Career Path
Family Law Solicitor: Specialises in legal matters related to family disputes, divorce proceedings, and child custody cases. High demand in the UK job market.
Divorce Mediator: Facilitates amicable resolutions in divorce cases, focusing on negotiation and conflict resolution. Growing demand for skilled mediators.
Child Custody Advisor: Provides expert guidance on child welfare and custody arrangements during family law disputes. Essential role in family law cases.
Legal Consultant: Offers strategic advice on family and divorce law matters, often working independently or with law firms.
Family Law Paralegal: Supports solicitors with case preparation, research, and documentation in family and divorce law cases.
Why this course?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Family and Divorce Law holds significant value in today’s market, particularly in the UK, where family law cases are on the rise. According to recent statistics, there were 113,505 divorce applications in England and Wales in 2021, reflecting a 34% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores the growing demand for legal professionals equipped with specialized knowledge in family and divorce law. The certificate provides learners with a deep understanding of complex legal frameworks, enabling them to address contemporary issues such as child custody disputes, financial settlements, and domestic abuse cases.
The following chart illustrates the trend in divorce applications over the past five years:
| Year |
Divorce Applications |
| 2017 |
106,959 |
| 2018 |
108,421 |
| 2019 |
107,599 |
| 2020 |
103,592 |
| 2021 |
113,505 |
Professionals with this qualification are better positioned to navigate the evolving legal landscape, offering tailored solutions to clients. The certificate also aligns with industry needs, as firms increasingly seek specialists to handle sensitive family law matters. By pursuing this credential, learners can enhance their career prospects and contribute meaningfully to the justice system.
Who should apply?
| Audience |
Why This Course is Ideal |
Relevant UK Statistics |
| Legal Professionals |
The Postgraduate Certificate in Family and Divorce Law is perfect for solicitors, barristers, and paralegals looking to specialise in family law. With over 113,000 divorces granted in England and Wales in 2021, expertise in this area is in high demand. |
113,505 divorces granted in 2021 (ONS). |
| Mediators and Counsellors |
Professionals working in mediation or counselling will benefit from a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding family disputes, helping them guide clients more effectively. |
60% of divorces involve children under 16 (Resolution). |
| HR and Workplace Advisors |
HR professionals can enhance their ability to support employees navigating family law issues, such as parental leave or workplace disputes arising from divorce. |
1 in 3 marriages end in divorce by the 20th anniversary (ONS). |
| Aspiring Family Lawyers |
For those starting their legal career, this course provides a solid foundation in family law, a field that accounts for a significant portion of legal aid cases in the UK. |
Family law makes up 31% of civil legal aid cases (Ministry of Justice). |
.webp)
