Protecting what matters most
Family law issues are rarely just legal problems. They can affect your home, your children, your finances, your safety and your future.
At MSB Solicitors, our family law team provides clear, practical and compassionate advice when you need it most. We support individuals, parents, families and couples through separation, divorce, arrangements for children, financial settlements, domestic abuse, international family disputes, adoption, surrogacy and alternatives to court.
Our approach is firm, sensitive and focused on achieving the right outcome for you. We will explain your options clearly, help you understand the likely risks and outcomes, and work with you to find the best route forward.
Family law advice tailored to you
Every family is different. We take the time to understand your circumstances, your priorities and what you want to achieve.
Our family law solicitors can support you with divorce, separation, financial settlements, arrangements for children, domestic abuse, international family disputes, adoption, surrogacy, cohabitation issues and alternatives to court.
Need family law advice? Call 0331 630 1144, email familylaw@msbsolicitors.co.uk or complete our enquiry form.
We can help you with:
Key Contact
How our family law solicitors can help
Divorce and separation The end of a relationship can feel overwhelming, especially when decisions need to be made about children, finances and the family home. Our divorce and separation solicitors will explain your options clearly and help you move forward with confidence.
Financial settlements Financial arrangements after separation can affect your home, income, pensions, business interests and long-term security. We can help you understand what a fair settlement may look like and how to reach a legally binding agreement.
Children law When arrangements for children need to be resolved, we focus on practical solutions that protect your relationship with your child and keep their welfare at the centre of the case.
Domestic abuse and protection If you are experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control, harassment or threats, we can help you take urgent steps to protect yourself and your children.
Honour-based abuse and harmful practices. We provide sensitive, specialist support for people affected by honour-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful practices.
International family law Family disputes can become more complex when they involve more than one country. We advise on international children matters, relocation, child abduction, overseas assets and jurisdiction issues.
Adoption and surrogacy Adoption and surrogacy can be life-changing, but the legal process can be complex. We guide parents, prospective parents and families through each step with clear and sensitive advice.
Alternatives to court Court is not always the only option. We can help you explore negotiation, mediation, collaborative law and arbitration where a more constructive route may be possible.
LGBTQIA+ family law We provide inclusive family law advice for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples and families, including advice on separation, children, adoption, surrogacy and relationship planning.
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Why choose MSB Solicitors
MSB’s family law department is known for combining strong legal expertise with a compassionate, client-first approach.
Our team is led by Dr Emma Palmer, Partner and Head of Family. Under her leadership, the department has built a strong reputation for complex family work, including children law, international family law, domestic abuse, high-net-worth divorce and cases involving vulnerable clients.
Clients choose MSB because we offer:
- A large and experienced family law team
- Specialist advice across divorce, children, finance and protection work
- Experience in urgent, complex and sensitive cases
- A trauma-informed and client-focused approach
- National recognition from leading legal directories and professional bodies
- Inclusive advice for individuals, parents and families from all backgrounds
We will be honest with you about your options, the likely costs and the best way to move forward.
Recognised family law solicitors across Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Chester and Cheshire
MSB has one of the largest and most experienced family law teams in the North West, supporting clients across Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Chester and Cheshire, as well as nationally.
Led by Dr Emma Palmer, Partner and Head of Family, our team is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for its work across divorce, children law, financial settlements, domestic abuse, international family law and complex family disputes.
Our family lawyers bring together a wide range of specialist experience, including high-value and complex financial matters, child arrangements, relocation, urgent protection work, adoption, surrogacy and alternatives to court. We work with clients in a way that is clear, practical and sensitive to the personal nature of family law issues.
Whether you need advice locally or nationally, we can support you in person, by telephone or by video appointment.
Awards, accreditations and professional recognition
Our family law team is recognised by leading legal directories and professional bodies, including The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme and the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme.
This recognition reflects the team’s experience across divorce, children matters, domestic abuse, finance, international family law and complex family disputes.
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Meet our family law team
Our family law department is led by Dr Emma Palmer, Partner and Head of Family. The team includes solicitors with experience across divorce, financial settlements, children law, domestic abuse, international family law, adoption, surrogacy and alternatives to court.
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What our clients say
We understand that family law issues can be personal, emotional and difficult. Our clients value clear advice, practical support and a team that takes the time to understand what matters most.
Legal 500 2026
"Head of department, Emma Palmer leads an exceptional team of sector leading experts instructed by clients nationally and internationally across offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Widnes and Birmingham."
Legal 500 2026
"Highly motivated Family team. Combative and robust where issues require a strong stance."
Legal 500 2026
"This is a very competent firm who have considerable experience and success in representing client in international children cases and also domestic jurisdiction cases. From what I have see they handle their clients sensitively and frankly"
Legal 500 2026
"Every solicitor I've had the pleasure of working with at MSB are kind but firm, empathetic and willing to go above and beyond for their clients"
My MSB Experience
"All staff from receptionist to the top, each staff was very helpful and insisted on making sure that each query and situation was met with urgency and professionalism with the best outcome for me the ultimate goal of MSB. Non-judgemental and very quick to respond making it easy for me , and trusted the service they gave over 2 years.. wouldn’t go anywhere else if I needed by far the best."
Divorce and Finance
"Diane has represented me for a number of years covering divorce, financial remedy as well as ongoing elements of family law. The approach has always been person centred, pragmatic and sensitive to the very difficult situation I have been in. Diane has always been extremely flexible and worked to ensure that no precious time with my child is impacted by the need to discuss and progress matters. I am extremely grateful for the support that I have and continue to receive. "
I can't do put into words the level of support
"From the second I started working with MSB the level of support has been incredible. My case was a family case, no question is ever too much, the response time is incredible. The calls I have had have been informative and I have never felt that anything is too much trouble. I would recommend MSB in a heartbeat and thank them for supporting me through one of the hardest times of my life, I am so glad I am working with Katie through this as I feel her knowledge and support is imperative."
Family law FAQs
What does a family law solicitor do?
A family law solicitor advises on legal issues involving relationships, children, separation, divorce, finances, protection from abuse, adoption, surrogacy and wider family arrangements. They can help you understand your rights, negotiate an agreement, prepare legal documents and represent you in court if needed.
When should I speak to a family solicitor?
Do I have to go to court for a family law issue?
Can MSB help with urgent family law applications?
Can you help with child arrangements after separation?
Can you help with financial settlements after divorce?
Do you advise unmarried couples?
Do you advise LGBTQIA+ families?
Can you help if my family law case has an international element?
Do you have family law solicitors in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Chester and Cheshire?
How do I contact MSB’s family law team?
