Charlie Hansell
Specialises in Matrimonial and Family Law.
LSF, GDL, BA, MA, MSc.
charliehansellfamilylaw.com
Charlie Hansell Senior Consultant Family Law Solicitor at Setfords Solicitors
Contact Charlie
Charlie offers a free initial 20-minute assessment call.
This is an opportunity to discuss your situation, explore key issues,
potential risks and outcomes, consider the next legal steps,
and Charlie can adavise you about the likely costs involved.
To book this just call or email Charlie today.
Tel: (01531) 800 078
Email: CHansell@setfords.co.uk
Charlie specialises in Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Post-Nuptial Agreements, Cohabitation Agreements, and Separation Agreements, working entirely remotely across the UK.
A professionally drafted agreement designed to withstand legal scrutiny can protect:
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property & inheritance
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business assets
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pensions
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children from previous relationships
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financial security in the event of separation
What you get and the cost:
Pre-Nuptial, Post-Nuptial & Cohabitation Agreements
Standard Agreement Drafting Service £1,500 + VAT
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Initial consultation
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Tailored legal advice
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Professionally drafted agreement
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One round of amendments (revisions)
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Liaising with your partner’s solicitor
Most straightforward matters fall within this fee.
Any additional time is agreed in advance.
Enhanced Agreement Drafting Service £2,500 + VAT
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Includes everything in standard agreement drafting service above
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Plus ongoing advice and negotiation support
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Plus two rounds of amendments (revisions)
Any additional time is agreed in advance.
Complex Agreement Drafting Service £4,000 + VAT
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Includes everything in enhanced agreement drafting service above
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Plus up to five rounds of amendments (revisions)
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Nb. This is for more complex and complicated cases.
Any additional time is agreed in advance.
Separation Agreements £2,500 + VAT
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Initial consultation
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Tailored legal advice and professionally drafted agreement
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Liaising with Spouse's Solicitors and up to two revisions
Any additional time is agreed in advance.
No Hidden Costs
Charlie is transparent in her fixed pricing about the fees and will always agree any additional work with you in advance. If additional work is required (for example, where matters become more complex or negotiations are prolonged), this will always be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
Any additional work is charged at her standard hourly rate of £280 + VAT.
Unlike template services, this includes tailored legal advice and a professionally drafted agreement specific to your circumstances.
Charlie has over 30 years' PQE and provides clear, practical advice and a legally robust agreement designed to withstand future challenges.
Please note: It is ESSENTIAL for each party to have independent legal advice from a Solicitor to ensure that the agreement has the best chance of withstanding any legal challenges and of being upheld by a Court, and the document requires a Solicitor's certificate to be signed by and on behalf of each party to the agreement.
Charlie works remotely, so there’s no need for face-to-face meetings.
To start the process, book an initial focused free 20-minute assessment call today with Charlie. By calling or emailing her on (01531) 800 078 or via email at CHansell@setfords.co.uk
Pre-Nuptial, Post-Nuptial, Cohabitation Agreements, and Separation Agreements Specialist
What Charlie can offer
Family law is, by its nature, deeply personal. At times, it centres on positive milestones—such as reviewing your assets or planning a wedding or civil partnership and seeking advice about a Pre or Post-Nuptial Agreement. At other times, it requires navigating difficult and emotionally challenging situations, including Divorce, its impact on children, or even issues of domestic abuse. Drawing on years of experience handling a full range of family law matters, Charlie offers professional guidance and will act in your best interests, whatever your circumstances.
Charlie aims to work with clients to resolve family disputes in a sensitive and family-based way. She is a member of Resolution and follows the Resolution code of practice. Therefore, you can be confident that you will receive advice that considers the needs of the whole family, in particular the needs of the children. Most of all, she does everything that she can to help you reach a fair and workable outcome as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. She has extensive experience in all aspects of family law and can assist you in resolving issues either through the traditional solicitor negotiation route, mediation, arbitration or through the court.
Charlie specialises in all aspects of private family law, including:
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Divorce and Civil Partnerships
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Financial issues arising from this
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Private law children matters, including Child Arrangements Orders and disputes concerning residence, contact, specific issue and prohibited steps
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Separation Agreements
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Cohabitation Agreements
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The avoidance of disputes, potentially with either Pre-Nuptial or Post-Nuptial Agreements
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Cohabitation disputes and TOLATA (Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996) claims
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Domestic abuse issues
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Charlie has particular expertise in cohabitation agreements. Her vital advice to cohabitees is:
"There is no such thing as a 'common law husband or wife' in English law. Simply living together does not give you the same rights as marriage or civil partnership. I can help you put a cohabitation agreement in place to protect your interests, setting out property ownership, financial arrangements, and what should happen if you separate. I can also advise on the increasing problem with pensions, where unmarried partners may not automatically be entitled to benefits unless clear nominations are made. Taking advice now can give you both clarity and peace of mind for the future."
