Family Law

Since retiring from the Family Division bench I have returned to my pre-judicial chambers as an associate member from where I offer my services as a family dispute resolution facilitator. The work I do ranges from all-issues mediation through early neutral evaluation (including private FDRs) to acting as an arbitrator in post-separation financial disputes.

I am a very enthusiastic advocate (while always maintaining neutrality!) for arbitration as a valuable option for disputants who are unable to resolve their disputes without a third party's informed decision. This out-of-court process is far more user-friendly and speedy than in-court litigation, and offers a range of potential benefits.

My colleagues Gavin Smith and Rhys Taylor and I have established our website FamilyArbitrator.com for which in 2012 we were jointly voted Jordans Most Innovative Family Lawyer of the Year. Detailed information and documentation about the arbitration process are freely available there. I am one of the editors of At A Glance and of the software programmes @eGlance and Capitalise and a co-author of Financial Remedies Practice.

Abby is a Senior Associate in the Family and Divorce team who undertakes matters involving all aspects of private family law and in particular complex financial issues and private children cases. Abby practices in all aspects of private family law, with particular expertise in cases involving:

• Complex financial disputes often involving trust assets, family wealth or inheritance
• Farming divorces
• Pre and postnuptial agreements
• All issues concerning the arrangements for children, particularly cases involving parental alienation, relocation within or outside of England and Wales and financial provision for children
• International elements including;
  • International relocation (also known as leave to remove)
  • Cross border matrimonial disputes
  • Jurisdiction race

Abby gives clear, sensible advice and takes great care of her clients, working strategically and creatively to achieve the best possible outcome.