Expertise in Family Law
North Family Law is a new style of family law practice. It’s not about us, it is about our clients.
We are truly specialist in what we do. We have the experience and knowledge to help in any situation where family law advice is needed, whether before or after a relationship breaks down.
Simon Preston is a well-known and respected leader in the field, recognised in the main independent directories to the legal profession – Chambers and Legal 500. He is one of only a handful of family law experts outside London included in the Citywealth Leaders List, where he has been ranked since 2012.
Pro-Active
We believe a family lawyer's role is to advise and guide a client, not act as little more than a post box. We add value by helping you through what can be a very tough time rather than expecting you to tell us what to do.
Plain Talking
We will tell you what you need to hear, not what we think you want to hear. We will be friendly, approachable, supportive and we won't use jargon and legal speak.
Flexibility
We understand that people have busy lives. If it works better for you we can meet at your home, place of work or anywhere else you would prefer. Within reason, we can speak to you outside normal business hours so you don't need to panic about not being able to get in touch.
Cost Effective
We work differently, smarter, than traditional law firms and with the use of modern technology to benefit our clients. This means we can keep our charges lower than other similar practices. You are paying for advice and service, not our fixtures and fittings.
Specialist Family Law Expertise
North Family Law focuses exclusively on family and matrimonial law. This specialist approach allows us to provide clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s situation.
We advise on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial settlements and arrangements for children, supporting private clients across Leeds and Yorkshire.
“Simon is extremely intelligent and a very good litigator who knows how to get the best outcome for the client.”
Chambers UK
“The team is extremely experienced in dealing with all levels of family law matters, particularly those involving more complex issues.”
“Simon Preston is a highly experienced family lawyer who is approachable and personable. He gives pragmatic and timely advice.”
“The team provide sound advice and cut through the drama to deal only with the most important issues, going the extra mile for their clients.”
“Simon Preston is outstanding. His calm and unflappable approach hides a steely determination to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.”
“Simon Preston set up North Family Law from scratch a few years ago, and has established the firm as a leading player in the regional matrimonial finance market. Whilst Simon remains the firm’s leading light, he is now supported by a very able assistant Rachael Wheatley. Having lower overheads than many of his competitors enables Simon to provide an outstanding level of experience and service at a lower than average cost.”
“Simon Preston is undoubtedly one of the leading matrimonial finance solicitors in the North of England. He is exceptionally experienced in the conduct of mid and high value cases, including those of the most complicated type, such as those involving complex company and trust structures/international aspects. Simon is both highly personable and committed to his clients’ cases, and he inspires confidence in them accordingly.”
Legal 500
“he is widely respected for his litigation skills while also being a trained collaborative lawyer and resolution specialist. He has acted on a range of complex litigation valued in the multi-millions”
“a first class matrimonial solicitor in Yorkshire with a pragmatic and sensible approach”
“mature experience inspiring confidence in his clients” and “at the level to which others aspire”
“communication with him is simple – he comes down to the client’s level and is not baffling”
“he has the ability to communicate the most complex aspects of a case in a language you can understand”
“vast experience of dealing with complex assets, including off-shore trusts”
Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession
“gets excellent results”
“excellent pragmatic advice”
“a wealth of experience acting for numerous high net worth individuals”
“One of the region’s leading specialists who inspires confidence in his clients”
“outstanding”
Legal 500
“an astute and, when necessary, tenacious lawyer with strong negotiation skills and an excellent manner with clients”
Citywealth Leaders List
A Clear and Supportive Approach
We understand that family law matters are often personal and can feel overwhelming. Our approach is to provide clear, straightforward advice so you understand your options from the outset.
We take the time to understand your circumstances and work with you to achieve practical, constructive outcomes wherever possible.
Guidance on Common Questions
You can begin divorce proceedings online or through a solicitor. We can guide you through each step, ensuring the process is handled clearly and efficiently from the outset.
Most divorces take a minimum of around 6 months to complete, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances and whether financial matters are resolved alongside the divorce.
Not always. Many family law issues can be resolved through negotiation or agreement. Court proceedings are usually a last resort where matters cannot be settled otherwise.
There is no fixed formula. Financial settlements depend on a range of factors including assets, income, needs and the length of the relationship. We provide practical advice tailored to your situation.
The focus is always on the best interests of the children. We can help you reach clear and workable arrangements regarding where children live and how time is shared.
Where possible, we aim to resolve matters constructively and avoid unnecessary conflict. Our approach is focused on practical solutions that help you move forward.
It’s often helpful to seek advice at an early stage, even if you’re unsure about your next steps. Early guidance can help you understand your options and avoid complications later.
Yes. While we are based in Leeds, we support clients across Yorkshire and beyond, providing advice remotely where needed.
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