Family law advice

Not all relationships or marriages are successful. When things go wrong there are practical issues to consider as well as the emotional upset and uncertainty of the future. Birketts’ family law team appreciate that the breakdown of a marriage or relationship can be one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Our family lawyers are members of Resolution and include accredited specialists, mediators, collaborative practitioners and Family Law Arbitrators who can provide family law advice and support which best suits a client’s particular needs and helps them reach their goals.Legal 500 Leading Firm 2012

This firm has a strong regional spread, with offices in Norwich, Ipswich, Chelmsford and Cambridge. It handles a range of separation matters and also houses a number of lawyers trained in methods of alternative dispute resolution. Chambers | UK 2013

We do not only advise clients when their relationships are in trouble. We also specialise in relationship agreements which help clients to plan the financial side of their marriage or cohabitation. Prenuptial agreements are now very common. Our team of family lawyers can advise on all types of relationship agreements.

Oliver Gravell and Ian Pattinson, both partners in the team, are two of only four 'Band 1' ranked East Anglian family lawyers in Chambers [UK 2010/2011/2012]. Ian and Oliver are two of only four Family Law Arbitrators in East Anglia and 35 throughout England and Wales. We were nominated for the Family Law Awards Family Firm of the Year 2011.

Some clients visiting us for the first time about their relationship difficulties may have a good idea of the outcome they would like to achieve. Others have no idea what to expect at all. Part of our job is to provide clear family law advice about the various legal processes which are available – mediation, collaboration, constructive negotiation and court proceedings. It is important to understand these different approaches so you are able to make an informed choice and the right one for you.

All members of the team offer a free initial meeting so that clients can discuss the options available to them and can reassure themselves that they can form a good working relationship with their chosen lawyer.

If you would like any more information or to arrange a meeting with one of our team, please contact us with details of your current location in order for us to offer the best assistance possible.

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Key Contacts

  • Oliver Gravell Oliver GravellPartner, Collaborative Lawyer & Family Law Arbitrator
    +44 (0)1473 406372
  • Ian Pattinson Ian PattinsonPartner, Collaborative Lawyer & Family Law Arbitrator
    +44 (0)1223 326768
  • Melanie Wilson Melanie WilsonPartner
    +44 (0)1245 211312
  • Ginny Colman Ginny ColmanSenior Associate and Collaborative Lawyer
    +44 (0)1603 756431
Meet the full team »

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Court and the Alternatives

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More details can be found on the Resolution link below

Resolution