Jacksons Law firm has recognised the growing demand for family law services with the appointment of three new staff.
Nida Ali and Terri Leigh have joined the firm as family law solicitors, while Natalya Kosser will be supporting them and the rest of the team in her supportive and administrative role.
Nida says the department is already busy with instructions for matrimonial matters and matters relating to children.
The current landscape of family law across the UK is incredibly dynamic, with the introduction of no-fault divorces pushing up demand for legal expertise in matrimonial finances.
Heightened awareness of domestic abuse and enhanced protections for affected individuals has also led to more victims seeking legal help.
Meanwhile, economic uncertainties have made financial settlements in divorces more complicated.
Even Brexit can be said to have had an impact on the demand for family legal services, as it has introduced legal complexities relating to international family law when it comes to jurisdiction and enforcement of orders.
This has increased the need for specialist advice and representation in cross-border cases.
Family lawyers like Terri and Nida are essential in navigating these complex, often sensitive issues, providing crucial support and representation to individuals and families during challenging times.
Terri and Nida say demand is also currently high for pre and post-nuptial agreements, as people are becoming more savvy about protecting their finances in the event of a separation.
“The introduction of no-fault divorces has increased demand for assistance with matrimonial finances,” Terri says.
“The new law in itself also requires some navigating – and we are ready to assist and allow our clients to access this at the same time as providing the support with their finances as required.”
The pair expect demand for family law services to remain consistently high – and Terri points to the support they offer cohabiting couples as another area that keeps the department busy.
“Currently, cohabiting couples don’t have the same rights as married couples and until that law gets reformed – which is something we understand the new Government will be looking into – we can get involved with drafting cohabitation agreements.
“It could take quite a while for the law to change, but the country has become aware there is a need for change in that area.”
Cohabitation agreements cover issues like who owns what property, how bills are to be divided and what would happen in the event of a breakdown in the relationship.
“You can even include who’s keeping the dog!” Terri says.
“It’s all about protecting our clients and having their best interests at heart.”
Nida adds it’s often best to assist around protection before a relationship breakdown happens.
“There is a healthy demand for pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements,” she says.
“People often narrow it down to divorce and finance arrangements, but it’s such a broad area of law and can also cover child arrangements and protective injunctions.”
Nida adds that, unfortunately, disputes over child custody and arrangements, especially post-pandemic, have become more common and complex, necessitating legal expertise to resolve these issues.
As these issues are often very emotive, Terri and Nida are pleased to have joined a team of caring individuals.
Nida says: “No client is the same and no case is the same – there will be different things to advise on and it’s very personal to those involved.
“We have to be aware of the need for care in what we provide because it is a very emotive subject.
“As a team, we have a very compassionate, empathetic, client-focused, attentive approach – and I’m happy and proud of the team in terms of how we do approach client issues.”
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