Annika’s Diary # 7

Posted by admin | Posted on 21-01-2012

Category : Legal Aid, Lewis Rodgers Blog, Solicitors in Macclesfield, Solicitors in Winsford

Tags: Domestic Violence Applications, Domestic Violence Legal Aid, Family Issues Legal Aid, Free Legal Aid Consultation, Lewis Rodgers, Lewis Rodgers Blog, Public and Private Law Children applications, Solicitors Cheshire, Solicitors in Cheshire, Solicitors in Macclesfield, Solicitors in Winsford, Solicitors Macclesfield, Solicitors Winsford

I have continued working in a number of areas including Non Molestation Order applications, Occupation Order applications, and Public and Private Law Children applications from Lewis Rodgers offices in Winsford and Macclesfield, Cheshire.

As my Training Contract has progressed I have encountered various forms of new information. This includes: historical records and allegations, agreements regarding maintenance payments, Undertakings, Psychologist Reports, DNA Results and Alcohol Testing Results. I also encountered service of documents via text message; this is very rare and was only acceptable in the relevant case due to the previous issues with service. As a result of these problems the District Judge Ordered that service via text message would be acceptable.

I have also visited court. I attended court to represent a client on an application for a Non Molestation Order under the Family Law Act 1996. While at the court I took instructions from my client. I then went before the District Judge and made the application on behalf of my client. I then left the Courtroom to draft a Non Molestation Order reflecting the discussions I had had with the District Judge and the directions that he gave. I then informed my client of all the necessary information surrounding a Non Molestation Order including potential breaches, and the fact that breaching a Non Molestation Order is an offence which an individual may be arrested for committing. The Order that was granted by the District Judge had the time of the next hearing missing; therefore I learnt that I could ask the Court to amend the Order under the ‘Slip Rule’.

I have therefore drafted numerous documents for the Court, Legal Services Commission and of course for clients. These include; Draft Orders, Consent Orders, Non Molestation Orders Position Statements, Form A, D8 and D8A, FL401, App 8 Forms, APP 3 Forms, APP 5 Forms, POA1 Forms, L31 Forms, Means 1, Means 1 A, Means 2 and L31 Forms. I have also completed another Skeleton Argument.

Annika’s Diary # 6

Posted by admin | Posted on 09-01-2012

Category : Legal Aid, Lewis Rodgers Blog, Solicitors in Macclesfield, Solicitors in Winsford

Tags: Family Issues Legal Aid, Family Proceedings Court, Lewis Rodgers, Public and Private Law Children applications, Solicitors Cheshire, Solicitors Macclesfield, Solicitors Winsford

Happy New Year from Lewis Rodgers!

The start of 2012 has definitely been busy. I have continued working in a number of areas including Non Molestation Order applications, Occupation Order applications, and Public and Private Law Children applications.

I have visited court multiple times over the past two weeks. I assisted Counsel in a Public Care Proceedings matter which also included a Human Rights Application and as a result of this a Queens Counsel was also present at the hearing.

I also represented a client at the Family Proceedings Court. This hearing was a return hearing for a Non Molestation Order application, Occupation Order application, Prohibited Steps Order application and a Residence Order application. It also involved the issue of a Transfer of Tenancy. When I attended court I liased with the CAFCASS officer regarding the incomplete safeguarding checks and I also liased with the Respondent who was acting as a litigant in person. I then went before the Justices of the Peace and represented the client.

I have completed a number of Draft Orders for my attendances at court that have included various clauses needed to cover multiple situations and outcomes in the individual cases. I have also carried out appointments with new clients at Lewis Rodgers offices in Winsford and Macclesfield making brand new applications and I have therefore drafted numerous documents for the Court, Legal Services Commission and of course for clients. These include; Draft Orders, Position Statements, FL401, C1A, C100, App 8 Forms, POA1 Forms, L31 Forms, Means 1 and Means 2 Forms.

“Could you just come in for a chat please?”

