Clive Barker

Direct Dial: 01252 550433

Jon Beck

Direct Dial: 01252 550441

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is widely recognised as a real and serious problem both by the Police, Children’s Services and the Courts. If you are suffering you must get help.

If you have been wrongly accused you need help too.

The ambit of domestic abuse has been widened: it is not now confined to physical violence. It includes threatening behaviour, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, but, crucially, also now includes controlling behaviour towards a spouse, partner or children.

Abuse – including coercive and controlling behaviour – is a criminal offence. The Police will take your complaint seriously, and this can (provided evidence is available to support a prosecution) lead to a criminal conviction.

You can also apply to the Family Court for an injunction to prevent your partner, former partner or relative coming into contact with you or coming near your address. Breach of such an injunction is also a criminal offence which can result in a jail sentence of up to 5 years.

As a team, we are keen to help anyone caught in the dreadful web of domestic abuse and we will always prioritise anyone who comes to us in fear for themselves or their children.

If you suffer abuse

Do not delay

The longer you leave it before consulting a solicitor (or reporting to the Police if you prefer) the less the Court may appreciate your need for urgent protection.

Gather and preserve evidence

You can do this by, for example:

  • Taking photographs on your mobile phone of injuries or property damage.
  • Recording (on your mobile phone) abusive telephone calls or abuse made from outside your property, when you are inside.
  • Asking anyone who saw or heard abuse to provide you with a signed and dated letter setting out what they witnessed.
  • Telephoning a relative or friend as soon as you can after an incident; ask them to write down what you are going to say and tell them what has happened.
  • Reporting abuse to your GP.

If you have been wrongly accused of abuse

Do not delay

Consult a solicitor because you may be faced with a Court hearing very rapidly.

Preserve evidence in your favour

  • Record telephone calls on your mobile.
  • Ask friends and family who may have witnessed events which favour you, to act as your witnesses.
  • If a distressing scene occurs with your former partner and there was no witness, phone a friend or family member as soon as you can; tell them what happened and ask them to write down what you tell them.
  • And, crucially, don’t try and contact your former partner or his or her family or go near to where he or she lives or works.

If this affects you, we urge you to consult a solicitor – most will give you a free emergency appointment so that you can explore your options and this can be done in total secrecy.

Don’t ever put up with abusive behaviour.

We promise that we will

  1. Listen to you
  2. Communicate with you
  3. Advise you and, above all
  4. Fight for you

It may be hard now – but we will see you through to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Contact us by phone or email whenever you are ready.

 

Both Jon Beck and Georgina Short provided excellent service.

Case Ref. RES49206

Katie Wouldham was very helpful and professional. Emma Fairbairn in conveyancing also very good. I have recommended Katie to 2 other friends.

Case Ref. FAM2611

I just wanted to say thank you to Jon Beck and his team for helping **** get equal contact with his dad, you've been amazing throughout and helped us get the outcome we wanted.

Case Ref. FAM2041

Katie Wouldham is very professional but also very friendly and caring, she puts you at ease straight away.

Case Ref. FAM2201

Jon Beck dealt with my matter very professionally at all times.

Case Ref. FAM2146

Jon was a real tonic in a difficult situation because he kep tthings 'light and humorous' but exceptionally professional at the same time. Jon really took his time to understand the situation and my character so that he could give a personal, patient, efficient and professional service. A massive thank you!

Case Ref. FAM1909

Clive gave excellent service at all times. He listened, reassured, which is so important when you're dealing with divorce and feeling very vulnerable. He gave advice but wasn't forceful and let me have my say, helped and explained matters I didn't understand or wasn't sure of. I would highly recommend him to anyone! A local and friendly firm. I haven't got anything to complain about, only gratitude.

Case Ref. F1098/1

Jon Beck dealt with my matter excellently, always replied to emails clearly and quickly.

Case Ref. S2986/3

I could not have asked for a better solicitor than Clive Barker, outstanding service. I felt completely supported and had the utmost faith and confidence in him. Thank you for everything Clive.

Case Ref. G2456/1

Clive and Amanda were exceptional in their duties and care with the situation we were in. In this instance we could not have succeeded with the help and assistance of your legal expertise.

Case Ref. T1758/1

Jon Beck was first class, good sense of humour during a difficult period for me.

Case Ref. B2510/2

Thank you for your help and support over the past years. It's been a long journey during which you have stood tirelessly by my side. For that, I am very grateful.

Case Ref. H2298/1

Jon Beck, for all round advice and knowledge. A very professional service with a personal touch.

Case Ref. B3643/1

Clive treated me with respect and patience at all times, I would absolutely recommend to friends. I always felt I was getting value for money, always at ease through the process and very relaxed with the team.

Case Ref. C2102/1

I would like to thank you for your work in resolving this matter for me. I just wish I had had you representing me the first time around.

