorce International Divorce Child Arrangements Financial Settlements Cohabitation Agreements Pre/Postnuptial Agreements Mediation Services Collaborative Law Wills and Probate Domestic Violence Cases

Details

Year established: 2004

Highlights and features

We have over 20 years of experience in family law with a track record of over 10,000 resolved cases
Our team includes specialist solicitors with expertise in international and high-net-worth disputes
We prioritise mediation and collaboration to reduce conflict and costs
We offer fixed-fee initial consultations with transparent pricing structures
Our client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, expertise, and compassionate approach

What people say

Highly professional Excellent service Compassionate and highly professional Prompt responses Expertise in complex cases

Website

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Services

Divorce

Our divorce services guide clients through the legal process of marital dissolution, including filing petitions, negotiating settlements, and court representation. We specialise in contested and international divorces, ensuring clients understand their rights and obligations. With over 20 years of experience, we prioritise amicable resolutions while preparing robust cases for contested hearings when necessary.

Child Arrangements

We help parents establish child custody arrangements that prioritise the child's welfare. Our solicitors negotiate parenting plans, address relocation concerns, and resolve disputes through mediation or litigation. We work with experts to ensure arrangements consider children's emotional and practical needs while maintaining both parents' involvement where appropriate.

Financial Settlements

Our financial settlement services address property, pension, and income division during divorce. We handle complex asset disclosures, negotiate fair settlements, and prepare court applications when agreements fail. With expertise in high-value cases, we protect clients' financial interests while seeking cost-effective resolutions through collaboration or litigation.

Mediation Services

We offer mediation to resolve family disputes amicably, covering divorce terms, child arrangements, and financial matters. Our accredited mediators facilitate constructive discussions to reduce conflict and costs. This voluntary process allows clients to maintain control over outcomes while avoiding adversarial court proceedings whenever possible.

International Divorce

We specialise in international divorce cases involving multiple jurisdictions, complex asset structures, and cross-border custody disputes. Our solicitors navigate conflicting legal systems, enforce foreign judgments, and address jurisdictional challenges. With experience in cases involving expatriates and multinational families, we provide strategic solutions for globally connected clients.

People

Shabana Walayat

Director

With over 20 years of family law experience, Shabana Walayat founded Shortlands Solicitors in 2004. She specialises in complex divorce cases, international child custody disputes, and high-net-worth financial settlements. Her approach combines legal expertise with compassionate client support.

Sian Whittaker

Solicitor

Sian Whittaker provides expert legal advice on divorce and financial settlements. With extensive experience in court proceedings, she guides clients through complex legal processes while maintaining clear communication and prioritising client interests.

Carolyn Hanes

Solicitor

Carolyn Hanes specialises in child arrangement disputes and domestic violence cases. She advocates for clients' rights while focusing on children's welfare, using mediation and litigation strategies to achieve favourable outcomes.

Johnathan Pease

Solicitor

Johnathan Pease handles divorce proceedings and financial settlements, with particular expertise in cases involving business assets and complex income structures. He provides clear guidance to protect clients' financial interests.

Austin Chessell

Solicitor

Austin Chessell focuses on prenuptial agreements and collaborative law. He helps clients establish clear financial arrangements before marriage and resolves disputes through negotiated settlements.

Questions

What are the grounds for divorce in the UK?

The UK recognises five grounds for divorce: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for two years, separation for two years with consent, or five years' separation without consent.

How long does a divorce take in the UK?

An uncontested divorce typically takes 5-6 months to finalise, while contested cases may take longer depending on court schedules and case complexity.

Can I get a divorce if my spouse cannot be located?

Yes, you can still divorce by demonstrating to the court that you've made reasonable attempts to locate your spouse through evidence of search efforts.

What documents are required to start divorce proceedings?

You need a divorce petition, original marriage certificate (with translation if required), and the court filing fee to initiate divorce proceedings in the UK.

How are financial settlements determined during divorce?

Financial settlements consider factors like asset values, income, marriage duration, and children's needs. Courts aim for fair outcomes based on each case's specific circumstances.

What happens if my ex-partner refuses to pay child support?

You can seek enforcement through the Child Maintenance Service or court action to compel payments, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Linda Makins

May 17, 2022 Report

I'm delighted to express my appreciation of Wentworth who helped us as a family to prepare our our wills and register lasting powers of attorney for future use in the event of our incapacity. These are not exactly the most cheerful topics to deal with but Wentworth's friendly and humane attirude made the experience less stressful. He explained everything to us in great detail and in a form we non-legal-eagles could understand perfectly and he answered any queries in full. It was a delight to deal with him.

Sharleen De Villiers

Feb 11, 2022 Report

Alastair Dobbie is an exceptional solicitor who was extremely helpful and insightful throughout the entire process. It was a very stressful time of my life - and his professionalism (not to mention patience) helped immensely. I would have no hesitation in recommending him. Thank you, Alastair, for guiding me through from start to finish with such impeccable attention to detail.

As Kule On

Jan 23, 2022 Report

I am immensely grateful to this firm and specifically Wentworth Gurney who quickly grasped the complexity of my probate/multiple marriages case, advice accordingly and wrote a powerful letter for my case. The letter, packed with case laws, formed the foundations of my case. I highly recommend the firm, in particular Wentworth, who advised me well and worked hard for my case.

ZLawandProperty

Jun 15, 2021 Report

The firm has really supported me in difficult times. Wentworth has worked on my case for two years dealing with complex issues which were not his area of expetise but he very quickly grasped concepts and produced a very high quality administration. Thank you for everything!

Mocha Dragqueen

May 01, 2021 Report

Me and my mother had the help of Wentworth and we was very pleased with how helpful and great he was! Very much recommend!

Muhammad Aman Raffi

Apr 18, 2020 Report

Shabana and the Shortlands team managed my case really well and in a professional manner, kept me updated which I really appreciated. Quick turnaround, calm and deliver highest quality standard service. Don't look anywhere else because the team definitely knows what they are doing and I would recommend to all my friends and family.

Iodides

Apr 15, 2019 Report

Difference between a solicitor and a specialist solicitor is so obvious. My case was rather complex with jurisdiction issues etc but Shabana untied all knots step by step and fully explained where I stood. Good value for such expert knowledge and advice. Thank you!