Posted by admin | Posted on 23-12-2011

Category : Legal Aid

Tags: Solicitors Cheshire, Solicitors in Cheshire, Solicitors in Macclesfield, Solicitors in Winsford, Solicitors Macclesfield, Solicitors Winsford

It is becoming a more common occurrence for individuals to be asked to voluntarily attend their local police station for an interview. Despite how informal this invitation may sound it is an interview, therefore this request is likely to relate to a possible involvement in an offence and anything you may say to the police officers could eventually be used as evidence in Court.

If you are ever requested to attend a police station, either by an informal invite or an arrest you are entitled to free and independent legal advice. Such representation at the police station is recommended as any errors made or wrong impressions that may be given will be difficult to correct after they have been said.

If you are asked to attend a police station or arrested and taken to a police station, ring a solicitor who practices in Criminal Law, such as our Stephen Rodgers or Emma Evans (formerly Brady) who will arrange the representation you need. Even if you are asked to attend or taken to the police station in the early hours of the morning there will be an out of hours telephone number you can use.

However, if you find yourself having already started to give an interview you can stop the interview at any time and request to speak to or be represented by a solicitor. The call will be made to the Duty Solicitor Call Centre and you can specify the name of the solicitor you wish to speak to or have represent you. That solicitor will be contacted and they will ring you back immediately.

Remember, it is not only necessary to have a solicitor present at the police station if you have done something wrong. You are entitled to free and independent legal advice, regardless of the circumstances.

In our Criminal Law Department, Stephen Rodgers is qualified as a Higher Court Advocate. This means that our clients can have the same representation and seamless service all the way from the Police Investigation up to the Crown Court. In addition to this our assistant Solicitor Emma Evans (Formerly Brady) is fully recognised as an accredited Duty Solicitor and can assist clients requiring representation at both the Police Station and the Magistrates Court.

Call Lewis Rodgers Solicitors (Winsford) on 01606 861858.

Annika’s Diary # 5

Posted by admin | Posted on 16-12-2011

Category : Lewis Rodgers Blog

Tags: Conveyancing, Divorce Legal Aid, Domestic Violence Applications, Domestic Violence Legal Aid, Family Issues Legal Aid, Free Legal Aid Consultation, Lewis Rodgers, Solicitors Macclesfield, Solicitors Winsford

I have continued to be involved in a wide variety of work these last two weeks including Domestic Violence applications, Injunction matters, Children matters and Conveyancing.

I have also visited court to assist Counsel at a contested Finding of Fact Hearing.

This hearing was very interesting as the one party was acting as a litigant in person and a translator was also present at court.

I have progressed further along the Divorce procedure and I have now drafted Consent Orders and Pension Sharing
Annexes.

I have conducted appointments with clients for a wide variety of issues including harassment issues, claims under TOLATA,
applications for Non Molestation Orders, Public Law Children proceedings and Private Law children proceedings.

I have been drafting numerous documents for the Court, Legal Services Commission and of course for clients. These include; Draft Orders,
Position Statements, Skeleton Arguments, Warning letters, App 8 Forms, POA1 Forms, and L31 Forms. I have also compiled a few Bundles and learnt how to complete billing when we all had a very late night last week!

Go to www.lewisrodgers.co.uk and check out the latest Blogs. I have ‘Blogged’ on the recent Legal Aid Reforms and the Government’s response to these reforms; see ‘Lords Revolt Over Legal Aid Reforms and the Government’s Response’.

Until Next Time May All of the Lewis Rodgers Team at Winsford and Macclesfield offices

Wish You a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year !

Lords Revolt Over Legal Aid Reforms and the Governments Response

Posted by admin | Posted on 07-12-2011

Category : Legal Aid

Tags: Divorce Legal Aid, Domestic Violence Applications, Domestic Violence Legal Aid, Family Issues Legal Aid, Free Legal Aid Consultation, Lewis Rodgers, Solicitors Cheshire, Solicitors Macclesfield, Solicitors Winsford

Legal Aid Update from Lewis Rodgers Solicitors

There are hopes that the government will make changes to a few of its legal aid reforms after peers have expressed strong disapproval during the second reading of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.

It has been reported in the Law Society Gazette that justice secretary Kenneth Clarke has ‘ditched the proposal to remove legal aid for clinical negligence claims’. However, the Ministry of Justice would not confirm this only saying: ‘That’s not an announcement that we’ve made and so the bill as it is, stands.’

