Ashfords

The awards, hosted by the Bristol Law Society, recognise and celebrate the excellence of the legal profession. Ashfords won the award for demonstrating excellence in their provision of legal services and engagement with the community. The firm announced strong financial results for 2024/5 with revenue up 11% to £61m. It is involved with a wide range of initiatives to assist scaling businesses and provide wider support to clients across real estate, commercial and private wealth services. The award also recognised Ashfords’ volunteering and fundraising activities and its work to help break down barriers to the legal profession through partnerships with the Bristol Future Talent Partnership, the Sutton Trust, and the Social Mobility Business Partnership. Lousie Workman, CEO at Ashfords, said: "It's fantastic to get this recognition - we are investing to grow the firm by focusing on our people and our culture. Creating an inclusive workplace and breaking down barriers to opportunities at the firm is a key part of that and it's great to have that ongoing work acknowledged". Jocelyn Ormond, partner and Bristol office location head, said: "We’re proud to be part of Bristol’s vibrant legal community and one that plays an increasingly important role nationally. This award is welcome recognition of the work we’re doing to grow our team, support our clients, and help develop the next generation of lawyers. The judges highlighted the quality and strong Bristol focus of our submission, which reflects our commitment to the city.”

UK law firm Ashfords is proud to announce that both its private wealth and family law teams have been recognised in the prestigious 2025 eprivateclient rankings, affirming the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client service and legal expertise. Ashfords' private wealth team secure a tier two ranking among the 2025 eprivateclient UK’s Top Law Firms whilst the family team has been ranked tier three in the full service 2025 eprivateclient Top Family Law Firms category. These industry rankings, compiled annually by eprivateclient, are based on a comprehensive survey of over 100 law firms across the UK and measures standards through factors such as client revenue, market insight, the number of partners, and expertise across departments. This recognition establishes Ashfords as a trusted advisor for individuals and families seeking specialist support in wealth management, estate planning and family law. "We're proud that our private wealth team has been recognised in the 2025 eprivateclient rankings. This recognition is testament to our team’s dedication and the trust placed in us by our clients”, said Kerry Morgan-Gould, partner and head of trusts and estates. "Being ranked reflects the strength, compassion and legal expertise with which we support our clients with at every stage of life”, said Zoe Porter, partner and head of family.” Ashfords' private wealth team delivers specialist legal advice to individuals, families and business owners on every aspect of wealth management and estate planning. The family team supports individuals and families at every life stage, whether that is relationship planning or asset protection, guiding clients through a divorce or separation, or resolving disputes involving children.

The majority of parents who separate establish well considered arrangements for their children between themselves. However, for various reasons, some parents seek the assistance of the court to determine these arrangements. The government has recently announced that it will repeal the presumption of parental involvement under the Children Act 1989. In this article we outline the current orders under the Children Act 1989 and reveal the reasons behind the government's plans to repeal this part of the law. The current orders under the Children Act 1989 When parents apply to the court for assistance in establishing arrangements for their children, the court has the authority to make different orders under the Children Act 1989. The most frequently issued orders are child arrangements orders, which is where the court decides on the level of a parent's involvement in a child's life such as, with whom the child shall live with, and how much time the child shall spend with the other parent. When a court is considering making a child arrangements order, it's currently required to take into account what is known as the presumption of parental involvement. This means that from the outset, the court makes a presumption that a child has the right to have both parents involved in their life, provided that it's safe for the child. The repeal explained However, the government has said it will repeal the presumption of parental involvement under the Children Act 1989, following the determined campaigning of Claire Throssell, whose sons Jack, 12, and Paul, 9, were killed in a house fire started by their father in October 2014, after he was granted access to the children. Whilst the existing presumption may be disregarded in court if evidence arises indicating that a parent poses a risk of harm to the child, the ministry of justice has said complete removal of this specific law should facilitate faster decisions to limit the involvement of abusive parents' in the child's life. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman has said that the changes will happen "as soon as parliamentary time allows". Understandable, this proposed change to the law may leave a sense of uncertainty amongst parents. Every parent wishes to ensure the safety of their child, and every parent will make decisions with the their child's best interests as the priority. The child's welfare will continue to be the priority of the court, whilst also focusing on the individual needs and specific family circumstances of each child, which is a crucial element in the court's decision-making process. Our family team consists of experienced and knowledgeable family lawyers who provide guidance to clients both within and outside the court system regarding child arrangements. We're dedicated to ensuring that your child's well-being remains the primary consideration in any decisions made while managing child arrangements.