Bross Bennett

Bross Bennett is one of the largest and most experienced niche family law practices in London.

The firm: The firm was established in 1998 by the merger of two other niche family practices. The founding partners’ vision was to set up a firm away from central London to concentrate on providing a top service to its clients at an affordable price which did not compromise on quality. The firm has grown organically since then, and moved premises in 2001 to accommodate its increasing size. The firm now has 12 fee-earners with a wide range of experience and expertise, as well as an in-house mediator and counsellor. The firm’s mediation practice has particularly expanded in recent years, meeting the growing demand in this area.

The firm covers all aspects of private family law (save for adoption) and has developed a particular expertise and reputation in high-end financial remedy work (often with an international element), leave to remove cases, and complex disputes over children, including those arising on the breakdown of same-sex marriages. Frequently asked to advise on pre- and postnuptial settlements, the firm is also able to offer clients the benefit of its own in-house counsellor.

Clients come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including professionals, business people, high-end entrepreneurs and stay-at-home mothers.

Types of work undertaken: Bross Bennett offers an expert service dealing with all aspects of family law – including divorce and separation. Its breadth of experience enables it to offer a wide range of skills, including mediation and counselling services, to meet differing personal circumstances. The firm aims to minimise conflict whenever possible but where necessary it takes strong and effective legal action. It is skilled at dealing with the often complex problems that can arise from a divorce or family breakdown, and handles matters involving complicated company affairs, property, offshore trusts and pension provision.

Divorce and separation: the team of experienced divorce and separation solicitors offers extensive and expert advice while remaining sympathetic and sensitive to clients’ issues. It offers practical and clear advice to deal with these issues and the decisions clients have to make throughout. The firm’s absolute commitment is to keep in mind the best outcome for clients and their children.

Cohabitation: the most effective way to minimise any dispute that may arise should a relationship end is to enter into a cohabitation agreement at the start. Bross Bennett advises clients so that they make adequate provision for each other in the event of separation or death.

Civil partnerships and same-sex relationships: Bross Bennett has been happy to advise a number of its clients on the formalisation of their relationship, including all the implications in terms of finance, prenuptial agreements and dissolution.

Financial issues: Bross Bennett has a great deal of experience in negotiating effective financial settlements for clients. It is accustomed to dealing with clients with complex financial affairs, including businesses, offshore assets and family trusts. Its main concern is to ensure that robust negotiations are carried out, but that the proceedings are not unduly protracted. The firm ensures that children’s welfare is an important consideration in the financial settlement.

Children and parenting: the firm has extensive experience working with the many different types of family issues that can arise. It is sensitive to these issues, and has many years of experience in helping parents to resolve their disputes in the best possible interests of the children.

Domestic abuse: clients experiencing harassment or domestic abuse need help urgently. Bross Bennett can give advice about making an application to court for instant protection. It understands these steps are often taken in very difficult circumstances, and aims to help and support clients throughout the process. It is responsive in a crisis and can take immediate action to ensure the safety of clients and their loved ones.

Other areas of family law undertaken by Bross Bennett include: pre- and postnuptial agreements; wills, probate and inheritance problems; lasting powers of attorney; mediation; collaborative law; international relocation; and special guardianship and surrogacy.