I am a Brighton solicitor, mediator and experienced family lawyer, offering advice on divorce and separation, specialising in helping couples to reach agreement at the beginning or end of their relationship.

Having practised exclusively in family law for over 20 years, in London, Surrey and Sussex, I am committed to working closely with my clients to offer a flexible, efficient and bespoke quality service for all those wishing to avoid conflict in their negotiations in order to achieve an outcome which works for their entire family.

If there are children involved this will mean putting them first.

I offer a free, no obligation, initial meeting which is not time limited and which can take place at the venue best suited to you.  This meeting provides the opportunity to identify the issues, for you to ask questions and for us to review the options both in terms of dealing with the problem and the process best suited to your needs.

News:

Money advice for people facing divorce or separation

The government recently established the Money Advice Service funded by a levy on the financial services industry. The aim to help everyone to understand and manage their money better. The section dedicated to divorce has a wealth of information for divorcing or separating couples and for parents.

This includes a useful calculator to enable individuals to review their monthly income needs and to work through the implications of possible financial settlements being considered. Please visit their site to see how it might help you -www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/divorce

Birth of a collaborative network in Brighton

Work is continuing locally on the development of a collaborative network. I hope soon to be able to share a directory of names with you.

Over 40 professionals including therapists, collaborative solicitors, mediators, financial advisers, coaches, social workers, children therapists, educators, and many more are working together with the aim of making the whole process of partnership break up, divorce, or family crisis a much healthier and positive process, especially for children.

A steering group has formed representing a cross section of professional roles.  The collaborative network is now a reality and has the potential to be a model of collaborative working for other areas too. I will update regularly as the network develops but if you would like more information or to join us in this venture then please contact me. 

Mediation assessment meetings (MIAMS)

From the 6 April 2011 The Ministry of Justice wants everyone involved in family law cases to be aware of alternative dispute resolution options for dealing with their case, namely mediation and collaborative process, in order to avoid contentious and costly court processes.

A pre-action protocol comes into force on the 6 April requiring most couples wishing to ask the court to resolve their dispute to first attend a meeting to determine whether their case is suitable for mediation. please contact me to discuss the assessment process and mediation generally. Please contact me for more information.