- To support litigants in person (those not represented by a Solicitor);
- To raise our clients' awareness of the law, the legal system and Courts service, in order to enable them to become more confident and independent;
- To actively promote the use of mediation for clients;
- To help limit the legal costs of litigants in person by providing low cost legal help and services;
- To try to limit and circumvent the adversarial approach and attitude of Solicitors, for the benefit of our clients;
- To support and advocate judicial separation instead of divorce, whereappropriate.
This is a pioneering service founded by Nicola Matheson-Durrant (BA hons Law), who believes that undercutting high street Solicitors' fees does not compromise professionalism or quality of service.
UNDERSTANDING HOW THE FAMILY LAW
CLINIC WORKS
It is very important that potential
clients understand the difference between the Family Law Clinic and other legal
service providers.
‘One-off’
‘pay-and-go’ contracts
Since the Family Law Clinic business
was created and established it has always been a ‘pay-and-go service’. This means that clients are never asked to
sign a Contract for Services and to commit themselves to us for the duration of
a case. We do not expect this, but are always honoured when a clients wants us
to help all of the way through a case.
Clients are free to change their mind about using our service at any stage. They are also welcomed back, if they decide to come back to us, regardless of whether they have been using a Solicitor. This is our 'Freedom of Choice' policy.
We believe that clients are entitled to have
the freedom and flexibility to have one-off, no obligation consultation/services,
or two or more appointments, or ask us to do one or two items of work for them,
consecutively or from time to time, and then never feel compelled to use us
again.
Each request for an item of
work/service to be carried out is a new and separate contract with the Family
Law Clinic.
The end of each appointment
and the completion of each service (whether on a 'pay-and-go' basis or if it is one of our 'all-inclusive packages' is the end of that particular contract. This is reflected by the issue of an Invoice
at the end of the consultation appointment, or the issue of an invoice which
must be paid by the client before work commences. Once the work is completed, so is the
contract with us.
Each appointment/service constitutes
a new and separate contract and this ensures the client remains in full control
of his/her budget. At any time, a client
can stop using the Family Law Clinic without restriction or limitation, at any
point in a case, and not book any more appointments or services again.
This means that we do not represent
or act for a client, we do not control, take over, run or manage a case, we do
not automatically write letters on behalf of clients without their input or
feedback. We work alongside and with our
clients, as part of a team, so that the client is always in control, and we
only ever communicate with third parties if the client asks us to do so.
We regularly publish a variety of
monthly offers and all-inclusive low cost packages, which may last for one
month or a couple of months. This is
part of our promotion and marketing policy.
We also introduce new services from time to time, or delete services
from time to time.
Please always read the services and fees terms and conditions carefully as some of these will contain a 'no refund' statement and a 'completion fee' element.
Family Law Clinic Invoices: Our invoices are clear. However, clients must always check their
invoices as soon as they are received. Overlooking or ignoring any of our terms
and conditions is at a clients own risk.
Because of the nature of our business, in so far as each appointment or
service is treated as a ‘one-off’ ‘pay-and-go’ contract, the contents of individual
Invoices will inevitably change during the course of a case, depending on
various factors, such as - type of
service, cost or duration of service, fee and type of fee applicable, method of
payment, monthly offers etc.
We are very happy to clarify anything for clients. We expect our clients to query or
discuss any item on our invoices if they are not sure of its meaning. We require payment
immediately. Our justification for not
extending credit is that our fees are considerably lower than those charged by
high street Solicitors or barristers, so it is only fair and reasonable that
we are paid without delay.
Nicola Matheson-Durrant, Director, has a law degree and over 25 years of experience in business.
With an extraordinary and controversial outlook and background, and an active antipathy towards the establishment (although accepted by Lincolns Inn), she avoided the traditional route to legal success, but nevertheless, has gained substantial experience in mid–high
value
ancillary relief applications within divorce and in all areas of family
related
disputes.
After acquiring her law degree, Nicola initially trained and
worked at Hewlett Packard Ltd, and therefore comes from a
background where client service
is paramount with relationship management forming the core of business
development activity. She is a highly experienced, organised and
intelligent professional bringing thought, leadership and innovation to
the table.
Nicola's other areas of interest are women's issues, such as domestic violence, the Children Act and the
unmarried family and property
disputes arising under the Trusts of Land & Appointment of Trustees
Act. Personal experiences, coupled with business experience have made Nicola the specialist and activist that she is in this area of law.
Nicola regularly accompanies clients in Court as their
McKenzie Friend. This usually involves assisting clients where the
other party has a team
of Solicitors and clerks along with Counsel. In spite of the
opposition, Nicola's clients more
often than not, obtain an excellent outcome. You can read about these successes on the company website 'Success Stories' page.
Nicola says: Quote: 'Getting my law degree was the most boring thing I ever did in my life, but it's been quite handy. My mother, Monica, persistently insisted that I 'should always have something to fall back on'. !!
If you would like to have more information about our other two Directors, please email us.