I am a Chartered Legal Executive based at the Firm’s Runcorn office. I qualified as a Member of The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 1998 and thereafter as a Fellow in 2001. I also achieved accreditation to the Law Society Family Law Scheme on 1st October 2011.
I have worked in the legal profession in Runcorn for over 30 years joining Butcher & Barlow in 2004.
I specialise in Family Law and my day-to-day workload covers a wide variety of family law matters including:
- Pre Proceeding with Social Services;
- Care Proceedings;
- Children Act matters;
- Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders;
- Divorce and Financial matters;
- Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements;
- Cohabitation Disputes/Agreements;
- Separation Agreements
- Parental Responsibility;
- Removal from Jurisdiction; and
- Change of Name.
I also attend a free clinic providing advice and assistance to victims of domestic violence at a local refuge. I am regularly then instructed by them to apply for Non-Molestation Orders and/or Occupation Orders, quite often there will be other family applications listed at the same time, for example, a Child Arrangements Order which can include where a child will live, who they shall spend time with and a Prohibited Steps Order.
I act for clients on a fee-paying basis or a legally aided basis. Legal Aid is still available for Care Proceedings and Domestic Violence, in some cases it is available for the above-mentioned family matters depending upon income and certain other criteria being met, full details can be found on the Legal Aid Agency’s Website. I offer a free 15-minute initial appointment to discuss costs and legal aid.
I am regularly instructed by parents or grandparents in cases involving long-standing misuse of drugs and alcohol, mental health problems and injuries to children requiring experts to be appointed.
I am recognised as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Outside of work I have completed charity events RTN ride the night, cycling 50K from Windsor to London and Shine Walk, walking 26 miles through the streets of London to raise money for Women v Cancer. Besides walking and cycling I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends travelling and socialising.