Category: Merrick News

Stepping out for vital legal services

Posted on September 7, 2021 by - Merrick News

We are taking part in The Manchester Legal Walk, a sponsored 10k around the city to raise money for local advice services.

It’s an annual event – sadly ruled out by Covid last year – that raises funds to ensure people most in need get legal help they might otherwise be denied.

Advice agencies do a fantastic job. They prevent homelessness, resolve debt problems, gain care for the elderly and disabled and fight exploitation for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

The need for free legal advice has grown in recent years so we’d really appreciate any donations to help us support a really worthwhile cause.

The event is organised by the North West Legal Support Trust, which covers a wide area that includes Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

We’ll be stepping out on Wednesday September 29 – wish us luck!

Anyone who wants to help can donate here:  https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Merrick21

Posted on October 15, 2020 by - Merrick News

Are you a family lawyer with 12 years plus pqe? Then we have a tremendous opportunity for you to join our innovative family law practice based in Manchester.

Handling often complex HNW cases you will require a strong family law background and an ability to apply legal principles to a client’s circumstances both sensitively and commercially.

Detailed experience of divorce, financial remedies and pre and post family agreements are essential whilst a practical understanding of trusts and Children Act work would be beneficial.

The business is focussed, and hardworking and our team are all passionate about family law. At the same time the culture is relaxed, collegiate and supportive.

It all adds up to a great working environment, culture and quality of work. There’s a competitive salary for the right person.

Interested?

Please apply in strictest confidence with a CV and covering letter to peter.manners@merrick-solicitors.com

March 2020? It seems a lifetime ago

Posted on September 29, 2020 by - Merrick News

Looking back to early 2020 can seem like peering in on another life.

Days were busy, work was hectic. No sooner had one week started than it was over as we, like many others, were caught up in the minutiae of our day-to-day routines.

And then, of course, BAM. Lockdown. It all stopped.

Except it didn’t really, it couldn’t. We just had to quickly adapt – overnight in fact – to a new way of looking after our family law clients.

So, while we’ve always prided ourselves on being flexible and happy to meet clients wherever they feel most comfortable, face-to-face meetings were now out.

Thankfully we had seen the way the wind was blowing with Covid and were set up for remote working. Our electronic security was up to scratch, wi-fi speeds were good and, so long as we could find a space to put a laptop and phone, our work could continue.

Of course, back in those days, we had no idea just how long lockdown would continue – and still continues in some form for those in Greater Manchester and elsewhere.

Contacting divorcing clients and ensuring them we were able to keep on top of their affairs was paramount. Ensuring the team could talk and update on their stresses and strains was obviously also crucially important.

Pretty soon we realised we would be ok and with that bit of security our thoughts turned outwards again. Lots of people weren’t alright. Lockdown had created a new hell for those suffering in silence in abusive relationships.

Generous friends

We followed the lead of some of the great charities in this field and set up our own free phoneline. We made it as visible as we could online and on social media in the belief that if just one person in need used it and got some professional advice that would help them, then it would be worthwhile.

In the event, there were many more calls than one.

Thanks to some of our generous professional friends and colleagues we were able to make their services available as well. Lots of people wanted to do right by those who needed help in these strangest of times.

And that’s the main positive we’ve taken from the last six months. That willingness of people to do something for others. We all saw the sacrifices the NHS and other frontline workers were making, and it felt important to also play our part.

Unfortunately, all these months later and coronavirus is still with us and will be for some time.

Our city centre office has now re-opened but it currently makes sense to remain home-working as much as possible. But if clients prefer a face-to-face meeting we have a Covid-safe environment in our meeting room at The Lightwell.

And the freephone helpline – 0800 285 1413 – remains open. So please, if you know anyone who might need it, pass it on.

Posted on July 8, 2020 by - Merrick News

We’ve been bowled over by the response to the free helpline we launched during lockdown.
So, we’ve invited five different specialists to join us on the phones next week to answer your queries.
Got an employment law problem? Need some advice with a nagging health issue? We’ve got expert advice on all this and more plus, of course, invaluable family law support
The full line up of experts for the week commencing July 13th is below.
The helpline – 0800 285 1413 – is available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm to provide expertise and support.
helpline
Many thanks to all the professionals who have freely given their time to help support this initiative. If you want to know more about them we’ll be posting links and articles during the week on our social media accounts.
Family relationships are under pressure like never before – and we still want to do all we can to help. So alongside our guest experts, Merrick will be available to offer confidential legal advice on divorce, separation, children and other relationship issues, including domestic abuse.

