Modern Families

The Modern Families Team provides holistic legal services to help empower and support modern families. We cater for clients who do not identify with a stereotypical or ‘traditional’ family image – or are considering non-traditional methods to grow their families.

We recognise that family structures have evolved in modern society. This shift away from historic and conventional ideas about the nuclear family is exciting – but we understand that, for some people, it comes with questions and challenges as well. The Modern Families Team can guide clients throughout this process – no matter what stage.

The Modern Families Team is made up of lawyers from a broad spectrum of legal practice areas, namely, our Immigration, Employment, Private Client and International Private Client teams.

Our lawyers work collaboratively, and have curated a cross-departmental specialism with a niche for legal matters affecting modern families. Our lawyers can tailor their expertise to a variety of modern-family scenarios and uniquely provide a ‘one-stop shop’ in the provision of holistic legal services for modern families.

Everyone deserves the right to high-quality family advice, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation or relationship status. Our specialists appreciate that legal advice must adapt to the needs and concerns of each individual family unit.

We cater for a wide range of individuals from single parents or same-sex couples, to families who have undergone fertility treatment, adoption, surrogacy, or sperm/ egg donation. Empowering clients in their decision-making is our top priority.

Working collaboratively

As well as our specialist family and fertility lawyers, who will guide you through and explain all relevant legal processes to your circumstances, we offer collaborative efforts between various legal departments to provide comprehensive support to modern families The types of advice we can provide are as follows:

• Estate planning and wealth protection are handled in conjunction with the Private Client Advisory Team to secure the family’s financial future, ensuring wealth protection and legacy planning.

• Our Employment Team can advise intended parents, surrogates, and families of their
  workplace rights, ensuring they are well-informed and protected, including leave entitlements and non-discrimination policies.
• Immigration specialists offer guidance to navigate the complexities of international surrogacy and adoption, preventing unforeseen legal challenges relating to citizenship, visas, residency and travel.
• The International Private Client Team play a crucial role in advising on cross-border issues, such as tax implications, that may affect families involved in international surrogacy or adoption.
• We have a specialist US/UK Private Client Services Team for US-connected families or those exploring international surrogacy or private adoption in the US.