Supporting families throughout 2020
The Family team at BPE has had a busy year with increased demand for advice, partly due to the wide-ranging implications of coronavirus on separated families.
The team have supported clients through what has been a year of increasingly stressful situations. As well as continuing to advise high net worth individuals in relation to pre and post nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements, the team have been kept busy with unusual and often unique situations as a result of the pandemic.
The restrictions on movement have led to an increase in enquiries from separated parents asking for guidance in how to approach contact arrangements for their children, whilst grappling with issues of parents shielding or needing to self-isolate.
The team have also adapted to the use of remote Court hearings, supporting clients through the process of appearing via video link or on the telephone.
The BPE Family team, led by Helen Cankett, have been recognised for their hard work and experience and been ranked in Band 1 by independent legal directory, Chambers & Partners. It is the first time that the team, which also includes Partner, Jemma Jones, Senior Associate, Rebecca Pike and Solicitor, Hannah Mills, have been ranked in the top tier, demonstrating their combined expertise and experience in advising high-net-worth individuals on what are often complex matters.
Helen also maintained her ranking in Band 1 as an individual as a result of recommendations and feedback from both clients and professional contacts. As an experienced family mediator, Helen has continued to offer support to clients to allow them to resolve issues and agree arrangements in relation to children and/or finances through mediation. The use of video links has enabled this valuable service to continue throughout the pandemic, avoiding delays and undue additional pressure being placed on families and the Court.
With restrictions likely to remain in place in some form for the next few months, if you are looking for advice in relation to your personal family situation, please contact Helen or another member of the Family team to discuss the best approach for your particular circumstances.
These notes have been prepared for the purpose of an article only. They should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.