Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Family Law Solicitors in Liverpool
Berkson Family Law was established in the 1930s as Louis Berkson and Globe Solicitors, evolving into one of Liverpool's most respected specialist family law practices. Our firm has grown through decades of dedicated service, expanding our expertise in family law matters including divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, and public law proceedings. Accredited by the Law Society's Children Panel and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we combine deep legal knowledge with compassionate client support. Our team of experienced solicitors, including director Adele Schofield with over 20 years on the Children Panel, provides tailored solutions for complex family law cases.We specialise in emergency protection procedures, adoption, cohabitation disputes, and domestic abuse cases, maintaining a strong focus on protecting clients' rights and futures. With offices in Liverpool city centre, we serve clients across Merseyside and beyond, offering free initial consultations and legal aid assessments. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as one of the UK's leading specialist family law firms, combining traditional values with modern legal practices to deliver exceptional client outcomes.
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Financial Settlements
Emergency Protection Orders
Adoption Cases
Domestic Abuse Cases
Cohabitation Disputes
Care Proceedings
Non-Molestation Orders
Grandparent Rights
Details
- Year established: 1930
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years' experience in specialist family law practice
- Our director is a Law Society Children Panel member for 20+ years
- Specialise in emergency child protection procedures and public law cases
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (registration 630037)
- Offer free initial consultations and legal aid assessments
Associations and certifications
- Law Society's Children Panel
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Our specialist divorce solicitors handle all aspects of marital dissolution, including financial settlements and child custody arrangements. We provide expert guidance on pre-divorce planning, court proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution methods. With extensive experience in complex financial cases and international divorces, we ensure your rights and assets are protected throughout the process.
Child Arrangements
We offer comprehensive advice on child custody, visitation rights, and parenting plans. Our solicitors represent clients in court proceedings and mediation to establish fair arrangements that prioritise the child's welfare. We handle urgent cases involving child abduction risks and international relocation matters with specialist expertise.
Emergency Protection Orders
Our team specialises in urgent child protection cases, including emergency care proceedings and non-molestation orders. We provide immediate legal support for cases involving abuse, neglect, or child removal by social services. With 24/7 availability for critical cases, we ensure swift action to protect vulnerable children and families.
Adoption Cases
We guide clients through all adoption processes, including local authority adoptions, private arrangements, and contested cases. Our solicitors provide legal representation for prospective adopters, birth parents, and guardians, ensuring compliance with complex legal requirements while prioritising the child's best interests throughout the adoption journey.
Domestic Abuse Cases
Our specialist team handles domestic abuse cases with sensitivity and urgency, securing protective orders and emergency housing arrangements. We provide legal support for non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and criminal injunctions, working closely with support agencies to ensure client safety and long-term protection.
People
Adele Schofield
Director & Children Law Specialist
Qualified solicitor with over 20 years on the Law Society's Children Panel, specialising in complex child arrangement disputes and public law proceedings. Leads our family law team with extensive court experience.
Darren Matthews
Senior Solicitor
Experienced family law practitioner qualified since 2003, handling divorce, financial settlements, and child custody cases with particular expertise in high-conflict disputes and court litigation.
Erin Spadafora
Solicitor
Specialist family law solicitor with particular focus on adoption cases, cohabitation disputes, and complex child arrangement matters. Provides clear legal guidance tailored to clients' specific circumstances.
Megan Williams
Solicitor
Qualified LLB graduate with developing expertise in family law, currently completing LPC training. Assists with divorce proceedings, financial settlements, and child protection cases under senior supervision.
Questions
What areas of family law do you specialise in?
We specialise in divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, emergency protection orders, adoption, domestic abuse cases, and public law proceedings across Merseyside and North West England.
Can you handle urgent child protection cases?
Yes, our team provides immediate legal support for emergency child protection matters, including care proceedings, emergency orders, and social services interventions with urgent court applications when required.
Are you regulated by legal authorities?
We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (registration number 630037) and our solicitors appear on the Law Society's Children Panel.
Do you offer initial legal consultations?
Yes, we offer free eligibility discussions and 30-minute consultations with our specialist solicitors to discuss your family law matter and legal options.
Can you help with international family law matters?
Our expertise includes international divorce cases, child abduction risks, and cross-border custody disputes, with experience handling cases involving foreign jurisdictions and international law.
What payment options are available?
We offer various funding options including legal aid (subject to eligibility), fixed fees for specific services, and competitive hourly rates with transparent cost structures.
