I DEAL with all areas of family law but have a particular passion for matters concerning children.

I often work with parents handling disputes regarding their children – these issues can arise years after separation, and are very difficult for both parents and children.

If a couple split up when children are very young, 10 years down the line, when those children are teenagers, it’s all too easy for an argument between parent and teenager to escalate, with the child demanding to live with the other parent.

Once a child approaches their teenage years, the court must take their wishes into account. This can be very painful for a parent whose child seems to want to live elsewhere and my role is to support the parent as objectively as possible to achieve the best possible outcome.

I aim to help to resolve such situations before they come to court, but if that isn’t possible, I’ll represent my clients personally at court rather than instruct a barrister who may never have met them before – it gives them continuity and personal support.

Dealing with the whole range of family law issues, I see both married and unmarried couples.

Many unmarried couples think they have legal rights as a common-law wife or husband after they have lived together for a while, but that is not true.

People who live together must make sure that they protect themselves, especially if they are buying property together.

Family law issues always need delicate and sensitive handling and I am a firm believer in settling them outside court, but if it isn’t possible, supporting my clients through the whole process is paramount.