My experience
I am a Partner in family law and trained collaborative lawyer at Paris Smith LLP.
I undertake all aspects of family work, including:
- divorce;
- the resolution of finances on breakdown of marriage;
- private children matters;
- cohabitation – both in terms of agreements to regulate living arrangements and also where there is a dispute on relationship breakdown;
- pre and post nuptial agreements; and
- obtaining protective orders in cases of domestic abuse.
I have a number of years of experience in family law and my practice has been varied.
Throughout my career so far I have been lucky enough to work on a number of high value and complex matrimonial matters including offshore and family trusts, companies, significant pension provision, cases with an international element and capacity issues. The vast majority of my cases have various different types of assets and also include arguments in relation to non-matrimonial property. Equally, I sometimes deal with clients with less significant wealth, and this often involves being creative in order to find satisfactory solutions that enable both parties to move on.
I have also experienced a number of private children matters ranging from standard applications to formalise arrangements for a child to cases involving complicating factors such as mental health issues and addiction such that there is Children’s Services involvement. I have experienced a number of cases involving the LGBTQ+ community which has developed my knowledge of the issues often faced in such cases. I also regularly deal with cases where arrangements for children need to be varied given their evolving needs or wishes.
During my career, I have spent a significant amount of time in court (or, latterly, in private FDR hearings or arbitration), giving me invaluable insight into family litigation. Whilst I am therefore confident in the court arena, I do appreciate the uncertainty of litigation and I am committed to resolving matters for my clients in the most cost effective and constructive way. In most cases this involves keeping matters away from court if at all possible and, having recently trained in collaborative law, I am looking forward to working with individuals who share a desire to work together amicably to resolve whatever family law issue they face.
I pride myself on attention to detail but couple this with looking at the bigger picture and focusing on solutions. It’s imperative for me to understand my clients aims and objectives so that I can strategically plan with these in mind. I am also very mindful of how difficult and emotional any family law matter can be for my clients and aim to guide and support them through this.
Outside of my role as a family lawyer at Paris Smith, I am co-chair of Hampshire YRes and also sit on the Dorset Resolution committee.
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