Meet Annabel
I joined Lawrence Stephens in March 2024 as an Associate in the Family team.
I qualified as a solicitor in August 2020 and have specialised exclusively in private family law. My practice includes advising and assisting individuals in connection with separation, divorce, parenting agreements, child arrangements, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and domestic abuse injunctions.
I have successfully acted in Children Act 1989 cases where the child concerned has a disability, mental health challenge and/or learning difficulty. As a result, I have a good working knowledge of local paediatric services and the implementation of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Such experience also enables me to advise divorcing clients who have children with additional needs on suitable and fair outcomes in respect of matrimonial finances and property.
In divorce cases, I have represented individuals who have a 'uniform' pension (NHS, Metropolitan Police, teachers, etc,) and regularly advise on issues which arise in respect of pensions upon divorce.
I have experience in cases where domestic abuse is a feature and the injunctions which can be applied for if an individual requires protection. I have also successfully acted for respondents to injunction applications.
My practice includes advice and representation for unmarried couples and parents on the breakdown of a relationship and in relation to property claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.
As a member of Resolution, I am committed to resolving disputes in a constructive and amicable way but will assist clients with a court application when a firmer approach is essential. My approach is give to clients clear and coherent advice from the start and manage their expectations throughout. I am committed to assisting clients in an ethical, compassionate, timely and cost efficient manner.
Outside of work I am keen runner and swimmer. I love spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy trying new foods and places to eat, as well as travelling.
Experience highlights
- Successfully acting for a mother in an internal relocation case where both children had complex medical needs
- Successfully acting for a father in his application for a specific issue order to determine the child’s school placement (child had an EHCP and additional needs)
- Acting for a husband in a divorce who had a large Civil Service pension which exceeded the lifetime allowance
- Successfully acting for a father (resident in New Zealand) in establishing contact with his daughter (resident in England)
- Successfully acting for an individual in establishing a beneficial interest in a property
- Advising a spouse in respect of matrimonial finances and child arrangements where the parties had agreed that one party and children would relocate to the United States of America
- Defending a non-molestation order and occupation order application
