The Family Law Team
Resolution
Resolution is a national group of family lawyers who are
committed to resolving
family disputes in a constructive and
non-confrontational way. All of our team are members of Resolution.
We follow the Resolution code of practice which encourages solutions
rather than confrontation, and which takes into account the needs of
the whole family. In over 90% of cases handled by Resolution
lawyers, agreements are reached without the need for costly and
stressful court battles.
For further information go to
www.resolution.org.uk
Resolution
Accredited Specialists
Resolution Specialists are members of Resolution who have
demonstrated, through a rigorous assessment process, a particularly
high level of knowledge of the law, its practical application and
best practice. We have Resolution Accredited Specialists in the
following areas:
-
Domestic Abuse
-
Complex financial and property matters
-
Cohabitation
-
Children Law – disputes between parents or relatives
-
Pensions
For further information go to
www.resolution.org.uk
The Law
Society Accreditation Schemes
The Law Society accreditation schemes recognise expertise in
particular areas of law. Membership of the panels that are part of
the scheme means that a solicitor has demonstrated a very high
standard of knowledge, skill and experience through a series of
rigorous assessments. We have the largest number of members of the
Law Society’s Children Panel in the North East. We also have a
member of the Family Panel.
For more information go to
www.lawsociety.org.uk
Higher Rights Advocate
All members of our team have the right to appear on your behalf in
the County Court and Family Proceedings Court. However, in the High
Court, Court of Appeal and High Court solicitors generally do not
have the right to present cases, and would therefore instruct a
barrister from outside their firm to appear in Court. One of our
solicitors, Clare Routledge, is qualified as a Higher Rights
Advocate, which means that she does have the right to appear in the
higher Courts. In appropriate cases this allows us to offer
continuity of representation at Court because we can avoid
instructing a barrister to present your case.
Funding your legal advice
The firm has a contract with the Legal Services Commission, which
means that legal aid is available if you are financially eligible.
This depends on your income. If you are in receipt of Income Support
or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, you are likely to be entitled
to legal aid. If you are working it will depend upon your income. A
financial assessment will always be carried out at the initial
appointment.
If you are ineligible for legal aid, we will discuss with your our
charges for acting for you on a private basis. We will provide you
with our best estimate of our fees, and will update you on a regular
basis. We are happy to agree limits with you so that we do not
exceed the limit without first discussing it with you.
