Tailoring his approach to dispute resolution to suit each client’s individual needs, John has extensive experience handling a range of family law matters for married couples, civil partners, and cohabiting couples, and is particularly skilled in matters relating to children. As a member of both The Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme and the Children Law Accreditation Scheme, he is able to represent parents and children, whether through their guardians or direct, where arrangements cannot be agreed, or where the Local Authority becomes involved within the context of public law care/adoption proceedings. John also has experience in cases where children are removed from the jurisdiction, in either preventing their removal or securing their return. His work also involves advising on wealth protection in the form of living together and separation agreements, as well as nuptial agreements. As a collaborative lawyer, accredited mediator and a member of Resolution, John offers methods of dispute resolution that are designed to fairly meet the needs of both parties whilst ensuring to consider the sensitivities of his clients. When court proceedings are necessary, John is able to represent his clients in the Family Court at all levels, and has been involved in a number of recently reported cases, including in the Court of Appeal.

Drawing upon her 25 years of legal expertise, Cheryl is able to deal calmly and sensitively with the most demanding of situations and achieve the best outcomes for her clients. Head of the Family Law Department at this law firm based in Weymouth, she can deal with divorce, child arrangements, care proceedings, financial claims and cases involving domestic violence. With a practical, yet sympathetic approach to her cases, clients can expect to receive straightforward advice and clear guidance from the outset of a case to its conclusion. Cheryl is a member of both The Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme and Family Law Accreditation Scheme.

A proven expert in family law, Laura is a Partner and Head of Family Law at the firm and has received recognition for her work in The Legal 500. She has considerable experience in handling intricate financial arrangements following a relationship breakdown, and frequently deals with farmland and farming partnerships, complex pensions and high value assets. Laura also skilfully handles all aspects of divorce and separation cases, children matters and the drafting of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements. Providing empathetic guidance, support and clear legal advice, Laura firmly believes that clients can achieve solutions that suit their unique circumstances and prioritise the wellbeing of any children involved.

Head of the Matrimonial Department and a Partner of this Weymouth based firm, Simon has more than 27 years’ experience with a reputation founded on a total commitment to his clients and a high standard of service. A specialist in childcare law and a member of The Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme, he is able to represent children in court proceedings through the children’s Guardian or to take instructions directly from the child. Simon also represents parents in respect of proceedings concerning Children’s Services, and in private disputes between parents, such as disputes over residence and contact. He appears frequently in front of all relevant tiers of the Family Court to include magistrates, district judges and High Court judges. Simon also undertakes deputyship work in respect of applications to the Court of Protection to deal with financial affairs and personal welfare issues, for individuals who have lost the ability to do so themselves, whether that be through accident, injury or old age.