It’s proposed that over 60 Family Court fees will be increasing from 1 April to support the running of the notoriously underfunded His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Read moreThe full range of family law services for Manchester
Our award-winning team — one of the largest in the North — provides bespoke legal advice on all areas of family law, including:
- Alternative dispute resolution — compared to traditional court proceedings, ADR can be a quicker, more cost-effective way to achieve a bespoke result in respect of financial matters and arrangements for children, even in complex cases.
- Child arrangements — we can advise in relation to all aspects of child law, including adoption, custody, abduction and relocation. We'll help you to find the right solution for your children and adapt to any changes in circumstances.
- Co-habitation — it's a common misconception that cohabiting couples enjoy the same financial rights as a married couple if their relationship breaks down. A cohabitation agreement can provide security and certainty.
- Divorce and financial settlements — we guide you through the entire divorce or separation process, helping to achieve financial security and ensure that your best interests are safeguarded. This includes complex divorces, such as international cases.
- Fertility law, surrogacy and parenthood — whether you’re wanting to explore routes to parenthood or have an issue arising from your family’s circumstances, we can guide you through the technicalities.
- Pre- and post-nuptial agreements — while it can be difficult to discuss, a prenup or postnup is a pragmatic way of safeguarding property, businesses, trusts and inherited wealth should your relationship break down in the future.
Family law is wide-ranging and often highly specialised and the matters involved can be incredibly emotionally challenging and sensitive. We're in your corner, ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Our Resolution-accredited Manchester-based specialists adopt a sensitive, strategic, outcome-oriented approach focused on achieving the best possible result for you, while minimising confrontation.
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Award-winning family lawyers, serving Manchester with warmth, talent and experience
We are one of the largest family law teams in the North, recognised in The Times Best Law Firms, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
The team is led by experienced child law expert Cara Nuttall, who has been ranked in these top legal directories for over a decade and is recognised as a 'Leading Lawyer' and 'Leading Partner'. She works closely alongside Hannah Saxe, a leading expert in child arrangements, divorce, financial settlements, cohabitation agreements and more, Amy Harris, who has a strong international family law practice that includes advice on divorce and prenups, as well as Joe Ailion, who specialises in building families matters like fertility law and surrogacy.
Commended by peers as leaders in their respective fields, our preeminent experts have worked on several landmark cases, including those across modern families, surrogacy and alternative dispute resolution. We've been at the heart of family law’s rapid evolution over recent years.
We're also accredited with Resolution, meaning that we deal with cases in a way that limits or prevents conflict and distress. Despite being a large law firm, we offer a personal service — our solicitors are members of various organisations championing change and best practice in family law.
Meet our Manchester family law team
Supporting families across Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire
Our family law team covers the entire Greater Manchester region, including the city centre, Altrincham, Bolton, Rochdale, Sale, Salford, Stockport and Wigan.
We also work closely with many clients across Cheshire, covering towns and villages including Alderley Edge, Bramhall, Knutsford, Nantwich, Northwich, Prestbury, Wilmslow and Winsford.
Our team handles family law work of all types and complexities on behalf of a range of individuals, including more complex cases with an international complexion and those involving high-value assets.
Whether you’d prefer for us to work with you virtually or meet face-to-face at our office in central Manchester, we’re flexible.
Talk to us by calling 0333 004 4488, emailing family@brabners.com or completing our contact form.
Accredited, experienced family law experts
“In our search for guidance on a parentage claim, we were fortunate to find Joe Ailion — a true gem. His expertise and professionalism in Court matters were evident from the start… But it was his immediate response to our call for help that truly set him apart. Joe attentively listened to our story and addressed each of our concerns with a depth of understanding and empathy rarely seen in a solicitor. Beyond his unquestionable professional expertise, Joe brings a level of personal care and emotional intelligence to his work. His honest and straightforward advice, coupled with a genuine warmth, created a sense of security for our family during a tumultuous time. For us, Joe is not just a solicitor — he’s a beacon of hope and reassurance.”
Anonymous family law client
“Hannah Saxe has notable expertise in children matters, including advising on adoption and surrogacy cases.”
Chambers and Partners 2025
“Brabners has one of the North of England’s largest family law teams, with expertise across financial, children, international and fertility work.”
The Times Best Law Firms 2025
“The family team at Brabners are an exceptional offering in the north west of England covering Manchester and Liverpool.”
Legal 500 client feedback 2025
“Brabners is easily the premier family law service in Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding area. They have enormous strength in depth and their first-rate lawyers cover the most serious and complex matters.”
Legal 500 2025 client feedback
A purpose-led independent family law firm, proudly anchored in Manchester.
We’re on a mission to make the difference for our clients, people and communities. Founded in 1815 and rooted in the North, our independence allows us to be principled and provide a service with heart and personality.
In 2022, we became the largest law firm in the UK to become B Corp certified. This is an independent marker that we're purpose-driven, committed to creating benefits for all stakeholders and operating as a force for good.
Northern Ambition
The collaborative network for purpose-led businesses. We’re building a more sustainable and innovative tomorrow.
Sustainable Business
In 2022, we proudly became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside London) to become B Corp certified.
Community Impact
We channel the energy of our public-spirited people and clients towards improving our local communities.
Expert family law insights
The President of the Family Division has released a toolkit to support family Judges when writing to children.
Read more
Here, Steven Appleton from our estate planning team and Amy Harris from our family law team explain the options available to family business owners, including sensible steps to take to secure your estate from future divorce or separation.
Read moreContact our Manchester family law and divorce experts
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