STEP - Key Persons
Garfield's background was originally based in family run businesses. Garfield had the opportunity to study law at Staffordshire University in 2003 and whilst studying Garfield went to work with Paul Jenkins Solicitors on a two week work experience and never looked back. Garfield obtained a 2.1 honors degree in 2006 and achieved a commendation in his Legal Practice Course. Garfield qualified in 2009 and the rest is history. Garfield, Joanne, Sarah and the team have their own vision and expectations for their client's satisfaction and as a result enables the practice to provide the service and quality that we would expect all our clients to receive.
Garfield has worked with a number of leading firms in Staffordshire working from a trainee to the head of a large family department. Garfield prides himself on being able to provide a personalised service throughout his client cases from the start to finish of a case. Therefore, providing his client's with the assurance that the solicitor they have instructed is dealing with their case at all times.
Garfield is a member of Resolution and STEP and is committed to resolving disputes in the least confrontational and costs effective way possible.
Where Court proceedings are unavoidable Garfield has experience of representing his clients and conducting cases including children disputes, complex and high value financial matters, applications by grandparents and cohabitation dispute hearings at all levels, Wills, Probate and Inheritance Act claims.
Joanne decided at a young age that law was the career for her and quickly developed a particular interest in family law having undertaken work experience whilst studying. Joanne obtained a 2:1 (Hons) LLB Law Degree in 1997 and achieved a distinction in her Legal Practice Course in 1998. Joanne qualified in 2000 and has practised solely in family since.
Joanne completed her training and qualified into a position at a firm in Wolverhampton where she remained for 6 years. Joanne then moved to a leading Legal 500 firm where she progressed to Senior Associate level and head of the Child Law Team, leaving that position in June 2017 to move to Your Local Family Solicitors.
Joanne has extensive experience in private law children disputes; including complex cases involving third party experts, relocation issues and living with/spending time with orders, financial applications, injunction proceedings and cohabitation disputes.
Joanne is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving disputes in the least confrontational and costs effective way possible. Joanne has also been an accredited specialist with Resolution since 2007, with recognised expertise in complex financial matters and private law children disputes.
Joanne regularly appears in the local courts, and has experience of conducting hearings from the commencement of proceedings through to final hearing.
Joanne understands that the breakdown of a relationship can be a stressful time and will do all that she can to secure the most appropriate outcome for her clients, in the most cost effective way.