Nicola Bennett

These cases demonstrate my range of experience in handling complex and difficult litigation, including in the United Kingdom Supreme Court, successfully appealing decisions made in the Court of Appeal.

• Sharland v Sharland: [2015] UKSC 60
• Gohil v Gohil: [2015] UKSC 61
• Roocroft v Ball: [2016] EWCA Civ 1009
• M v F [2016] EWHC B12 (Fam) (25 July 2016)
• DB v PB [2016] EWHC 3431 (Fam) (22 December 2016)
• A v A [2018] EWHC 2194 (Fam)
• Goddard-Watts v Goddard-Watts [2023] EWCA Civ 115

It is now possible to follow mandated procedures and processes by reference to the court’s website and sources like Chat GPT and in some instances, that is perfectly adequate. In other cases, a different approach is required and one which is agreed and devised considering the circumstances at the time.

I identify clients’ objectives, provide an overview as to whether they are realistic and achievable, and work through a strategy to suit my clients’ particular circumstances.

I frequently work alongside a coach to help my clients to face-in to and deal with high-conflict or emotionally volatile situations. I also try to ensure that my clients have access to other professional advisers, such as forensic accountants, wealth managers, tax lawyers and accountants, medical experts or chartered surveyors, to ensure that their case is reviewed holistically.

Every case is different, and while there are key principles which can be applied ubiquitously, financial settlements, agreements or orders are only binding once they have been ratified by a court.

In considering agreements or orders, there is a requirement for the judge to exercise their discretion to determine whether the agreement is fair.

From our first meeting, you can expect a calm and open conversation about your situation and what you want to achieve. I will take the time to understand your priorities and concerns, and explain clearly how they fit within the legal framework we're operating in.

I will be upfront about what is realistically achievable, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. I will outline a clear, tailored strategy designed to give you the best possible chance of achieving them.

Throughout this process, I aim to remove uncertainty rather than add to it, including being transparent about likely costs, timescales, and any risks along the way, so you feel supported and informed from the very start.