TIM GARBUTT

Tim is the Head of our Family Department, having qualified in 2006 as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. He is now a Legal Executive Advocate (and is Child Law accredited as a member of the Children Panel) specialising in Child Law proceedings, particularly (Public Law) care proceedings involving Social Services. Tim has practiced throughout his career on Teesside, his local area, and is focused on the interest of individuals, families and children.

Tim has experience dealing with Social Services applications including allegations of child abuse, including cases involving child fatality. He has represented clients in the High Court in London on international removal/abduction cases and supported clients in complex cases such as those involving Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.

Tim has practiced in and trained other lawyers in matters regarding Child Law, Divorce and Finance disputes, and domestic abuse protection (injunctions). He has supported parents to retain their children’s care or have them rehabilitated to their care, as well as representing connected family members (other than parents) to secure the care of children and avoid Foster Care or the risk of permanent Adoption.

Tim has extensive experience working with vulnerable clients, and clients struggling with the pressure of court proceedings while managing their mental health or such issues as alcohol or drug use. He offers advice and support in a balanced and non-judgement way.

DEBORAH GREENWOOD

Deborah is a senior well respected Solicitor who qualified in 1997 and specialises in children and family cases involving the Local Authority, gaining extensive experience covering this area of law.

Deborah has throughout her career supported families and children in the Redcar, Middlesbrough, and breadth of the Teesside area, and so is aware of the issues and problems encountered by local families.

She combines a calm, empathetic and approachable manner which puts clients at ease whilst providing robust and pragmatic advice.

CAROL BRADFORD

Carol is an experienced Family Practitioner (qualified as a Solicitor in 2005), dealing with all aspects of Family law & Relationship breakdowns.

She deals with a range of cases helping families through Divorce/Separation/Cohabitation, specialising in negotiating Financial aspects within relationship breakdowns from start to finish. She also assists the foundations of ongoing relationships drafting Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements.

Being an active member of Resolution for Family Law  - cases are approached with constructive, non-hostile advice and discussion, and acting in the best interests of clients and their children.

Carol has advised and supported our clients through domestic abuse to obtain protection in the form of injunctions.

At VCW Law Family Dept. we aim to be proactive and efficient, as well as cost-effective. Keeping you appraised of the cost position throughout your case. Carol focuses on privately funded cases, where legal aid funding is not available.

LEIGH WILDRIDGE

Leigh qualified as a Solicitor in 1998, practicing until 2010, when she chose to focus on her family. Leigh returned to practice law as our Senior Family Executive, supporting our Divorce and Finance Team, though, with her wealth of experience, assists in all areas of the Family Law Department.

Leigh brings a professional and calm approach to her client's cases, no matter the significance or urgency of the issue.

LEAH NIXON

Leah is our trainee Lawyer, following the modern national Apprenticeship route. Leah has several years of experience working within Law Firms within Teesside, primarily in areas of Divorce and Finance, and Child Law proceedings.

Leah is down to earth, energetic and motivated member of the team. She gives realistic, honest, and direct advice and support to clients. Leah is focused on supporting clients working with the Local Authority the Child Protection issues, in Child in Need procedures or Public Law Outline (PLO) proceedings, in advance of court applications. She also supports senior lawyers throughout court care proceedings, and injunctions, and maintains good client relationships.