Merrick launches free lockdown helpline

Posted on April 29, 2020 by - Merrick News

Family relationships are under pressure like never before during the coronavirus lockdown – and we want to do all we can to help.
We’ve launched a free family law helpline – 0800 285 1413 – offering confidential legal advice on divorce, separation, children and other relationship issues, including domestic abuse.
Our team are now on hand seven days a week from 8am to 8pm to provide their expertise and support.

family law helpline number

 

 

 

Working to help you during lockdown

Posted on April 22, 2020 by - Merrick News

With the UK in lockdown until at least May 7, the next few weeks are going to be difficult for many in relationships further strained by the coronavirus pandemic. But for those divorcing during lockdown or who need advice or support we are working to help you.

Lawyers, like many others, have had to adapt quickly to a new landscape. We’re working from home safely and securely and remain in regular contact with those we represent.

Whilst we are currently unable to meet clients face-to-face, we are taking instructions by email; we’ve sorted the best camera angles for video conferencing and there is always the good old telephone!

We will do whatever works best for you.

The Family Court in England and Wales is still open as access to justice remains an ‘essential service’.

Divorcing during lockdown

Telephone and video hearings have come to the fore. Face-to-face hearings are only being held in exceptional circumstances. And while, like most organisations, courts have been hit by the spread of the virus and staff taking the necessary steps to shield or self-isolate, they are still very much open for business.

The pandemic has hit the economy hard, affecting many people’s employment, pensions, investments and overall financial stability.

Undoubtedly anyone in the midst of proceedings should think hard about how the current situation affects them, not only now but also in the longer term.

In some cases, delay is the only option but here at Merrick we remain solution-focused. If there’s a way to achieve the closure you want, be reassured we will do our best to find it.

An alternative dispute resolution service, such as mediation, can allow for more flexible outcomes and parties are being actively encouraged to pursue this forum in order to avoid current delays in the court process.  It is, however, important to first ensure your case is suitable and that you enter any such process fully advised as to outcomes.

divorce during lockdown: a mediator may help

Divorcing during lockdown: Mediation may help separating couples avoid delays currently in the court process

 

Any existing shared care arrangements should be maintained where possible. But, if both parents are now at home, consider also the benefits of a revised arrangement which allows you to share more equally the task of home-schooling!

Stay safe

It is a sad fact that domestic violence is an increased risk because of the lockdown. The need for families to spend prolonged amounts of time in close quarters, coupled with the financial and social pressures, mean additional anxieties for some.

The most important thing is to keep yourself and any children safe. If you are concerned for your physical or mental well-being, then please do seek help as soon as possible.

The Government has stressed the instruction to stay at home does not apply if you need to escape domestic abuse.

Refuge runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. You can call for free, and in confidence, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

Our phoneline 0161 505 1850 continues to be answered from 8am – 8pm, Monday to Friday. If it is difficult to call because of the lockdown you can send us a private message via social media or email info@merrick-solicitors.com.

We are working to help you.

 

We’ve written previously about the children of separated parents during lockdown.

Government announces divorce law changes

Posted on April 9, 2019 by - Merrick News

The Government has announced legislation to overhaul divorce law with the intention of reducing conflict between parties.

The move follows a public consultation which heard from more than 3,000 interested parties. This included many with direct experience of divorce who voiced their support for reform.

Current law requires spouses to evidence at least one of five ‘facts’: adultery, behaviour, desertion, two years’ separation (if the other spouse consents to divorce), or five years’ separation (if the other spouse disagrees).

Here’s what’s proposed:
  • The option for one spouse to contest divorce will be removed.
  • The irretrievable breakdown of a marriage will be retained as the sole ground for divorce.
  • There will no longer be requirement to provide evidence of ‘fault’ for the irretrievable breakdown.
  • There will still be a two-stage process currently referred to as decree nisi and decree absolute.
  • The law will introduce a minimum timeframe of six months, from petition stage to final divorce.

The Government has also said it will retain the bar on divorce applications in the first year of marriage.

It will also move to modernise language used in the process. It was found terms such as petitioner, decree nisi and decree absolute can cause confusion. They will instead be aligned with the terms used in civil partnership dissolutions – applicant, conditional order and final order.

Introducing the changes, Justice Secretary David Gauke said: “Hostility and conflict between parents leave their mark on children and can damage their life chances.

“While we will always uphold the institution of marriage, it cannot be right that our outdated law creates or increases conflict between divorcing couples.

“So I have listened to calls for reform and firmly believe now is the right time to end this unnecessary blame game for good.”

New legislation will be introduced to Parliament ‘as soon as parliamentary time allows’.

You can read the Government’s response to the consultation here.

We’ve written about ‘no fault’ divorce previously here.

