Lockdown proves a rocky time for relationships and child arrangement issues | Family Law

Cracks in relationship and disputes over co-parenting and custody issues have been exacerbated during lockdown.

Thursfields’ award winning family law team, reacted quickly at the start of the six week lockdown to ensure continuity of contact with clients and enable potential new clients to access their services.

Shane Miller, director and head of the family team at Thursfields Solicitors, said: “We wanted to ensure a seamless continuity of service to our clients, even when working remotely, and this has proven very successful.

“We are accessible through video and telephone calls, and have kept in constant contact with the courts and other barristers and lawyers involved in cases.

“It was almost inevitable that if there were cracks in a relationship, or arguments simmering over arrangements or contact, then these would come to a head during this unprecedented lockdown.”

She said that her team were constantly advising both existing and new clients on matters such as child contact and breaches of existing orders, divorce and the division of marital assets, how Covid-19 is affecting divorce proceedings and if hearings are still going ahead, and how.

“We wanted concerned parents and partners to know that we are still here and still very much accessible.”

Thursfields’ family law team is now offering a fixed fee 30 minute meeting at £90 including VAT, which can be conducted by video call or by phone to suit the client. To book an appointment, call 034520 73 72 8, or email info@thursfields.co.uk

Shane Miller added: “It has been very much business as usual since lockdown began in March and we have been receiving new instructions on a regular basis, and ensuring that our existing clients are kept updated on progress in their own matters.”

Thursfields has also seen an upturn in clients contacting them to arrange Wills and other matters such as Lasting Powers of Attorney, during the lockdown.

Managing director Nick O’Hara said: “We acted quickly to ensure minimal disruption to our service to clients and I am pleased to say our staff across all departments have responded admirably to maintain our standards and deliver the advice our clients want.”