The Family Law Clinic's aims are:

- 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.