Charlie Hansell Specialises in Matrimonial and Family Law. Charlie Hansell LSF, GDL, BA, MA, MSc. charliehansellfamilylaw.com
Charlie Hansell Senior Consultant Family Law Solicitor
Contact Charlie
Charlie offers an initial free 30-minute consultation.
Call or email.
Tel: (01531) 800 078
Email: CHansell@setfords.co.uk
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 offers an initial 30-minute free online meeting via teams for any new client.
Areas of expertise
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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Matters relating to children (including Child Arrangement Orders and disputes regarding what used to be called residence, contact, specific issue and prohibited steps orders)
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Separation Agreements
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Cohabitation Agreements
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The avoidance of disputes, potentially with either Pre 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- 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.
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. By working virtually this enables you to easily access this service and with relatively few overheads, it enables her to provide legal advice at a lower cost than many high street practices.
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https://www.setfords.co.uk/our-people/profile/charlie_hansell
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Contact
Charlie Hansell Senior Matrimonial and Family Law Consultant Solicitor at
Setfords Law Limited
(01531) 800 078
GET IN TOUCH
CONTACT DETAILS
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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