Case Studies
Geraldine Watson Family Law Solicitor
Our case studies showcase real outcomes in divorce, child arrangement orders, financial settlements, and more, demonstrating our compassionate, expert approach. Serving Leicester, Oadby, Loughborough, Market Harborough, and Charnwood, we tailor solutions to secure your family’s future.
"Experience, Insight, and Compassion: Your Trusted Family Law Partner"
Cohabitation Disputes
TOLATA (The Trust of Lands and Appointment of Trustees Act of 1996)
Case Study 1:
I have recently dealt with a case that began as a domestic abuse case, where one person was alleging abuse and controlling behaviour.
As the case progressed, it was clear that there was no truth to the allegations and in fact, the real issue was a house the parties owned jointly. After the breakdown in their relationship, the parties sought to determine their respective interests in the property, with one person wanting to sell and the other person wanted the property to be transferred into their name.
The result was the option of the property being transferred with a lump sum being paid and if that could not happen, the house would be sold.
Case Study 2:
I represented someone who moved into a house belonging to his partner. The relationship lasted almost 10 years and during that time, they agreed that the partner
who owned the house would continue paying the mortgage and bills and my client would pay for holidays and he also paid for renovations and an extension.
When the relationship ended, my client wanted to reach an agreement with his former partner that compensated him for the money he had invested in the property. His former partner refused and said that he had no right because she solely owned the house.
After lengthy negotiations, we reached an agreement which meant my client received a lump sum which reimbursed him for the money he had spent on the property, as well as an increase to take into account the increased value of the property.
- "The Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) gives the Court power to make decisions where there are property disputes between unmarried couples"
Child Arrangement Orders
Case Study 1:
I acted for a father where the mother objected to him spending time with the child, unless it was supervised.
The mother made various allegations about the father, but it was clear that her main reason for objecting to contact, was because of her bitter feelings towards the father, after the breakdown in their relationship.
The result was a shared care order, which allowed the child to spend time with both parents and the court took into account the father’s irregular working hours.
Case Study 2:
I acted for a mother when she had to make an application to the court because of her concerns about the father’s behaviour and the impact of this on the children.
The mother was also concerned about the father’s alcohol and drug addiction. The father denied the allegations but refused to undergo testing.
The court made an order which allowed the children to spend time with the father, but it had to be in a supervised environment, therefore protecting the children, whilst trying to make sure they maintained a relationship with the father.
- "A Child Arrangement Order is an order that regulates with whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact, and when a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with any person."
Grandparents Rights
Case Study 1:
I represented the paternal grandparents of two young children. Sadly, neither parent was able to care for the children, so it was necessary to look to the wider family.
Initially the parents objected and wanted to try and care for the children themselves, but eventually realised that the children would be better placed in the care of the grandparents.
The result was a Special Guardianship Order in favour of the grandparents.
Case Study 2:
I represented a maternal grandfather, who had fallen out with his daughter and was then not allowed to spend time with his grandchildren.
There were no safeguarding concerns which prevented the children from being able to spend time with their grandfather.
The result was an order allowing the children to spend time with their grandfather, once every two months.
- "Grandparents play a valuable role in their grandchildren's lives, but they do not have any automatic legal rights. However, the courts are sympathetic to grandparents, and access is only likely to be refused when contact is not in a child's best interests."
Financial Orders
Case Study 1:
I represented a husband in financial proceedings. On the day of the hearing, the Judge was poorly, so we had the option of adjourning the hearing which meant it would have to be dealt with on another day or we could use the time at court to try to negotiate.
After a few hours of negotiations, we reached an agreement which was set out in a final order.
This meant the parties saved time and further legal fees and the proceedings concluded that day.
Case Study 2:
I represented a wife in financial proceedings. The husband did not accept the marriage was at an end and chose not to take part in the proceedings.
We had to make various applications to the court, and because of the behaviour of the husband, the wife’s legal fees increased, and the case took longer than necessary.
However, the result was an order that the wife wanted and the husband was ordered to pay the wife’s costs, because of his conduct.
- "Grandparents play a valuable role in their grandchildren's lives, but they do not have any automatic legal rights. However, the courts are sympathetic to grandparents, and access is only likely to be refused when contact is not in a child's best interests."
