Family Law Solicitors for Barking

Reviewed by Sital Somaiya, Principal Solicitor, Signature Law. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Separating couples in Barking who own a shared ownership or leasehold flat need the housing association's or landlord's consent before the home can move into one name, and that request should go in before any settlement is agreed. Signature Law handles divorce, finances and children cases for Barking and Barking Riverside from Charter House, 123 South Street, Romford RM1 1NX, with legal aid for eligible cases. Call 01708 398 851.

Family solicitors for Barking

Shared ownership homes at Barking Riverside and in the town centre

A lot of Barking's newer housing, especially at Barking Riverside, was sold as shared ownership: you own a share and rent the rest from a housing association. On separation:

Leasehold flats outside shared ownership

For ordinary leasehold flats, the lease length and the ground rent terms affect both value and mortgageability. A flat with a short lease can be worth noticeably less than its neighbours, so we ask for the lease before agreeing a figure.

Where your case is heard

Barking is in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Children and financial applications are generally heard at the East London Family Court at Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, and Cafcass checks Barking and Dagenham children's services records before the first children hearing. If the council has raised concerns about your children directly, speak to a solicitor before any meeting; parents in care proceedings get legal aid without a means test.

Domestic abuse

Non-molestation and occupation orders can be applied for urgently without notice. Evidence of domestic abuse can open legal aid for the wider dispute. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Starting your case

We check legal aid eligibility and set out the likely route at the first meeting. Barking cases are run by our family lawyers in Romford, with advice in Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu as well as English.

Questions Barking clients ask

We own 40% of our Barking Riverside flat. Can I buy my ex out? Possibly, if the housing association agrees and you pass its affordability check for the share and rent on your own. We approach the association early.

Can we just take my ex's name off the lease? Not without the housing association's consent and, if there is a mortgage, the lender's.

Do you have a Barking office? No. We are at Charter House, 123 South Street, Romford, and also meet by phone and video.