Largest Legal Aid Family Law Solicitors in Oldham and Manchester
Garratts Solicitors is the largest Legal Aid provider in the Oldham area and has a wealth of experience and knowledge in dealing with Family Law matters, including divorce and separation, contact and residence, finances (including maintenance, pensions and property) and injunctions.
Any Family Law matter can be extremely worrying and emotional, and our Family Solicitors are here to provide support and guidance through this difficult time.
With offices in Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Stalybridge, Radcliffe, Worsley and Newton Heath, our Family Law Solicitors are ideally placed to assist people throughout Manchester.
Our Family Law Solicitors can help you with the following issues:
We will advise you on the most cost-effective solutions to your problems, and we can discuss a number of payment and funding options available. We offer the option of fixed fees for all areas of Family Law.
What is family law advice?
Family law advice covers legal guidance on matters affecting families and relationships, including divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, domestic abuse protection and cohabitation rights. A family law solicitor helps you understand your legal position, explains your options and represents you in negotiations or court proceedings.
Family law advice is essential when you're facing separation, need to formalise child contact arrangements, are dealing with domestic abuse, or want to protect your assets through prenuptial or cohabitation agreements.
Do you qualify for legal aid for divorce?
Legal Aid for divorce is only available in specific circumstances. You'll qualify if you're experiencing domestic abuse or if your case involves child abduction or forced marriage. For domestic abuse cases, you'll need evidence from the past five years, such as a police report, court order, or letter from a refuge or GP.
You must also meet the financial eligibility test. Generally, this means having disposable income under £733 per month and capital (savings and assets) under £8,000. Your partner's income isn't counted if you're separating.
If you don't meet these criteria, Legal Aid won't cover your divorce. However, we offer fixed fees for straightforward divorces, and we can discuss payment plans. Contact us on 0161 665 3502 to check your eligibility.
How much does a divorce cost in Oldham?
A straightforward uncontested divorce typically costs between £500-£800 plus the court fee of £593 (correct as of 2026). This covers preparing and filing your divorce petition, liaising with the court, and finalising your decree.
If your divorce involves disputes over finances, property, or children, costs will be higher, potentially running into thousands of pounds depending on complexity. We offer fixed fee divorce services so you know the cost upfront with no surprises.
Legal Aid may cover your costs if you're experiencing domestic abuse. We're the largest Legal Aid provider in Oldham, so we can advise on your options. Call 0161 665 3502 for a quote specific to your circumstances.
Can grandparents get custody rights?
Grandparents don't have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren, but they can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. This gives you legal rights to spend time with your grandchildren or, in some cases, have them live with you.
First, you'll usually need to apply for permission to make the application, unless the child has lived with you for at least three years. The court decides based on what's best for the child, considering factors like your existing relationship, the child's wishes (if they're old enough), and any risks.
If parents are preventing contact, mediation is often required before court. We handle grandparents' rights cases regularly and understand how stressful these situations are. Legal Aid may be available in some circumstances. Call us on 0161 665 3502 to discuss your case.
