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If Social Services have notified you about legal proceedings concerning your child please call 01202 377995.

Child Arrangements following Divorce or Separation

When parents separate, and children are involved, we believe it is important to protect children as best possible from the inevitable disruption in their lives.  Parents have a duty to promote their children’s welfare under any circumstances but we appreciate this can be difficult when emotions are running high and parents are struggling to communicate. 

We encourage a non-confrontational and calm approach to dealing with all issues relating to children, however fraught the situation might appear.  All our solicitors are members of ‘Resolution’, which promotes mediation, a non-confrontational approach to family problems, considering the needs of the whole family, in particular the best interests of children.

We are also members of the Law Society ‘Children Law Scheme’, a specialist accreditation which recognises solicitors’ expertise and understanding to deal with important issues which are frequently sensitive and difficult.

If the need arises, we can assist with Court proceedings.  We can arrange representation locally or further afield, if necessary employing specialist barristers.

Public funding/legal aid is no longer freely available to deal with Private Law Children Issues in the Courts however we will always strive to advise you as to the most cost efficient way of dealing with any Court proceedings if funding to secure professional representation is not available.

For further advice on child arrangements please contact one of the team today to see how we can help.

Distressed having been contacted by Social Services with concerns for the welfare of your children?

It is critical you seek legal help urgently so please call 01202 377995.

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    Meet the Team

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    Kate Brown

    Senior Associate — Family

    Direct dial: 01202 377897

    Email

    “Kate was very personable, listened to my case without judgement and used her experience to quickly support my response to an urgent court summons. Kate provides sound advice and has a good understanding of what the court will receive well and what to avoid that might antagonise or offend the court. I can safely say that our family life is much improved from her involvement in my case.”

    Simon Scott

    Kate is a Senior Associate in our family department having relocated to Dorset from Wiltshire. Since qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2010, Kate has spent all of her career working in Firms across Hampshire and Wiltshire up to Partner level and has vast experience especially with Armed Forces divorce and the various Armed Forces Pension Schemes.

    Kate has a great knowledge of all aspects of family breakdown involving divorce, separation, financial settlement and private law children cases.

    With a friendly, caring and pragmatic approach, Kate helps clients through the divorce process whilst being realistic throughout.

    Outside of work, Kate attends events across the country with her partner and his World Series Red Bull racing car.

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    Lucy Charles

    Paralegal — Family

    Direct dial: 01202 377854

    Email

    Lucy has worked in Family Law for many years and has acquired considerable experience, dealing not just with legal processes, but also the vital support which parents need at a difficult time. She is able to guide clients through the new ‘no fault’ divorce procedure and assist in securing protection from domestic violence and abuse through non-molestation and occupation injunctions. 

     Lucy has a keen interest in both public and private children cases and works closely alongside our expert lawyers in the Family team.  She recognises the importance to a parent of trust in their legal team and faith that we are on your side. She will go the extra mile to build a strong working relationship with clients.

     Away from work, Lucy loves long walks with her energetic Labradors and back at home, her 2 young children keep her on her toes.  She recently walked the Jurassic Coast Challenge, a total of 100km in just 23 hours.  Lucy enjoys working out at the gym and has recently signed up to compete at Hyrox, London in 2023. 

    Amber Tarrant

    Legal Executive — Family

    Direct dial: 01202 377807

    Email

    amber tarrant

    “Amber Tarrant has represented me for quite a lengthy time in two separate family cases. She really has strived to get me the best possible outcome for me and family! I really couldn’t thank her enough for her support over the time I have known her. Fantastic solicitor!”

    Lee-anne Higginbotham

    Amber works as a Legal Executive and is currently studying with Cilex Law School to complete her Level 6 Certificate in Family Law. Amber works within our Family Department dealing with divorces and children disputes arising from marriage or relationship breakdown. In addition, she works with parents and family members through all levels of Child Protection intervention by Children’s Services. Amber prides herself in taking an empathetic approach to all matters to assist clients who face a potentially life-changing legal process.

    Outside of work Amber enjoys dancing and has been classically trained in a wide variety of genres. She now uses her love of dance to choreograph small shows and choreographing couples first dance for their wedding.

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    Jonathan Talbot

    Partner — Family

    Direct dial: 01202 377844

    Email

    Jonathan Talbot
    • “Jonathan has been amazing at helping me get a resolution with my ex-husband. He was a great listener when I was getting very upset about clauses in our old divorce agreement that were not being adhered to and reacted really quickly with a letter and support. I would not hesitate to ask Jonathan for help again but please excuse me if I hope that doesn’t happen for a while as we all know dealing with ex's is never much fun! Thank you Jonathan.”

      Sharron Davies, MBE

    • “Very happy with how you dealt with my case. Many thanks for your help and advice from Mr Talbot and his secretary.”

      Jan Saad

    • “Jonathan Talbot explained the process and how things would proceed. He was very patient allowing us time to understand and adapt to our new situation. Legal language can be quite difficult to understand and he would explain what it meant and how it would impact.”

      Rae Frederick

    • “I always use Laceys for my legal work, I feel able to talk to them and I know they listen. They have always been professional and kind.”

      Dawn Aston

    • “I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to you and Shannon for helping me through this difficult time, I am really very appreciative to have had you on my team this year, you’ve been an enormous support. ”

      Mrs W

    Jonathan heads up Laceys family department and having qualified as a Solicitor in 1983, he has over 35 years experience in Family Law.

    He specialises in Family and Relationship Breakdowns, Financial Remedies, Collaborative Law and International Family Law.

    Jonathan has a exceptional caring nature and will always strive to find solutions to family issues outside of the court if at all possible.

    Outside of work Jonathan likes to keep himself busy by competing in Ironman 70.3’s when he gets the chance – which are no easy feat at having to complete a 1.2 mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and then a 13.1 mile run each race!

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