Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Law Partner in London
Shortlands Law Solicitors is a boutique family law firm with over 20 years of experience guiding clients through divorce, separation, and related legal matters. Established in 2004 by Principal Shabana Walayat, we specialise in complex cases involving high net worth individuals, international divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. Our team of expert lawyers prioritises mediation and collaboration to resolve disputes amicably, while maintaining the capability to advocate robustly in court when necessary.We serve clients from offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester, offering tailored legal solutions that address both emotional and financial needs. Our commitment to reducing conflict and costs has made us a trusted choice for busy professionals and families navigating challenging transitions.
Services
Divorce
International Divorce
Child Arrangements
Financial Settlements
Mediation
Collaborative Law
Wills and Probate
Domestic Violence Cases
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in family law with a focus on complex divorce cases.
- Our team includes specialist solicitors trained in mediation and collaborative law.
- We prioritise amicable resolutions to reduce conflict and legal costs for clients.
- We handle international divorce cases with cross-border legal complexities.
- Our client testimonials highlight our compassionate approach and successful case outcomes.
What people say
Highly professional service
Compassionate legal support
Excellent communication
Successful case outcomes
Expertise in international cases
Services
Divorce
Our divorce solicitors guide clients through uncontested and contested divorce proceedings, including jurisdictional complexities for international cases. We provide clear advice on grounds for divorce, court procedures, and timelines while minimising emotional stress. Clients benefit from fixed-fee initial consultations and transparent cost structures.
Child Arrangements
We specialise in creating child-focused arrangements covering residence, contact, and decision-making responsibilities. Our solicitors advocate for solutions that prioritise children's welfare while respecting parental rights through mediation or court representation when necessary.
Financial Settlements
Our experts handle complex financial settlements involving property, pensions, business assets, and international holdings. We ensure full disclosure of assets and negotiate fair outcomes while preparing robust court submissions for contested cases.
Mediation
We offer certified mediation services to resolve family disputes amicably, covering divorce terms, child arrangements, and financial matters. This cost-effective approach helps maintain relationships while achieving legally binding agreements.
Collaborative Law
Our collaborative law practitioners work with high-net-worth clients to resolve disputes outside court through structured negotiations. This confidential process involves joint experts and prioritises creative solutions tailored to clients' unique circumstances.
People
Shabana Walayat
Director
With over 20 years of family law experience, Shabana founded Shortlands Law Solicitors in 2004. She specialises in complex divorce cases, international child custody disputes, and financial settlements for high-net-worth clients.
Sian Whittaker
Solicitor
Sian provides expert legal advice on divorce proceedings and financial settlements, known for explaining complex legal processes clearly and supporting clients through emotionally challenging times.
Carolyn Hanes
Solicitor
Carolyn specialises in child arrangement disputes and domestic violence cases, offering compassionate yet pragmatic legal guidance to protect clients' interests and children's welfare.
Wentworth Cecil Gurney
Solicitor
Wentworth handles probate matters and complex family law cases, demonstrating exceptional analytical skills in resolving intricate legal challenges related to inheritance and multi-jurisdictional disputes.
Alastair Dobbie
Solicitor
Alastair focuses on contested divorce cases and court litigation, providing robust legal representation while maintaining sensitivity to clients' emotional needs during adversarial proceedings.
Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in the UK?
The sole ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, proven through one year separation with consent, two years separation without consent, adultery, or unreasonable behaviour.
Can I get a divorce if I married abroad?
Yes, provided you or your spouse have resided in the UK for at least one year, or both parties are domiciled here, regardless of where the marriage took place.
How are financial settlements determined?
The court considers factors including both parties' income, assets, needs, and the welfare of any children when determining fair financial settlements during divorce proceedings.
What happens if my ex-spouse hides assets?
We employ forensic accounting techniques and legal disclosure processes to uncover hidden assets, ensuring full financial transparency for fair settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Do I need a solicitor for child arrangement agreements?
While not mandatory, legal representation ensures your parental rights are protected and agreements properly address children's long-term welfare and practical living arrangements.
What is collaborative law?
Collaborative law is a structured negotiation process where both parties and their solicitors work together to resolve disputes outside court, maintaining control over the outcome.
Reviews (6)
As Kule On
Jan 06, 2022
Report
I am immensely grateful to this firm and specifically Wentworth Gurney who quickly grasped the complexity of my probate/multiple marriages case, advice accordingly and wrote a powerful letter for my case. The letter, packed with case laws, formed the foundations of my case. I highly recommend the firm, in particular Wentworth, who advised me well and worked hard for my case.
Mocha Dragqueen
May 01, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Me and my mother had the help of Wentworth and we was very pleased with how helpful and great he was! Very much recommend!!
Me and my mother had the help of Wentworth and we was very pleased with how helpful and great he was! Very much recommend!!
Geraldine Ward
Apr 26, 2021
Report
Before working with Wentworth I had no legal knowledge and believed that I had lost before I had even begun. Wentworth helped me understand the legal processes and allowed me to feel confident about my situation, he advised me with knowledge to the smallest of details in order for me to have the ability to make my own informed decisions. I feel he has gone above and beyond to help me. I highly recommend him. I also am very grateful to shortlands and all who have helped me. Thank you Geraldine.
Geraldine Odigie
Jul 29, 2019
Report
A massive thank you to Alastair and Wentworth from Shortlands Law Firm for a great job well done in regards to my case of unfair dismissal from my place of work. Alastair and Wentworth worked together as a great team on my case to make sure that I got the outcome of my case dealt with very well and we didnt need to go to court at the end. I was very happy and glad with the way Alastair and Wentworth handled my case work and how Alastair including a conciliator who made negotiations with my previous job to make a full settlement agreement without
Muhammad Aman Raffi
May 31, 2019
Report
Shabana and the Shortlands team managed my case really well and in a professional manner, kept me updated which I really appreciated. Quick turnaround, calm and deliver highest quality standard service. Don't look anywhere else because the team definitely knows what they are doing and I would recommend to all my friends and family.
Iodides
Nov 26, 2018
Report
Difference between a solicitor and a specialist solicitor is so obvious. My case was rather complex with jurisdiction issues etc but Shabana untied all knots step by step and fully explained where I stood. Good value for such expert knowledge and advice. Thank you!!