Heather’s brief is to help Merrick grow

Posted on January 28, 2019 by - Merrick News

Heather Waight has joined Merrick Solicitors as practice manager with a brief to help the company grow.

Heather, who has 15 years of experience in office management roles, is now responsible for areas as diverse as the law firm’s legal compliance, IT systems, recruitment procedures and staff welfare.

She took on the role after previously working for international executive searchers, a debt recovery agency, solicitors and civil engineers.

She was attracted to the role at Merrick by a belief she could help the business continue to evolve.

Evolving business

The Manchester-based company is renowned for its work in complex high net worth cases.

But principal Amanda Merrick is also keen to ensure it can help cover the gap left by the demise of legal aid for most divorce cases. In response, last year it launched #AccessUs, a high-quality, case-managed service to deliver advice where there is a case to answer and limited resources to meet it.

Heather said: “I like to feel that I’m helping a company to get to where it wants to go.

“I met Amanda and was sold on what she was trying to do. It’s very difficult not to be swept up by her enthusiasm and passion for the law.

“I’ve not been here very long but it already feels like more than just a workplace. You really, really want to do your best.”

Grow the team

Merrick has a clear strategy to grow its team and client base. It continues to look out for the best available talent in the world of family law.

While Heather gets to grips with ensuring internal office systems are slick and effective, she’s clear on why Merrick continues to attract new clients.

She added: “So many people come through recommendations. They’ve been advised that if they want good advice to get in touch with Merrick. Amanda is very upfront with everyone, she tells you what you need to know.”

Click here for more about Merrick’s service offerings

 

 

A new year but always focussed on clients

Posted on January 3, 2019 by - Merrick News

Last year marked the start of major changes for Merrick and in 2019 we’ll be doing more of what we believe it means to be a firm of family lawyers in today’s world.

The legal profession is undergoing a good deal of upheaval. From challenges to its long-established services, to the pace of technological change and the continued lack of availability of legal aid that means funding for clients is only infrequently available.

Our response to this has been rooted in both the traditional and a fresh perspective to ensure our service continues to add value.

First and foremost, we’re about helping people when they need it most; it’s why we exist. We call it #LawforGood.

Family is fundamental to our lives. Problems with our closest relationships can impact all areas of our lives from financial to social and everything in between.

It’s because no aspect of life is untouched by family issues that the expertise we can offer people is so important.

Out of reach

The withdrawal of legal aid for most cases has had a negative impact for many in failing relationships. Without that financial assistance, many believe qualified legal help will be too costly and out of their reach.

Because of this there’s been a large increase in people representing themselves to save on costs. This puts them at a distinct disadvantage when they find themselves dealing with all the complexities of the law.

Such is the concern of one judge that in October he used a documentary to highlight the difficulties faced.

His Honour Judge Stephen Wildblood QC, the most senior family court judge at Bristol Civil Justice Centre, spoke as part of a BBC investigation into the pressures on the family court system.  He stressed the challenges of litigants in person going into a courtroom full of barristers, experts and other professionals.

#AccessUs one of the initiatives we launched in 2018, is designed to help.

If there is a case to answer and limited resources to meet it – we believe people should still be able to access qualified legal support. After witnessing the eagerness with which it has been taken up, we hope to expand it so that the profession embraces this social enterprise in the same way.

By offering comprehensive support at a price to fit stretched finances we’re doing all we can to ensure people have access to the help they need at a crucial time in their life.

High net worth litigation

While we’re excited about #AccessUs, we’re also delighted that our reputation for dealing with complex and high net worth litigation continues to be recognised.

We were named Divorce Law Firm of the Year in England in the Global Law Expert (GLE) Awards 2018 for our client services.

And we’re grateful to all those who kindly recommend our services. Rest assured this will remain a strong focus for us in 2019.

We also believe in a holistic approach. Getting divorced or separated is one of the most stressful life events. It’s not uncommon for people to feel disoriented and a little lost.

Self-care such as eating healthily, exercising and getting enough rest can often be forgotten about in the pressure of the situation. We launched Merrick Life in recognition that sometimes people need more than family law advice.

A helping hand in lots of related areas such as health and well-being or adapting their role as a parent to fit new circumstances is all very much appreciated.

We’ve connected our readers to a lot of experts in the last year. We believe this is of benefit and we want to continue developing these relationships in 2019.

The feedback from both clients and our family of experts has been very encouraging. In 2019 we will build on this platform to ensure it helps those who reach out and connect with it. Watch this space.

2018 was the year we laid the foundations of our purpose and the vision that is #LawforGood.

In 2019 we will bring that vision and purpose to life.

Our thanks go to everyone who has been part of the journey so far; without you we wouldn’t be where we are now.

And to the team – #YouGotThis