Eddison Cogan Lawyers
+44 (0)117 389 0523​
Family & Commercial Law Specialists
Family Law Services
Overview
At Eddison Cogan Lawyers, we provide clear, practical support for families and family businesses. Our focus is on resolving conflict fairly, documenting agreements properly, and protecting assets for the future. We work collaboratively wherever possible, helping clients reach consent orders and avoiding unnecessary litigation.
How we Work – Conflict Resolution
​We can act for one party or provide a collaborative model where both parties work towards agreement with professional support. Agreements are reached more effectively because communication is facilitated in a legal context, not left to personal conflict.
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Where appropriate, Christopher Eddison-Cogan works alongside family psychotherapist Jennifer Hogan-Brown and experienced paralegals. Our aim is always to resolve issues with dignity, reduce distress, and give families long-term security.
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Divorce and Separation Agreements
We draft and advise on agreements that bring clarity to financial relationships:
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to set expectations and reduce conflict.
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Financial settlements during separation or divorce, documented to stand up in court if needed.
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International considerations, including expatriates who may be affected differently under UK and overseas law.
Child Custody Arrangements
We prioritise the welfare of children by:
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Preparing child arrangement orders that reflect the needs of the child and practical realities of family life.
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Using mediation and collaborative methods to reduce conflict and support co-parenting.
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Where necessary, guiding clients through the court process with sensitivity and care.
Wills
A properly drafted will does more than distribute assets:
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It ensures your wishes are carried out.
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It reduces the risk of family disputes.
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It provides security for loved ones, including business and agricultural assets.
Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ensures trusted people can act on your behalf if needed. We prepare LPAs for:
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Property and Financial Affairs – so bills, banking, and property can be managed without interruption.
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Health and Welfare – so your values guide decisions about care and treatment.
LPAs prevent family disputes and avoid the cost and delay of a Court of Protection application.
Inheritance Tax & Wealth Protection
Rising property values and upcoming reforms mean more families are now affected by IHT. We help by:
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Reviewing estates and trusts to minimise tax exposure.
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Advising on reliefs, allowances, and strategies to protect family wealth.
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Planning so assets pass smoothly to the next generation.
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Documenting Financial Relationships
​​Family relationships necessarily include financial relationships, whether entered into voluntarily or imposed by custom or courts.
Strictly speaking, pre-nuptial agreements are not legally binding in the UK, but courts do take notice of their terms provided they are entered into fairly and with full disclosure by both parties.
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Other countries, and we are most familiar with Australia, do enforce financial agreements between domestic partners, provided various procedural and substantive conditions are met. Expatriates can be caught out in both directions; for example, cohabiting couples moving to the UK may not have the rights they expect, while a UK professional accepting a two-year posting might find that their accompanying partner suddenly acquires financial rights under Australian law.
In many jurisdictions, including the UK, properly executed cohabitation agreements can be legally binding, and can be agreed between domestic partners, siblings and even friends.
