Child and Parent Law

Our Child and Parent Law team works to protect vulnerable people, both children and adults. We make sure that children’s voices are heard in both public and private law proceedings and that victims of domestic abuse have the urgent help they need to stay safe.

Meet the team

Children and their interests

We act for children and those who have their best interests at heart – we give children a voice in court proceedings which concern their future, and we help family members who want to keep those children safe and well.

Money is often a worry, we offer legal aid for care cases, which is a right for parents and children. We support on public law – care proceedings started by local authorities which can lead to care orders, supervision orders, emergency protection orders and secure accommodation orders.

Domestic abuse

When relationships tip over into abuse or violence, we can act immediately to help keep victims safe, getting court orders to keep the abuser away from their victim.

Fiona and the team are ready to act quickly to enable domestic violence prevention orders or notices to be put in place.

We know how important it is to act quickly – we can often help within 24-48 hours of your call and we always aim to meet you in a safe place, so that you don’t have to come to our offices if that is difficult.

 

Hear what our clients say about us

Clare Whittaker and Jennifer Lindup-Salmon recently assisted a client with divorce and financial matters. They advised and supported the client throughout financial remedy proceedings in respect of matrimonial finances and brought matters to a successful conclusion.

A settlement reached at the financial dispute resolution hearing, avoiding the necessity of the cost and attendance at a final hearing, meant the client could move on to a new chapter in her life.

Following the case, their client said:

“Clare, I can’t thank you and Jenni enough for all your hard work and support. I’ve felt very confident with you in my corner, and that goes a long way.”

“I’m over the moon that I can now start the next part of my life, thank you for helping me set myself free, so to speak. You are a fantastic lawyer.”

“Thank you for helping me set myself free” – legal expertise leads to heartfelt testimonial

Clare Whittaker, a partner within the Hereford Family Law team, assisted by Jennifer Lindup-Salmon, a Chartered Legal Executive, regularly assists clients within divorce and related financial proceedings.

They provided advice, understanding and support to a client within contested financial remedy proceedings and secured the client a favourable settlement during the Financial Dispute Hearing, avoiding the need for attendance at a Final Hearing.

They received the following thanks from the client. “Thanks for all this, Clare: I really appreciate all the hard work that you and Jenni have put into my case over the past two years”.

Assistance with financial proceedings leads to client testimonial

Clare Whittaker recently assisted a client throughout negotiations in respect of child contact arrangements, whereby the father refused to accept the child didn’t want to have contact with him. Clare assisted the child’s mother throughout negotiations and court proceedings, concluding in an outcome which was child-focused, and in line with the child’s wishes and feelings.

Her client had the following comments… “I just wanted to send a final email to say thank you so much for all of your help. You’ve kept a calm head and given clear, concise advice throughout, as well as managing to be humorous and empathic when needed.

“My son and I couldn’t have wished for better representation and our brilliant final result was, to a large extent, down to your excellent work. I will always be grateful, and whilst I’m very hopeful that we will remain in your archives, you will be the first place I come to should I find myself in need of help again”.

“I couldn’t have wished for better representation”: high praise in child contact case

Divorce is commonly a very tough time for those experiencing it, which is why they need knowledgeable support at each step. Clare Whittaker has a wealth of experience when assisting clients throughout every stage of their divorce.

She recently received the following from a new client: “Thank you again for everything, you’ve been like an angel in these really frightening and dark times. I am extremely grateful for the work you’ve done so far for me, and your great advice and support.”

Guidance with divorce in difficult times

Delays and complications can often make divorce harder, and support through the Covid-19 pandemic, with the full range of divorce issues including financial matters, brought thanks for Clare Whittaker’s work. The client said: “I just wanted to say many thanks for guiding me through this horrible and frustrating process and all the help you provided.”

Support through divorce delays and frustration

Relationship breakdowns are especially hard when children are also involved, and Clare Whittaker’s combination of expertise, experience and sensitivity made a difficult situation easier for her client, who said: I am so glad it went as it did and it’s all thanks to your hard work. I thought it would be a hard battle… it has been challenging, but having a good solicitor helps with that.”

Support and expertise for relationship breakdown

Receiving good advice and support throughout the divorce process can reduce the stress and anxiety that a lot of people experience at this difficult time. Supporting clients throughout all aspects of their case, including attendance and support at court hearings, are all part of the job. Clare Whittaker recently represented a client at court and received the following comment: “I just wanted to express my thanks for yesterday. You were amazing!”

Reducing divorce court stress

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