The increased recognition of neurodiversity and neurodivergence in society, is a significant and incredibly positive step forward. For those navigating family related issues, having a lawyer with knowledge and understanding of neurodivergence in adults and/or children is a weight off their shoulders and provides greater reassurance as they face the future.
What does a neurodiverse focused solicitor do?
We understand that neurodivergence is a difference and should not always be considered a disability. Our dedicated family solicitors who focus on neurodivergence in clients and/or their family members help successfully navigate legal processes related to all areas of family law including separation and divorce.
Our understanding of different neurodivergences means we can adjust the way we communicate, hold meetings and provide information so people feel they are listened to, treated equally, fairly and with respect. This can mean providing questions in advance, ensuring sensory considerations are met, adjusting our communication style or making other individual adjustments that a client or family member may need. We do our utmost to ensure that being neurodivergent does not disadvantage you in the legal process, or present a barrier to inclusivity and understanding.
Adjustments can be wide ranging and individual to each person. We liaise with our client to understand their needs and any adjustments needed, whether for themselves, their estranged partner or a child in matters relating to the education system, healthcare system, or in the case of separation or divorce – particularly when considering what is in their best interests.
Our family law services in support of neurodiversity and neurodivergence
- Divorce and separation
Separating and/or divorce, navigating divorce administration, negotiating terms, agreeing financial settlement, applying for a conditional order and/or care arrangements for children in the future. The legal process can be stressful. For a person who is neurodivergent we plan, adapt communication and make adjustments as needed to ensure the process is clear and accessible to them, and mitigate overwhelm. We aim to be fair, inclusive and respectful. - Private Child law
Negotiating disputes about children and their welfare, where their parents (or those with parental responsibility for them) cannot agree. Whilst we always do what we can to resolve matters amicably, and there are various types of alternative dispute resolution we can support clients with and which can be adapted to meet neurodivergent needs, we have extensive experience in representing clients through court proceedings (both in regional courts, the High Court and Court of Appeal). We support families with a neurodivergent parent in understanding proceedings in an appropriate style for their needs, and make customised proposals to support long term arrangements that meet the particular needs of neurodivergent children. - Court of protection and deputyship
A Court of Protection is put in place to protect the needs of vulnerable people who do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their finances and welfare. If you feel that your loved one would benefit from the Court of Protection, our private client solicitors can help you to navigate the process, choose a deputy and more. - Coercive control/domestic abuse
We represent both those that are victims of abuse and those accused of being abusive. We assist with urgent injunctive court proceedings, negotiating ongoing living arrangements, communication between parties and safeguarding for children. We help with strategies for managing the legal process where personality disorders are involved or one, or more, parties are neurodivergent.
Why choose B P Collins as your family law solicitors?
With 50+ years of experience and extensive legal knowledge, the team have a strong understanding of neurodiversity and neurodivergent differences including for example, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, AuADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), Borderline Personality Disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, Tourette’s, or a combination of neurodivergences.
We are consistently ranked in legal directories such as Chambers HNW, Chambers UK and The Legal 500, for the strength of our family practice. The firm has been named in The Times Best Law Firms from 2022-2024.
The family solicitors at B P Collins LLP are also members of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals committed to resolving issues in a constructive way.
Contact our family solicitors today
For further information or advice please contact our family lawyers, who are based in London, Ickenham, Thame and Gerrards Cross, on 01753 889995 or enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.
