A growing Oxfordshire law firm specialising in resolving family disputes without resorting to court hearings has appointed a new senior solicitor.

Helen Taylor joins Hawkins Family Law, which last year opened a new office in Stratton Audley near Bicester.

The firm specialises in finding collaborative resolutions to issues of divorce, family finance and children, and was founded in Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire. Mrs Taylor, who joins as a senior associate solicitor, previously worked for Shoosmiths Solicitors in Milton Keynes.

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She said: “I am looking forward to bringing my experience to Hawkins and developing their new office in Stratton Audley, Bicester, and further enhancing their great name.”

Mrs Taylor has practised family law for 20 years and is a member of Resolution, which has a code of conduct for lawyers promoting non-confrontational resolutions.

She added: “In my experience, most clients going through a separation or divorce want to reach an agreement regarding the issues between them, particularly where there are children involved and they don’t want to go to court. I therefore work hard on behalf of my clients to try to achieve a financial settlement by agreement as quickly and cost effectively as possible, and I adopt the same approach in relation to arrangements concerning the children.

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“I have a particular interest in financial cases and have extensive experience of complex issues involving companies, trusts and pensions. Where my cases have resulted in court proceedings, I do my utmost to achieve a favourable outcome for my clients.”

Jo Hawkins, who founded the firm, said: “We are delighted to welcome Helen to join our strong team of family lawyers.

“Helen joins us with a wealth of experience and is a particular specialist in financial matters that arise following separation or divorce. Helen will be based in our Bicester office, although she is able to work with clients all over England and Wales.

“Helen’s arrival adds further strength and depth to what is already one of the largest purely family law teams in the Midlands.”