Natasha Forrester/My Local Solicitor Ltd

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Natasha Forrester/My Local Solicitor Ltd

Family Law Solicitor helping clients with divorce, separation, financial settlements and child arrangements across Cheshire and Shropshire.

Clear advice and practical support when you need it most. Enquiries welcome via message and email.

10/08/2026

Pre-nups aren’t about expecting a marriage to fail. They’re about having sensible conversations and creating clarity before you get married.

There’s been a lot more discussion recently about pre-nuptial agreements, particularly as more couples marry later, own property, have businesses, receive family wealth or simply want to understand where they both stand financially.

A pre-nup can help you agree from the outset how you would want certain assets to be treated if you were ever to separate.

It might not feel like the most romantic part of wedding planning 💍 — but having those conversations while you’re happy and planning your future together can be far easier than trying to resolve them if the relationship has already broken down.

If you’re getting married and wondering whether a pre-nup might be appropriate for you, I offer a free initial chat to talk through how they work and whether one would be worthwhile in your circumstances.

09/08/2026

⚖️ From the courtroom ⚖️

Going to Family Court doesn’t always mean fighting over every point. One thing clients understandably worry about during court proceedings is whether their solicitor is being “tough enough”.

Sometimes, the strongest advocacy isn’t the loudest. It can mean knowing which points really matter, which arguments are worth pursuing and when continuing a dispute is only going to increase conflict and costs without improving the outcome.

A good family lawyer should absolutely stand firm when it matters but they should also be able to step back from arguments that aren’t going to help you.
Particularly in family proceedings, there may still need to be a relationship between the parties long after the court case has finished, especially where children are involved.

My role when representing a client isn’t to create more conflict. It’s to make sure their position is properly put before the court, that they feel supported throughout the process and that we stay focused on achieving the best possible outcome for them and their family.

Sometimes that means fighting a point, sometimes it means compromising and sometimes it means knowing that not every battle needs to be fought.

06/08/2026

I was back at Crewe Family Court today for the first time in what must be at least six, possibly seven, years. It’s changed a lot since then but it felt good to be back where I first started learning advocacy.

Days like today remind me that whilst court is part of my job, for many people it’s the first time they’ve ever stepped inside a courtroom. It’s completely understandable that clients feel nervous and overwhelmed.

My role isn’t just to represent someone in court. It’s to support them, reassure them and make sure they understand what’s happening every step of the way. Seeing a client leave feeling more confident than when they arrived is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

If you’re facing a family law issue and don’t know where to start, I’m always happy to have a confidential, no-obligation chat.

Natasha Forrester/My Local Solicitor Ltd
📧 [email protected]

05/08/2026

📣 Good news for separating couples.

The Government has confirmed that the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has been extended until 31 March 2029. Eligible families may be able to receive a contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of family mediation.

Mediation can often help separating couples and parents reach agreements about arrangements for children or financial matters without immediately turning to court proceedings. It can be a quicker, less stressful and more cost-effective way of resolving disputes.

However, mediation isn’t suitable for every situation, particularly where there are concerns about domestic abuse, safeguarding or a significant imbalance of power. An authorised family mediator will assess whether mediation is appropriate and whether you’re eligible for the voucher scheme.

If you’re separating and would like to understand your options, I offer a free initial chat and would be happy to help.

📌 Feel free to save this post or share it with someone who may find it useful.

04/08/2026

Are you getting divorced and worried about protecting assets you brought into the marriage?

Whether it’s a business, property, inheritance or investments, a recent Supreme Court decision in Standish v Standish has provided important guidance on how these types of assets may be treated on divorce.

Although the case involved substantial wealth, the legal principles can apply to many more everyday situations. I’ve summarised some of the key facts from the case, together with the Supreme Court’s decision, in the graphic below.

The important point to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The court will look at where assets came from, how they were treated during the marriage and the financial needs of the parties before deciding what is fair.

If you’re considering separation or divorce and would like to understand how your property, business, inheritance or other assets may be treated, I offer a free initial chat with no obligation to discuss your circumstances and explain your options.

📞 If you’d like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Natasha Forrester/My Local Solicitor Ltd
[email protected]

28/07/2026

☀️ The summer holidays are now in full swing! ☀️

For many families, this is a time to relax, make memories and enjoy a break from the usual routine.

For separated parents, however, the holidays can also bring additional challenges – from agreeing holiday arrangements and sharing childcare, to navigating communication and changes to routine. For others, the extra time together over the summer can sometimes highlight that a relationship isn’t working as it once did.

Whatever your circumstances, you don’t have to face those conversations or decisions alone.
If you’d like to talk through arrangements for children, separation, divorce or financial matters, I offer a free initial chat with no obligation. Sometimes, simply understanding your options can make all the difference.

If I can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

27/07/2026

⚖️ Family Law Update | Non-Molestation Orders

The pilot scheme allowing HMCTS to automatically notify the police when certain Non-Molestation Orders are made has now been extended until July 2027.

The aim is to improve communication between the courts and the police, helping to reduce delays where qualifying orders are in place.

It’s important to remember that not every Non-Molestation Order is automatically shared. The scheme remains a pilot and only applies in selected courts and areas. If you have a Non-Molestation Order, don’t assume the police have been notified. If you’re unsure how the order applies in your case, it’s always worth seeking legal advice.

If you believe a Non-Molestation Order has been breached, report it to the police immediately. A breach of a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence.

If you’d like to discuss your options, I offer a free initial chat with no obligation.

13/07/2026

⚖️ From today (13 July), the new Family Court fees are now in force.

If you’re considering making an application to the Family Court, it’s worth being aware of the updated fees before you begin. Whilst the increases are relatively modest, they are another reminder that court proceedings come with a financial cost.

It’s also worth remembering that not every family law matter needs to end up in court. Seeking legal advice early can help you understand your options, explore alternatives where appropriate, and make informed decisions from the outset.

📌 If you think this information may be useful in the future, save this post or share it with someone who might benefit. If you’d like to talk things through, I offer a free initial chat with no obligation.

29/06/2026

⚖️ Family Court fees are increasing from 13 July 2026 ⚖️

The increases are relatively modest, but they are a useful reminder that court proceedings come with a financial cost.

If you’re considering a divorce, financial remedy or Children Act application, it’s worth being aware of the updated fees and taking legal advice early so you understand all of your options.

Remember, not every family law matter needs to end up in court. Taking advice at an early stage can often help you choose the right approach and potentially save both time and unnecessary expense.

📌 Save this post for future reference if you think it may be useful, or feel free to share it with someone who might benefit.

If you’d like to talk things through, I do offer a free initial chat with no obligation.

23/06/2026

Children matters can be incredibly emotional and stressful for everyone involved, so it means a lot when clients feel supported throughout the process and leave feedback afterwards.

Really appreciate people taking the time to leave reviews like this. Thank you for trusting me to help, guide and support you through such an important matter. 🌟

Address

My Local Solicitor Ltd, Church Street
Malpas
SY148NU

Telephone

+447405180760

Website

http://www.my-local-solicitor.com/

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