When disputes occur within the family it can be a very emotional time for all concerned, particularly any children that are involved.

 

Unlike other areas of practice, Family Law is not meant to be adversarial: it is not about winning or losing but about trying to achieve an overall settlement that is fair and reasonable to all concerned and above all, protects the children of the relationship.

 

Being able to advise and assist in this area requires a special type of expertise and understanding. McArdles have Family Departments at both the Sunderland and Hartlepool offices. They liaise with each other in order to assist clients and provide a sympathetic, yet sound, professional legal service.

 

Each Department is headed by one of our Partners: Jim Phillips in Sunderland and Phil Mitchell in Hartlepool, each with many years' experience in this particular area. Both Mr Phillips and Mr Mitchell are members of the prestigious Law Society Children Panel and Mr Mitchell is also a member of the Law Society Family Panel. In support, based at our Sunderland office, are Sally Hawks and Helen Bennett, both extremely experienced solicitors. Mrs Hawks is a member of the Law Society Children Panel and Miss Bennett, the Family Law Panel.

 

McArdles' Family Departments assist in all areas of Family Law, from divorce/civil partnership dissolution to care proceedings and have represented clients in cases held before all levels of Court. Although our family departments are based in Sunderland and Hartlepool, we also welcome enquiries from other areas in the North East and arrangements can be made for clients to be seen and given advice at our Darlington office.

 

As with all our areas of practice, the Family Department strives to provide the best possible advice and assistance. It is particularly keen to achieve settlements by negotiation and agreement, without conflict wherever possible.

 

Mediation is playing a bigger part in Family Law proceedings and our Family Lawyers are well acquainted with the mediation process and use it wherever possible, in order to avoid potentially expensive and emotionally draining Court appearances. We also have experience of the Family Advice and Information Service (FAINS), which was established by the Legal Service Commission. As well as advising clients who are not eligible for free advice and assistance under the scheme operated by the Legal Services Commission, McArdles also hold Family Law contracts with the Commission and can, where relevant, act for clients free of charge.