How I Work
My working model is different from the traditional solicitor’s firm, which is why I am able to keep my fees to a minimum. Once you are my client you can instruct me to carry out a discrete piece of work, take on your whole case, or just represent you in court – advocacy being a large percentage of my work.
Unless essential, I tend not to undertake litigation because in my experience this can rapidly escalate into a highly expensive and adversarial approach to resolving your family issues. However, I work flexibly and therefore will work as you instruct me. I will always inform you honestly of what I think about a certain strategy or approach you wish to adopt and set out the possible responses, repercussions and outcomes.
I never promote myself or advertise; clients are referred to me by word of mouth or through various agencies who have heard about me.
I undertake the following areas of family work:
Child contact issues (Children Act 1989)
I fully understand that there is nothing more distressing and stressful than trying to sort out how and when you see your children after a separation. I have years of experience of dealing with a wide variety of cases in this complex area of law. I will always do my best to resolve any issues without the need for court proceedings but if this is unavoidable, you can be sure that I will fight your corner so that you are in the best possible position with regards to your children.
It is an accepted fact that children who have both parents in their lives do better in life and I am committed to making that happen. I am particularly experienced in working with fathers who experience a disproportionate level of marginalization from their children’s lives post separation.
Divorce and finance (Matrimonial Causes Act 1973)
I am experienced in all aspects of divorce and resolving matrimonial finances.
Financial proceedings are often closely linked to child contact issues and the timing of both is crucial because how much you are seeing your child affects the financial settlement. For this reason, it is essential that you obtain early advice so you can plan and prepare.
The best outcome is for you not to have to resort to court but if it is unavoidable, the next best outcome is for you to avoid a final hearing which is stressful and costly. I always do my best to keep costs down and ensure that you retain control of the case so that decisions are made by you and your spouse, rather than a judge, but this is not always possible. My job is to support you and provide you with experienced guidance and I will always be frank about your case. My aim is for you to reach a settlement which is fair.
Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders (Family Law Act 1996)
It is sometimes essential for a party to obtain a Non-Molestation Order and/or an Occupation Order from the family courts in order to protect themselves and/or their children from domestic abuse. Examples of domestic abuse are: physical, emotional, financial, sexual harassment, stalking, coercive control and intimidating behaviour. A Non-Molestation Order can be applied for Without Notice (emergency) or On Notice (other party knows about the hearing in advance and has to attend also).
I can also help you apply for or defend an Occupation Order which regulates the occupation of your home. An Occupation Order can exclude one party from a property entirely or regulate how the property should be lived in while, for example, finances are resolved in divorce proceedings. Orders can also be made for the payment of mortgage or rent and maintenance of the property.
I have many years of experience in applying for or defending both Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders.