Divorce and Family Law Solicitors for Upminster

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

To start a divorce, a financial settlement or a children application from Upminster, Cranham or Corbets Tey, book a fixed fee first meeting with Signature Law on 01708 398 851. We work from Charter House, 123 South Street, Romford RM1 1NX, not from an Upminster office, and meet by phone or video as well as in person.

Family solicitors for Upminster

Living on the Havering and Essex border

Upminster and Cranham sit at the eastern edge of the London Borough of Havering, next to Thurrock and Brentwood in Essex. When one parent moves across that boundary, three things can change.

The court. Children applications generally go to the court covering where the children live. Children living in Upminster usually mean the East London Family Court at Westferry Circus; children living in Brentwood or Thurrock can mean an Essex court.

The children's services department. Cafcass checks records with the local authority for the children's address: Havering Council in Upminster, Essex County Council or Thurrock Council over the border.

School arrangements. A move across the boundary can mean a different school admissions authority, which often becomes part of the child arrangements discussion.

We confirm which court and authority apply at the first meeting, before anything is issued.

Pensions and higher-value settlements

In many longer marriages the pension is worth more than the house. Where pensions are significant, we usually recommend a report from a pension on divorce expert, so the court can see what a fair pension sharing order would achieve rather than comparing transfer values that are not like for like. Business interests, investment property and inherited assets are dealt with through full financial disclosure on Form E before any figures are agreed.

Where your case is heard

For Upminster children and money cases, the court is generally the East London Family Court. Most divorces themselves run online through HMCTS with no hearing. Non-molestation and occupation orders can be applied for urgently, and evidence of domestic abuse can open legal aid. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Starting your case

The first meeting sets out the likely route, what disclosure you will need and a written cost estimate. Upminster cases are run by Signature Law's Romford family solicitors, with advice available in Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu.

Questions Upminster clients ask

My ex has moved to Brentwood with the children. Which court deals with it? Generally the court covering where the children now live, which may be in Essex rather than East London. We check before issuing.

Do we need a pension expert? Not always. Where pensions form a large part of the assets, or one of you has a public sector or final salary scheme, a specialist report is usually worth its cost.

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