Biography
Isobel is an associate in the family team.
Isobel provides specialist advice on all aspects of private family law, including relationship breakdown, financial settlements alongside divorce proceedings and/or civil partnership dissolution, asset protection, arrangements for children and injunctive relief.
Isobel has a particular focus on private issues concerning children, and her practice includes a broad range of matters, including:
- Disputes regarding with whom children should live and spend time with (Child Arrangement Orders);
- High conflict cases where allegations of domestic abuse (including coercive and controlling behaviours) or alienating behaviours are alleged, requiring fact-finding hearings and/or injunctive orders for protection;
- Relocation of children within the UK and abroad; and
- Emergency orders to require/prevent a particular course of action pursued by a person with parental responsibility (e.g. specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders).
Isobel joined Ashfords in 2017 and qualified in October 2019 after completing her training contract with the firm.
Isobel is recognised for her compassionate and dedicated approach. She understands the impact that relationship breakdowns have on the individuals involved, including children, and strives to resolve disputes outside of court whenever possible. Isobel aims to achieve the best outcomes for her clients while also seeking to protect their ongoing relationships, especially among co-parents. When out of court resolutions are not possible, Isobel offers robust and experienced representation during court litigation.
Isobel is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving matters using an amicable and collaborative approach.
Outside of work, Isobel enjoys spending time at home in Cornwall with her partner and their Swiss Shepherd, Finn. She loves walking along the South West Coast Path, exploring various beaches, and seeking out the best coffee and pastries! Isobel is also a keen surfer and volunteers with the Wave Project.
Relevant experience
- Private client: Represented a father in Children Act Proceedings, resulting in his reunification with the child and a shared care arrangement.
- Private client: Represented a mother in contested Children Act Proceedings where unfounded allegations were made by the father. Successfully defended the allegations to achieve an order that the children live with the mother.
- Private client: Represented a mother in Children Act Proceedings, successfully pursuing allegations against the father at fact-finding hearing, and securing an order that the child lives with the mother and has no contact with the father.
- Private client: Represented a client in Family Law Act Proceedings for a contested occupation order and non-molestation. Secured occupation of the family home and a protective order for the client and her child.
- Prepared a pre-nuptial agreement for a young couple, to protect pre-marital inheritances, which included significant farming assets.
- Private client: Secured a favourable settlement for the wife during voluntary financial negotiations, despite issues with the husband’s disclosure and the valuation of his business.
- Private client: Acted for the husband in court proceedings regarding a Notice to Show Cause application. The wife sought to deviate from an implemented Separation Agreement and sought further financial provision. Secured a favourable outcome for the husband, resulting in the original agreement being upheld with no additional financial provision.
