Business Details
Trusted Family Law Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells & Hastings
Elaine Parkes Solicitors is a client-focused family law firm with offices in Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, and Hastings. Established to provide expert legal guidance during emotionally challenging times, our team specialises in divorce, child arrangements, cohabitation agreements, and domestic violence protection. Accredited by the Law Society and members of Resolution, we prioritise non-confrontational dispute resolution while safeguarding clients' interests.With decades of combined experience, our solicitors offer Legal Aid-eligible services and tailored advice across Kent and East Sussex. We maintain the highest professional standards, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and are committed to achieving fair outcomes through empathy, expertise, and transparent communication.
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Child Arrangements
Cohabitation Agreements
Domestic Violence Protection
Legal Aid Applications
Highlights and features
- We are accredited by the Law Society and members of Resolution's Code of Practice
- Specialist family law expertise across Kent and East Sussex with local knowledge
- Offer Legal Aid-eligible services for eligible family law matters
- Committed to non-confrontational dispute resolution and client wellbeing
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with proven track record
Associations and certifications
- Law Society
- Resolution
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Professional divorce representation across Kent and East Sussex. We guide clients through asset division, childcare arrangements, and financial settlements with expert legal oversight. Our Resolution-accredited solicitors prioritise amicable resolutions while protecting client interests. Services include mediation, court representation, and post-divorce agreement enforcement.
Child Arrangements
Specialist child custody and care proceedings support. We help families establish residence agreements, contact arrangements, and emergency protection orders. Accredited legal professionals provide compassionate guidance through court processes and social services interventions. Services cover adoption, special guardianship, and cross-border custody disputes.
Cohabitation Agreements
Legal protection for unmarried couples through tailored cohabitation agreements. We draft binding documents covering property rights, financial arrangements, and child custody provisions. Services include prenuptial agreements and post-relationship financial claims, ensuring clear legal frameworks for relationship dissolution.
Domestic Violence Protection
Urgent legal support for domestic abuse victims. We assist with non-molestation orders, occupation rights, and emergency protection measures. Our solicitors work with local authorities and support services to ensure client safety while navigating court proceedings and evidence presentation requirements.
Legal Aid Applications
Expert guidance through Legal Aid eligibility assessments and applications. We support clients in child protection cases and domestic violence matters to access funded legal representation. Services include documentation preparation, eligibility verification, and alternative funding options for non-qualifying cases.
People
Elaine Parkes
Founder Solicitor
With over 25 years' experience in family law, Elaine established the firm to provide compassionate legal representation. Specialising in complex divorce settlements and child custody matters, she holds Law Society accreditation and leads the Hastings office.
Stephen Long
Solicitor
Qualified solicitor specialising in divorce proceedings and financial settlements. Stephen provides pragmatic advice on asset division and post-divorce arrangements from our Tunbridge Wells office, with particular expertise in business interest negotiations.
Simon Brown
Solicitor
Family law specialist focusing on child arrangement disputes and care proceedings. Simon represents clients in court hearings and mediation sessions across East Sussex, prioritising children's welfare in all legal decisions.
Robert Jempson
Solicitor
Experienced practitioner in cohabitation agreements and property rights disputes. Robert advises unmarried couples on legal protections and represents clients in post-relationship financial claims from the Brighton office.
Evelyn Nevolin
Solicitor
Domestic violence protection specialist handling emergency safety orders and long-term legal safeguards. Evelyn works closely with support organisations to provide holistic assistance to abuse victims across Kent.
Questions
What areas of family law do you specialise in?
We specialise in divorce proceedings, child arrangements, cohabitation agreements, domestic violence protection, and Legal Aid-eligible family law matters across Kent and East Sussex.
Can you help with emergency child custody arrangements?
Yes, our specialist solicitors handle urgent child custody matters including emergency protection orders and immediate residence arrangements through expedited court processes.
Are your services available outside regular office hours?
While we operate during standard business hours, we offer flexible appointment scheduling and urgent case prioritisation through our Hastings, Brighton, and Tunbridge Wells offices.
Do you offer Legal Aid for family law cases?
Yes, we provide Legal Aid-eligible services for qualifying clients in child protection cases and domestic violence matters. Our team assists with eligibility assessments and application processes.
How do you handle complex asset division during divorce?
Our Resolution-accredited solicitors use mediation and negotiation techniques to achieve fair financial settlements, specialising in business interest division and high-value asset distribution.
Reviews (4)
Debbie McAlister
Nov 11, 2018
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I approached Elaine Parkes Solicitors for advice on seeking a divorce and have been reassured by the knowledge and support the teams breath of experience has offered. Elaine and her team are swift to objectivly give realistic guidance. This includes giving instant attention to safe guarding, this being especially reassuring when feeling vulnerable. A patient, sensitive, insightful and conciliatory approach has paced the progress of my divorce enabling thoroughness hence raising my confidence for a reasonable outcome for myself and my children. I feel Elaine has been free to allocate personalised
Sean Scott
Oct 18, 2018
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Elaine and her team recently represented me during family court proceedings. I was extremely impressed with the professional and empathetic way they dealt with the various issues. In particular, I would like to thank Katie Parkes for her tenacity and patience. If anyone needs legal advice and support I would strongly recommend Elaine Parkes Solicitors every time.
Joe Cuthbert
Oct 05, 2018
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In my opinion these guys are ambulance chasers . They are representing a complete crook / confidence trickster on such immoral grounds it is disgusting. They are either immoral or incompetent and are ruining our lives because of their actions. Any respect that they may have commanded must surely go out of the window. Well thats just my opinion.
Brooke Connor
Sep 16, 2018
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Would 110% recommend Elaine Parkes to all my friends an family so understanding an I have had a really positive outcome with my care case they take the time to reassure me cannot daily Elaine Parkes whatsoever outstanding thank you to my solicitor whos been incredible thank you so much will always go back in the future if needed too
