Family Law

Our family team is well established in the North East, with practitioners routinely appearing in courts throughout the region. We have an excellent working knowledge of the local protocols and procedures and understand the complex needs of families coping with the family justice system.

Our commitment to helping families find the best outcome for them is demonstrated by members of the family team founding Fountain Mediation Limited and offering both private and publicly funded mediation through that service.

Some members of the team are approved for Public Access and can accept instructions directly from members of the public in the areas set out below.

Whether for the Local Authority, parents, Guardians or Intervenors our team regularly appears throughout the North East. We recognise that the families involved in public law proceedings are often living through stressful times and try to alleviate as much of the pressure as we can to provide the best outcome for them.

Public law proceedings can vary immensely: from the most straightforward of hearings to lengthy hearings involving complicated factual or medical evidence we are happy to assist.

Our clerks will aways try and assist in emergency situations where cases are put before the court on short notice, such as interim care orders.

Members of Chambers provide advice and representation in private law disputes – appearing for parents and, in more complicated cases, Children’s Guardians when appointed. We recognise that for many a negotiated outcome best meets the needs of the children involved as well as the adults and support efforts to try and reach agreement where that is possible.

However, where it is not possible to reach an agreement members of our team are well practised at representing a client’s best interests within the courtroom, including where fact finding hearings are necessary.

If you are involved in a case where special measures are required because of fears about appearing in court with your ex-partner please speak to our clerks who will be happy to advise on which member of our team will be best placed to assist.

Resolving financial matters following divorce can be a highly emotional time. Our members have a reputation for understanding that clients need support to guide them through the system as well as the legal expertise which we bring to all cases.

Where it is helpful we are happy to have conferences in advance of hearings to ensure that clients have the opportunity to discuss their situation in detail with their advocate.

Members of the team also regularly advise couples who have cohabited on their rights and obligations post-separation.