During the eight-hour debate only three of fifty-four peers offered support to the Bill. Those who did not support the Bill described the cuts in scope as: ‘catastrophic’,
a ‘huge assault on access to justice’ and ‘constitutionally wrong’.

Despite defending the Bill Justice Minister Lord McNally said he would listen to the ‘strong concerns’ of those in opposition especially in regards to domestic violence, clinical negligence and advice at the police station.

In response to this strong criticism on the 1^st December 2011 justice secretary Kenneth Clark announced that the Government have postponed the implementation of the legal aid reforms by six months from October 2012 to April 2013.
However, Lord Justice Jackson described this decision as holding the Bill in ‘escrow’ until the legislation takes effect in October 2012.

The elements to be postponed include:

The abolition of the Legal Services Commission
Introduction of new contracts for the delivery of civil legal aid
Implementation of a mandatory telephone gateway to access civil legal aid advice
Introduction of the revised eligibility criteria to access civil legal aid

Here at Lewis Rodgers Solicitors we offer legal aid for all types of family law matters and our legal aid family solicitors deal with children Issues, domestic violence, divorce, finances in divorce, separation, care cases and property
disputes.

We offer legal aid for all types of criminal matters and our legal aid criminal solicitors deal with all criminal and motoring matters in both the Magistrates and Youth Courts, at the Crown Court, and at Police stations, including arranging for representation at Court or during an interview with the Police. Our Stephen Rodgers is a Higher Court Advocate and can represent you also in the Crown Court and therefore throughout your entire case.

To see if you are eligible for Legal Aid you can go to the LCS website on:-

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/public/can_i_get_legal_aid.asp

Eligibility Calculator:-

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/civil/guidance/eligibility_calculator.asp

Be assured that if you qualify for legal aid and public funding you will receive the same high class advise and representation as a privately paying client, from the legal team here at Lewis Rodgers Solicitors.

Lewis Rodgers Solicitors will ensure that if legal aid is granted you will receive a high standard of service. Contact our Legal Aid Solicitors today for an informal discussion and to arrange to have access to our half an
hour free consultation to ascertain your eligibility to Legal Aid.

Winsford office on: 01606 861 858;

Macclesfield office on: 01625 429114.

Annika’s Diary # 4

Posted by admin | Posted on 28-11-2011

Category : Legal Aid, Lewis Rodgers Blog

Tags: Divorce, Divorce Legal Aid, Divorce Procedure, Domestic Violence Applications, Domestic Violence Legal Aid, Family Issues Legal Aid, Free Legal Aid Consultation, Lewis Rodgers, Solicitors Cheshire, Solicitors Macclesfield, Solicitors Winsford

I have been doing a wide variety of work these last two weeks including Domestic Violence applications, Injunction Matters and Children Matters. I have also visited court to assist Counsel and observe family proceedings as well as making my own applications for ex parte Non Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps and Residence Orders and an application to the Magistrate’s Court to request an adjournment.

I have progressed further along the Divorce procedure and I have now reached the stage of drafting the replies to the questions raised by the other side. These questions are made to query any issues or discrepancies that have arisen from reviewing the other sides Form E.

I have sat in on appointments with Emma Brady and I have therefore been involved in new cases regarding Harassment Matters. I am co-running these files while Emma is on annual leave. I have learnt the necessary procedure and process relating to Injunctions under the Protection From Harassment Act 1997.

I have continued to draft documents for Court including; Draft Orders to adjourn hearings, a Position Statement, a Non Molestation Order, and a Prohibited Steps Order.

I also drafted a Skeleton Argument for a client who is seeking Leave to Apply from the court. After carrying out the necessary research a Skeleton Argument is drafted to provide a written summary of the arguments that a party will put forward at a hearing. It also addresses any case law or precedents that have been referred too by the other side and why the authorities relied upon do not apply in the current case.

Annika’s Diary # 3

Posted by admin | Posted on 13-11-2011

Category : Lewis Rodgers Blog

Tags: Conveyancing, Divorce, Divorce Procedure, Domestic Violence Applications

I have been doing a wide variety of work these last two weeks including Domestic Violence applications, Conveyancing Matters, Divorce Matters, billing, and blogging too!

