Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Family Law Services in London
Established in 2005, Alternative Family Law was founded to address the unique needs of clients navigating family law matters with a focus on personal relationships and accessibility. Our approach prioritises alternative dispute resolution methods, recognising that litigation is often not the optimal solution. We specialise in cases involving same-sex couples, international families, and unconventional family structures, offering tailored guidance that reflects our deep understanding of the emotional and legal complexities involved.With expertise in mediation, collaborative law, and international family law, we provide clear, practical advice while maintaining a commitment to ethical practice and client-centred solutions. Our founder, Andrea Woelke, continues this legacy as a consultant at Josiah-Lake Gardiner Solicitors, ensuring continuity in delivering specialist knowledge to clients.
Services
Divorce
Child Arrangements
Mediation
Cohabitation Disputes
Surrogacy
International Family Law
Parental Orders
Collaborative Law
Pre-nuptial Agreements
Relocation Cases
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer alternative dispute resolution methods to avoid court proceedings where possible.
- Our team specialises in international family law and cross-border divorce cases.
- We provide tailored support for same-sex couples and non-traditional family structures.
- Andrea Woelke brings decades of experience in complex family law matters.
- We prioritise accessible, client-focused legal advice with transparent communication.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Divorce
Guidance on initiating and resolving divorce proceedings under English law, including financial settlements and child custody arrangements. We advise on no-fault divorce processes introduced in 2022 and handle complex international cases. Our approach prioritises mediation and collaborative law to reduce conflict.
Child Arrangements
Assistance with post-separation parenting plans, including residence, contact schedules, and dispute resolution. We specialise in cases involving same-sex parents, surrogacy, and international relocation. Our focus is on the child's welfare while balancing parental rights.
Mediation
Neutral third-party facilitation of disputes over finances, child custody, or property division. This cost-effective alternative to court empowers parties to create custom solutions while maintaining amicable post-separation relationships, particularly beneficial for co-parenting scenarios.
Surrogacy
Legal support for intended parents navigating UK surrogacy laws, including parental order applications and international surrogacy recognition. We address complex cases involving donor agreements, cross-border citizenship issues, and post-birth legal parentage disputes.
International Family Law
Expertise in jurisdictional disputes, EU/UK ancestry claims, and enforcement of foreign court orders. We handle cases involving international child abduction under the Hague Convention, relocation permissions, and financial settlements across multiple legal systems.
People
Andrea Woelke
Consultant Solicitor
Andrea Woelke, founder of Alternative Family Law, is a family law specialist with over 20 years' experience. He focuses on mediation, international cases, and LGBTQ+ family matters, offering expertise in surrogacy and co-parenting agreements.
Questions
What areas of law does Alternative Family Law cover?
We specialise in English family law, including divorce, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes, surrogacy, international family cases, and mediation services.
Can I get legal aid for family law cases?
Josiah-Lake Gardiner Solicitors does not operate legal aid contracts. Check eligibility via government websites or contact firms with legal aid agreements.
How does mediation work for family disputes?
Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating discussions to resolve issues like child custody or financial splits, avoiding court proceedings.
What support exists for same-sex couples?
We provide tailored advice on civil partnerships, surrogacy, co-parenting agreements, and international recognition of same-sex family structures.
How are international family law cases handled?
We address jurisdictional challenges, cross-border divorce, child abduction under the Hague Convention, and enforcement of foreign court orders.
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