Charlie also has particular expertise in the drafting of Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements. Protecting your financial interests doesn’t mean planning for failure; it means planning for peace of mind. Charlie assists clients in drafting clear, fair, and enforceable Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements that reflect their unique circumstances. Whether you’re preparing for marriage or updating financial arrangements after, she’ll ensure your rights and assets are fully protected, and that your agreement stands up to legal scrutiny.
Areas of expertise
Why Instruct a Solicitor for a No-Fault Divorce?
Although no-fault divorce has simplified the legal process of ending a marriage, it does not resolve the financial, property, or child-related issues that arise on separation. In many cases, legal advice remains essential.
1. No-Fault Divorce Does Not Resolve Finances
A divorce alone does not deal with property, pensions, savings, debts, or future income claims. Without a legally binding financial order, claims will remain open indefinitely. A solicitor can advise on your position and ensure matters are properly concluded.
2. Legally Binding Financial Settlements
Informal agreements are not enforceable. A solicitor can help secure a court-approved financial order, providing legal certainty and protection against future claims.
3. Clear, Objective Legal Advice
Divorce often involves emotional and practical pressures. A solicitor provides independent, objective advice, helping clients make informed decisions based on law rather than emotion.
4. Children’s Arrangements Handled Appropriately
Arrangements for children require careful consideration. A solicitor can advise on parental responsibility, living arrangements, and contact, ensuring proposals remain focused on the child’s welfare and are workable in practice.
5. Avoiding Errors and Unintended Consequences
Errors in paperwork or incomplete settlements can cause delay and increased cost. Early legal advice reduces the risk of avoidable mistakes and helps ensure the process proceeds efficiently.
6. Peace of Mind and Clear Guidance at a Difficult Time
Instructing a solicitor provides reassurance at what is often a challenging time. You benefit from clear explanations at each stage, confidence that key issues have been properly addressed, and support from a professional experienced in family law. This allows you to focus on moving forward, knowing the legal aspects of your separation are being handled appropriately.
While no-fault divorce has removed the need to assign blame, it has not removed the need for legal advice. Instructing a solicitor can help ensure that financial arrangements, children’s issues, and future claims are dealt with properly and conclusively.
About Me.
I qualified as a Solicitor in 1994. In the early days I dealt with all areas of Matrimonial and Family Law, but specialised in emergency cases concerning domestic violence (now known as domesstic abuse) and emergency cases involving children. I practised in Hull which at the time had the highest rate of domestic violence in the Country. I then practiced in Bristol until 2003. From 2003-2018 I was a Managing Director of two successfull Limited Companies which I ran with my husband, running a Commercial Diving, Fishing and Sailing Business and a high-end Seafood Restaurant ( No. #1 on TripAdvisor for many years) in Cornwall. I then returned to the Law in 2018 and for the last five years have worked as a Consultant Family Law Solicitor for Setfords.
Education & Professional Qualifications
1986-1994
Degrees from the University of Hull and Leeds Polytechnic.
Bachelor of Arts, with a 2:1 (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) (Philosophy and Philosophy of Mind) 1986-1991.
Law Conversion Course, with merit (GDL), Law Society Finals (LSF).
Qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales (1991-1994).
Practising as a Solicitor specialising in matrimonial and family law (1994-2003).
Now, as a Senior Family Law Consultant Solicitor (2018 to date).
2022-2025
Degree University of Exeter
Oxford Learning College
HM Gov. Dept. Education
Master of Science, with merit (MSc) (Psychology) 2022-2025.
Level 5 Diploma (Counselling) 2024-2025.
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism - GCSE equivalent qualification, 2022.
ABOUT US
Charlie is a Senior Consultant Family Law Solicitor with Setfords Law Limited, which is a firm regulated by the SRA.
Charlie has over 30 years of combined professional and commercial post qualification experience.
Charlie's mission is to provide accessible and knowledgeable legal support to individuals navigating family law matters.
If you instruct Charlie, you will be a client of Setfords Solicitors. Charlie works for Setfords on a remote basis.
The advantages of this are that advice is available anywhere, without travelling to an office.
Digital onboarding, ID checks, document sharing and e-signatures reduce delays.
While secure portals and encrypted email improve communication, record-keeping,
audit trails, and provide continuous access to documents.
Access Charlie's profile with Setfords here:
https://www.setfords.co.uk/our-people/profile/charlie_hansell
Access Setfords Complaints Procedure here:
https://www.setfords.co.uk/help/complaints/
Access Setfords Privacy Police here:
Contact
Charlie Hansell Senior Matrimonial and Family Law Consultant Solicitor at
Setfords Law Limited
(01531) 800 078
CONTACT DETAILS
Get In Touch
Contact Charlie Hansell for expert legal assistance in family law matters. Charlie is committed to providing personalised, confidential, and reliable legal services.
https://www.setfords.co.uk/our-people/profile/charlie_hansell/
To arrange a consultation either email Charlie at:
CHansell@setfords.co.uk
or call her on (01531) 800 078.
Opening hours 08.30-16.30, Monday to Friday.
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