I have also visited court and observed family proceedings as well as making my own applications for an ex parte Non Molestation Order, an ex parte Prohibited Steps Order and a Residence Order.

I have progressed further along the Divorce procedure and I have now reached the stage of exchanging Financial Forms and raising the necessary questions to send to the other side.

These questions are made to query any issues or discrepancies that have arisen from reviewing the other sides Form E. I have continued to sit in on appointments with Jason Lewis and I have therefore been involved in new cases and issues that I have not yet encountered. This includes a transfer of equity case and a client who was seeking to obtain a separation agreement. I have encountered a number of new forms including a Form G and a Form H. I have continued to draft documents for Court including a request to adjourn a hearing, a consent order and a statement of service. I also prepared a Non Molestation and Prohibited Steps Order for a client I was representing in the County Court. I have continued to attend the County Court on a number of cases with Mr Lewis including an Issues Resolution hearing.

I’ve kept up with the Blogging!! I have provided a summary on a news story relating to the timescale for the completion of care cases. Go to www.lewisrodgers.co.uk and click on the ‘Blog’ link at the top right hand side of the homepage to read
‘Official review states decisions in family courts should be made within 6 months’.

Annika’s Diary # 2

Posted by admin | Posted on 31-10-2011

Category : Lewis Rodgers Blog

Tags: Solicitors Cheshire

Another two weeks in to my Training Contract and what a busy two weeks to report on! Time has been going very quickly and it’s hard to believe I have completed a month of my Training Contract already.

I have continued to sit in on appointments with Jason Lewis and I have therefore been involved in the further progression of numerous cases. Jason has ensured that we are running some of these files together as ‘joint files’. I have found this very helpful, as I am able to clearly follow and track each stage of the case. The hands on involvement has given me a better insight in to the necessary steps in running a file and how adaptable the process has to be in order to suit every individual case. I have also encountered a number of new forms, and I have drafted Orders for hearings, so I have managed to keep up with the drafting practice!!

The importance of involvement from outside agencies in client’s lives and cases has been very apparent these last couple of weeks. I have liased with outside agencies for numerous purposes, such as Drug and Alcohol Testing, DNA Testing, Social Services, Contact Centres, Mediation and even arranging for a client to obtain help for their hearing difficulties whilst they attend court.

I attended a Pre Proceedings Meeting with our consultant solicitor Pam Watson (based at the Lewis Rodgers Solicitors office in Macclesfield). The purpose of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for all the parties to come to an agreed resolution before court proceedings are issued. A draft contract of expectations was provided at the meeting that set out the issues and recommended steps to deal with these issues. As a representative for the client Pam had to ensure that this draft was clear, fair and most importantly practicable.

I have been able to attend the Family Proceedings Court on a number of cases with Mr Lewis. This has been informative as the majority of my court experiences and attendances have been confined to the County Court where I have appeared before District Judges. The difference with the FPC is it is the Magistrates court and ruled by lay Judges, who are not legally trained like District Judges. I have now been able to witness cases that are heard by Magistrates, and observed the guiding role of the court Clerk in such hearings.

I have also been Blogging!! Not only am I posting my Training Contract Diary but I have also provided summaries on multiple news stories relating to civil matters. Go to www.lewisrodgers.co.uk and click on the ‘Blog’ link at the top right hand side of the homepage to read more.

This past week Jason has not been in the office so our other Family Partner Anna Brunt and I have taken over Jason’s workload. This has meant having to quickly familiarise myself with the relevant cases and establish the stage as to which the proceedings have reached. I have also been able to conduct my first three appointments with clients and I am learning the importance of being able to adapt to different clients needs and personalities.

Annika

Guide to Legal Aid from Lewis Rodgers

Posted by admin | Posted on 26-10-2011

Category : Legal Aid

Tags: Divorce Legal Aid, Domestic Violence Legal Aid, Family Issues Legal Aid, Free Legal Aid Consultation, Legal Aid, Property Disputes Legal Aid, Solicitors in Cheshire, Solicitors in Macclesfield, Solicitors in Winsford

A Guide to Legal Aid from Lewis Rodgers Solicitors

What is Legal Aid?

