You may be able to speak face to face to sort out issues resulting from your separation but would benefit from our advice throughout the process so that you can make a fully informed decision. We will give you realistic and sound advice whilst recognising the importance to you of resolving matters directly. Consideration can also be given to practical concerns and how to bring about the agreed arrangements with recording and implementing your agreement in a legally binding order.
About our family law team
We are members of Resolution and believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. We have an excellent experienced team covering Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset who are here to help you.
Head of Team and collaborative lawyer Andrew Mercer specialises in supporting wealthy individuals. “He is clever and affable as well as pragmatic,” says one source, while another says: “He provides absolute support for his clients right through a case.” (Chambers 2016). He is recognised in the Legal 500 who quote that he ‘provides really practical and sensible advice’. and is ‘excellent with clients’. Andrew is superbly assisted by Dawn Gore whose knowledge of children law is ‘second to none’ (Legal 500 2016).
Emma Wilders-Pratt, Partner and collaborative lawyer, who has particular expertise in representing military personnel, according to the Legal 500, ‘combines the perfect balance of strength and determination to get the very best result whilst being able to sensitively advise her clients on how to reach agreement’.
Grant Cameron has a broad practice with a focus on family businesses and high net worth individuals. He is regarded as “a pleasure to work with – a solicitor with a pleasant and easy manner.” (Chambers 2016).
Emilie Holland, solicitor and rising star prides herself in being compassionate yet pragmatic.
Amy Trench is Membership Development Officer on the Regional Resolution Committee and promotes the use of alternative dispute resolution as part of her practice.
In addition to being an excellent family solicitor and mediator Kimberley Davies has expertise on advising people about the legal issues they should consider when embarking on assisted reproduction, including donor agreements, co-parenting agreements and surrogacy (both in the UK and abroad). Kimberley also has experience in private law adoptions, both domestic and international.
“The team gives you confidence to be able to fight your cause.”
“The lawyers are organised and clear about everything. They are on top of things.”
Our ethos is to use our expertise to provide you with realistic, practical and decisive advice in an approachable and sensitive manner.
How do we manage your case?
Direct Discussion
Solicitor Negotiation
If you are both represented by solicitors, through discussion and negotiation we strive to achieve the best result for you and your family. We will give you an objective view based on our experience of likely outcomes.
Collaborative Approach
There is no upside to long, drawn out battles during what is already an upsetting time for the whole family. The collaborative process helps separating couples to sit at a table and talk through constructive solutions with the assistance of their collaboratively trained lawyers. You and your lawyers sign an agreement committing you to resolve issues without going to court and to find the best workable outcomes.
It enables you both to consider ideas relating to separation, children and money issues. Trethowans’ Partners Andrew Mercer, Grant Cameron and Emma Wilders-Pratt are trained collaborative lawyers and are able to help you if this is the most appropriate way of resolving the differences between you both.
Mediation
Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process to help couples reach agreement on issues arising from a relationship breakdown. We will help you both explore and find practical solutions for you and your family by facilitating discussions between you. The mediator is completely impartial and listens to both points of view.
The mediator can provide information about the law to help you make informed decisions about proposals and helps you consider if the proposals will work in practice. Grant Cameron, Laura Bell and Kimberley Davies are Resolution all issues trained mediators.
Court
Whilst we try to settle matters out of Court, this is not always possible. No two cases are alike. If alternative dispute resolution is not an appropriate option we have highly experienced specialists able to guide support and represent you through the Court process. Negotiations will continue alongside the process and we will use our skills to get a speedy resolution.