Graeme predominantly specialises in family Law and has developed considerable expertise in all aspects of this work. In addition he maintains a discrete civil practice in personal injury and property matters, especially those cases involving injunctive relief for harassment/tenure.
Family Law
Public Law: Graeme has represented local authorities, parents and other family members, and children’s guardians in a large number of cases, including those involving allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, emotional and/or physical abuse, and neglect. He works well with lay clients who have addictions and/or mental illnesses and/or learning difficulties and has been instructed by the Official Solicitor in care and placement proceedings.
Private Law: Graeme has very extensive experience of private law applications including not only the usual residence/contact applications but also those involving changes of name, removal from the jurisdiction, changes of residence within the jurisdiction, and implacable hostility. He also has wide experience of cases involving complex issues of fact and those involving allegations of serious domestic violence, mental health issues, parental alienation, and drug and/or alcohol addiction.
Injunctions: Graeme has frequently been instructed to deal with applications for injunctions pursuant to the Family Law Act 1996 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 both for applicants and respondents.
Financial Applications/Ancillary Relief: Graeme has been instructed in all manner of financial applications including those under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, Schedule VII of the Family Law Act 1996, and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, as well as cases based on common law and equitable principles. Although Graeme has been instructed ancillary relief applications, these have not previously formed a substantial part of his work. He hopes to develop this element of his practice and is particularly interested in financial disputes arising from the dissolution of civil partnerships.
Divorce: Graeme has represented both applicants and respondents in contested divorce proceedings and is happy to advise where there are procedural or jurisdictional issues connected with the breakdown of marriages and civil partnerships.
Family Mediation: Graeme will begin training with the ADR Group as a family mediator later this year. Once qualified, he hopes to build on the experience that he has gained through his court work to develop a practice in this increasingly important area.
Civil & Common Law
Graeme has always had a keen interest in civil matters, particularly personal injury work. His practice ranges from minor road traffic cases to those involving very serious injury (including head injuries). He has extensive experience of employers’ liability and industrial disease cases and of cases involving allegations of fraud against claimants. Graeme represents both claimants and defendants and, where appropriate, will do so on a conditional fee basis. In addition to his personal injury work, he is also regularly instructed to advise in matters involving boundary and other neighbour disputes, injunctive proceedings (pursuant to the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and otherwise), trusts, fraud, and undue influence.