Areas of Practice
Divorce & relationship breakdown
A challenging time emotionally which requires sensitivity and understanding. Matters relating to children and money often needs to be resolved. We adopt a constructive approach with realistic advice to enable you to make informed decisions.
SEPARATION AGREEMENTS
Usually entered into by couples who stop living together but have decided not to go ahead immediately with divorce. The agreement sets out their agreed intentions usually with respect to money matters and other aspects they wish to agree on.
PRE-nuptial agreement
An agreement made between parties before entering into a marriage or civil partnership setting out how their assets are to be held in the event of a divorce, separation or death.
domestic violence, abuse & harrassment
This can take many forms. It can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional. It encompasses incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse. A remedy is available in the family and civil courts to protect victims of abuse. A non-molestation order and an occupation order are a type of injunction that protect individuals from abuse.
CHILDREN MATTERS
Child arrangements are a part of divorce that is emotionally very difficult. Their well-being takes precedence. Family court judges consider this a priority and encourage efforts to find mutual agreements with respect to child arrangements.
FINANCIAL SETTLEMENTS
When a divorce petition is issued there is usually an application for financial proceedings made by either party. If both parties can agree the terms of how they want to divide their finances a consent order is drafted. A fair and reasonable consent order is usually approved by the judge making it legally binding.
post-nuptial agreement
An agreement made between parties after a marriage or civil partnership detailing how the assets and property are to be divided in the event of a divorce, separation or death.
CO-HABITATION AGREEMENTS
A legally binding agreement that avoids misunderstandings when two people decide to live together. The terms usually set out how money, property and children issues are to be handled when they live together and what is to happen in the event of a split up. If you are already living together you can still negotiate with each other and agree to enter into a co-habitation agreement.
A barrister can now accept instructions from clients directly under the Public Access Scheme. Details can be found on the Bar Council website and on the Bar Standards Board website.
Bar Standards Board – Handbook
Public Access Scheme Guidance for Lay Clients.
It is a cost-effective way of obtaining legal advice (you are only paying for one lawyer). It gives you a direct line of communication with me. You can contact me directly by email at info@flm.legal. I aim to reply to emails very promptly and always the same day. Your email should contain your full name.
I accept public access instructions on a privately funded basis only. If you hope to be funded by legal aid or public funding I cannot act for you. The cost of instructing me will depend on the amount of work involved and the urgency of the work. The quotes will either be on an hourly rate or fixed fee basis subject to what is most appropriate for the case and most cost effective.
My fees are very competitive. I charge an hourly rate or fixed fees. My fees do not include VAT or VAT is not applicable. Fees must be agreed in advance and paid for before I will undertake the work. The fees I quote you are charged either at an hourly rate or as a fixed sum before taking on a piece of work. I am happy to provide a cost estimate for any case on request. Fees will not include VAT and that will be made clear to you both in advance and in the written agreement. There will be no hidden additional costs. I always provide clear and regular updates on the costs.
Fees
The fees I quote you are charged either at an hourly rate or as a fixed sum before taking on a piece of work. I am happy to provide a cost estimate for any case on request. Fees will not include VAT and that will be made clear to you both in advance and in the written agreement. There will be no hidden additional costs. I always provide clear and regular updates on the costs.
I work independently and your contract will be with me alone. I will require proof of your ID and the current address, a signed client care letter. I do not receive or handle money on a clients’ behalf. The Bar Council has an informative website, which sets out what barristers do: http://www.barcouncil.org.uk
I provide cost-effective advice and representation as quickly and informally as possible. Often a preliminary conference/consultation is the best way for me to advise. I will always give you a price for the work I am doing before you are committed to pay. Our fees will depend on the complexity of your case and the amount of legal support you ask for. You can decide what legal help you need and when. We only do the work that is agreed with you in advance and you only pay for the work that you ask us to do. There are no hidden extras. You know in advance exactly what our fees will be for each piece of work. You are in complete control of your legal costs at all times. You do not incur any costs until the fees are agreed. All fees are paid before starting work on your case, so you know what your budget is.
We offer an initial 30 minute “no obligation” free consultation to discuss and give you an evaluation on your matter. I recognise the uniquely difficult nature of family litigation involving money and children. I identify and focus on the real issues in the case. I can advise on the law; support and assist in reaching agreements; help manage the day to day running of the case and represent you in court. I am authorised to practice by the Bar Council and I am regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
Fixed fee estimates for Financial applications upon divorce
Written advice on your financial dispute £1500 - £2500
Preparation of case, including meetings with you and assistance with drafting of court documents. £2000 - £3500
First appointment (first court hearing exchanging financial information) £2000 - £3500
Financial Dispute Resolution appointment (second court hearing to reach a financial settlement). £3000 - £4500
First day of Final Hearing (if no settlement was reached in the financial dispute resolution appointment) £3500 - £6000
Court appearances per day, after the first day of the final hearing £2000-£3500
For a quotation please contact me.