Meet the Family lawyer: Stone King’s Caroline Fell

Family lawyer and mediator Caroline Fell explains how she helps clients, the implications of no-fault divorce and the importance of finalising financial affairs in Bath Life magazine.

What do you specialise in?

I help those who are going through separation and divorce resolve issues which arise as a result, primarily financial matters.  This can often involve complex issues, including businesses, property portfolios and pensions.  I also deal with family cases with an international element; this could be foreign nationals based in England, or British nationals with assets abroad. 

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What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

Becoming a qualified mediator for both adults and children. The latter means I am able to meet with children of divorcing couples and listen to their wishes and concerns, these then being relayed back to their parents (subject to the child’s agreement) to enable them to make informed decisions together regarding their children’s future. Divorce can be traumatic and it is so important for children of separating parents that they feel that their voice has been heard.

Are there any recent changes clients should know about?

There are indeed! Many will know that no-fault divorce has become law and this will hopefully lead to a reduction in costs and animosity within the divorce process.  However, whilst the divorce process itself has become much more straightforward, the difficulties in untangling complex financial circumstances remain and my aim is to assist people in doing this in the least contentious manner, whether through mediation or through constructive legal advice.

Aren’t financial affairs automatically resolved on divorce?

No, a divorce is the ending of the marriage although many people mistakenly feel that also covers any financial interests. It doesn’t. Not dealing legally with these could leave one person in a poorer financial position than they might otherwise have been, while those in a good financial position could face challenges many years after divorce.

Bath Life can be read here, Caroline is featured on page 91.