Family Law

We appreciate that confrontational litigation is costly in emotional and financial terms. We therefore take a constructive and conciliatory approach at the same time as recognising the need for strong negotiation and representation where necessary.

Our specialist team aims to work quickly to resolve your case cost effectively and we have immediate access to supporting expertise both within the firm and outside for example: mediators, valuers, actuaries and financial advisers.

Most of all we appreciate that every family problem is unique and we treat it that way.
We specialise in:
• pre-marital and cohabitation agreements
• advice on divorce and separation
• financial settlements including complex situations such as family businesses and farms
• pensions
• civil partnership and cohabitation disputes
• children: including residence, contact and removal from jurisdiction
• care proceedings
• special guardianship
• domestic violence

THE TEAM
Penrith & Keswick :
Kate Blue #* | Tel 01768 869501
Philippa Harding #+* | Tel 01768 869505

Carlisle

Katie Wright #+ |Tel. 01228 633380

Matthew Sterling #  | Tel. 01228 531054

# Member of Resolution

+ Resolution Accredited Specialists
* Members of Resolution & Law Society Family Law Panel Advanced

Collaborative Law

Katie Wright and Philippa Harding have completed specialist training to become Collaborative Lawyers and are members of the the North Cumbria POD (group) of  Collaborative Lawyers.

What is Collaborative Law?  The collaborative process is a relatively new way of dealing with family disputes.  The aim of Collaborative Law is to resolve family disputes without confrontation and stressful Court proceedings.  Collaborative Lawyers work with their clients in a series of face to face meetings to resolve financial settlements and issues in relation to children.  

What are the benefits?

• As the process encourages dialogue emotional and in many cases also financial costs are reduced 
• Children benefit from seeing their parents working out problems constructively.
• The process can be adapted to meet your family's timetable and priorities.

More information about Collaborative Law can be found on the Resolution Website www.resolution.org.uk.   Please contact either Katie (Carlisle) direct dial number 01228 633 380 or e-mail: katie@scottduff.co.uk or Philippa ( Penrith and Keswick)  01768 869506 philippa@scottduff.co.uk for further information.