Case Ref. G2423/1

Both Clive and Amanda were always sympathetic to my situation and treated my case with respect which helped me retain my dignity.

Case Ref. L1826/1

Jon Beck generally had his finger on the pulse.

Case Ref. B3643/1

Amanda and Clive were professional and promptly responded to all enquiries. Allowing for delays and issues caused by the third party, service was extremely good.

Case Ref. M3173/1

Clive Barker is the most ethical breath of fresh air and is an absolute credit to his profession. He exudes a perfect balance of respect for your subjectivity and just the right amount of pragmatism to achieve what is required. His knowledge is second to none and simply put I would never go elsewhere! Kate Reid, Liz and the conveyancing team did a grand job.

Case Ref. W2848/1

Great service and great outcome from a very difficult process.

Case Ref. M3345/1

Thanks for all your help and support over the last 18 months. I really have appreciated everything.

Case Ref. B3601/1

Thanks for all the support provided throughout. I'm absolutely delighted with the results and things could have not gone any better. Thanks again. Very, very happy with how you have handled the case and for the support provided.

Case Ref. L1874/1

Jon, thank you for your excellent advice. When I need further advice I will be straight back in contact with you.

Case Ref. W2974/1

Jennifer Lee was very helpful at all times. All round good solicitors.

Case Ref. C3121/2

Jennifer Lee was very kind & considerate and dealt with all issues efficiently and effectively. Thank you for all your help & support at a difficult time in my life.

Case Ref. W2653/1

Clive Barker analyses out situation remarkably quickly which gave us real confidence as to the way forward. Thank you for the excellent service provided.

Case Ref. W2921/1

Thank you for all your hard work Jon. You have been a massive support to me and I really appreciate everything you have done to make sure I'm in the best position. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have got the same service from another solicitor!

Case Ref. B3638/2

We dealt with Gillian Hawker, Jo Elliott and Clive Barker - outstanding service. Would thoroughly recommend "Woodford Stauffer" regarding any legal advise or matter.

Case Ref. J1079/1

Jon was brilliant, very supportive and informative.

Case Ref. B3705/1

Clive Barker gave clear advice with actions taken in the timetable given.

Case Ref. S1048/2

Special mention to Jon Beck for his compassion, empathy, sense of humour and ability to communicate without being pompous! Plus knowledge etc etc... Thank you Jon!

Case Ref. G33/3

Many thanks Jon. You have been amazing. You called it from word go and made it all seem easy and well worth it. Thanks again.

Case Ref. E651/2

I am very grateful for your sensible, kind and wise support and help over the last 26 months.

Case Ref. CB/V341/1

Special mention to Jon Beck and Sandra Roos. I am 100% satisfied with the help I received. Thank you.

Case Ref. F1331/1

Hi Jon, a huge thank you to you and your team with regards to my divorce. The last 5 months have been emotional and at times very stressful, but all through it your professionalism, courtesy and willingness to answer any questions I have had has been a huge help along the way. I would have no hesitation in recommending Woodford Stauffer to anyone I know that may need it in the future.

Case Ref. JB/R1956/1

Jon Beck, because of his professional and friendly manner and his knowledge of the whole divorce process. His admin team were also very efficient and understanding. An excellent firm that helped me through a very emotional and, at times stressful 5-6 months.

Case Ref. R1956/1

Clive and Amanda, thank you, it was an experience I didn’t think I would go through but everything ran as smoothly as it could.

Case Ref. S3377/1

Darren, Sarah, Jessica and Clive - All were brilliant, professional,, swift. Would recommend to anyone. Excellent service.

Case Ref. O562/1

Clive Barker was exceptionally understanding of how I felt and that transferred back into his professional capacity.

Case Ref. T922/2

Clive Barker - very professional and knowledgable. I would consult Clive again if I needed advice in the future. Very efficient service - all staff polite and friendly

Case Ref. L1646/1

Our Family Law team

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Clive Barker

Solicitor Consultant

Head of Family Law

Clive Barker

Direct Dial:01252 550433

Email Clive Barker

Clive is a Consultant; he qualified as a Solicitor in 1968 and has always specialised in family law.

He is the Head of our Family Law Department and has a particular interest in difficult or complex financial disputes, and property disputes between unmarried couples.

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Jon Beck

Solicitor/Barrister (New Zealand, non-practising)

Family Department

Jon Beck

Direct Dial:01252 550441

Email Jon Beck

Jon qualified and practised as a Barrister and Solicitor in his native New Zealand, before moving to the UK in 2010, where he has specialised in family law.

Jon has a particular interest in divorces, the separation of unmarried couples involving difficult property disputes and cases with an international flavour. He has earned particular respect for his success handling cases in which a parent seeks to remove a child from the jurisdiction.