The first Monday in January is traditionally a busy day for family lawyers with prospective clients seeking appointments with us after they have decided to take the first step in divorce proceedings.
As we emerge from Christmas, family lawyers recognise it can be a stressful and difficult time for many and in turn this may have created additional strain on relationships.
It is common for us to be instructed by a party who has had time over the Christmas period to reflect and decide that they are not going to continue in an unhappy relationship.
If you find yourself in a position either in January or at any time of the year where you need advice regarding a relationship breakdown whether that be in relation to children matters, divorce or separation, financial matters, domestic abuse issues, occupation of a property or anything else related to the specialist area of family law then please contact us.
We understand how daunting it can be to take those first steps and make an appointment, but my advice would be that if you need guidance going forward then contact us today and arrange an initial appointment to discuss your situation with one of our specialist family law experts.
Girlings’ Family Law Department
Girlings’ Family Law department is approachable and friendly as well as knowledgeable and empathetic. Appointments can be made in any of our offices in Ashford, Canterbury or Herne Bay.
I am proud to head up the family department at Girlings which comprises five solicitors who are all experienced and specialise solely in family law.
Between us we have over 50 years’ experience with two of us having been qualified for over 15 years.
Some of our specific areas of expertise include, Senior Associate Solicitor, Curtis Wray, who was granted Higher Rights of Audience meaning he can conduct his own advocacy on behalf of clients in all Courts. I have been recognised by the Law Society’s Family Panel for the last 11 years as a specialist in the area of family law. Previously I had also been recognised for 10 years by the Law Society’s Mental Health Panel acting as a specialist in that area and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with clients and the opposite party where there are mental health difficulties. We are all members of Resolution, a professional community of family law justice professionals, and are committed as per the ethos of Resolution to resolving disputes in an amicable way.
Also in my team is Senior Associate Solicitor, Joanna Lawrence who has completed specialist training and can now offer a ‘one lawyer two clients’ service to those that wish to proceed with matters jointly and amicably.
The department has been ranked in the Legal 500 2025, and I have received recommended lawyer status as part of this ranking.
Your first meeting with myself or a member of my team will be by way of a fixed fee appointment. During this appointment one of our qualified solicitors will advise you on your situation, we will explore the options available to you in order to assist you to move forward. At the end of the meeting, you will be provided with factsheets to take away with you. Further you will receive a letter of advice bespoke to your case which will be sent to you after the appointment setting out discussions with you and advice given.
If you are considering the status of your relationship and would like some advice about how you can separate, or any other matter relation to family law please don’t hesitate to contact myself or a member of my team.