The goverment provides funding to enable everyone access to legal advise and reprentaion and a chance at a fair hearing without there being risk of social eclusion or bias.

As a legal aid specialist and having provided this service to the local community for a number of years, Lewis Rodgers Solicitors is well suited to making sure that your basic legal rightsare upheld and that a fair hearing is obtained without discrimination due to means restriction.
Do I Qualify For Legal Aid?

We can offer a free 1/2 hour consulataion wherby we can determine if public funding is available to assist you with your legal matters. Lewis Rodgers based in Winsford and Macclesfield will provide expert, sympathetic and supportive action, and
discuss the availability of Legal Aid or other arrangements for your legal costs to be met in a manageable way.

What types of Legal Aid are available?

We offer legal aid for all types of family law matters and our legal aid family solicitors deal with children Issues, domestic violence, divorce, finances on divorce, separation, care cases and property disputes.

We offer legal aid for all types of criminal matters and our legal aid criminal solicitors deal with all criminal and motoring matters in both the Magistrates and Youth Courts, at the Crown Court, and at Police stations, including arranging for representation at Court or during an interview with the Police. Our Stephen Rodgers is highly specialised and a Higher Court Advocate and can represent you also in the Crown Court and therefore throughout your entire case.

What if it is an emergency?

We offer emergency legal aid for urgent matters. Please contact us to make an urgent appointment today at our Winsford (01606 861 858 ) or Macclesfield (01625 429114) Office.

What you will recieve should you qualify?

Be assured that if you qualify for legal aid and public funding you will receieve the exact same of high class advise and representation as a privately paying client would from Lewis Rodgers Solictitors legal team.

Lewis Rodgers Solicitors will ensure that if legal aid is granted you recieve no less a service than anyone else. Contact our Legal Aid Solicitors today for an informal discusion and to arrange to have access to our 1/2 hour free consulation period to asertain your eligibility to Legal Aid.

Can I get Legal Aid:-

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/public/can_i_get_legal_aid.asp

Eligibility Calculator:-

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/civil/guidance/eligibility_calculator.asp

Free Parenting Classes Announcement

Posted by admin | Posted on 26-10-2011

Category : Lewis Rodgers Blog

Children’s Minister Sarah Teather has said that free parenting classes are to be trialled for two years for all parents withchildren under the age of six in Middlesbrough, High Peak and Camden.

Parents with children under the age of six in this area will be offered vouchers for the classes from mid 2012. The classes are going to be conducted due to the overwhelming evidence that a child’s development in the first five years of
their life is the biggest factor influencing their future life chances, health and education achievements.

The classes are intended for all parents, even those who do not feel they are struggling raising their children as Miss Teather aims to eliminate the stigma that hangs over parents asking for help.

The classes will be provided by parenting experts and will cover areas such as communication and listening skills, managing conflict, positive relationships within the family and the importance of parents working together as a team. The classes will also address the issue of discipline and the importance of boundaries being set for children.

The trial classes will initially run for two years and the development and impact of the classes will be monitored closely. The government are still currently working on the details but have suggested that the vouchers will be distributed through
various routes.

The shadow children’s minister Sharon Hodgson criticised the coalition’s policy towards Sure Start (which was established by Labour in the late 1990s), as the grant that funds them has been cut by up to 20%.

Here at Lewis Rodgers Winsford and Macclesfield, Cheshire we are happy to help parents with any legal issues or disputes they may encounter regarding their children. You can contact the Family Law specialists at Macclesfield, Cheshire by calling Macclesfield 01625 429114 or through our Winsford office on 01606 861 858. We offer the initial consultation in Macclesfield and Winsford free of charge. We also offer legal aid.

Make an Enquiry

Annika’s Diary # 7

Annika’s Diary # 6

“Could you just come in for a chat please?”

Annika’s Diary # 5

Lords Revolt Over Legal Aid Reforms and the Governments Response

Legal Aid Update from Lewis Rodgers Solicitors

Annika’s Diary # 4

Annika’s Diary # 3

Annika’s Diary # 2

Guide to Legal Aid from Lewis Rodgers

What you will recieve should you qualify?

Free Parenting Classes Announcement

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