Yorkshire law firm achieves “once in a career” outcome, offering crucial protection for domestic abuse victims during the festive season.
Ramsdens Solicitors has secured a significant legal victory in a rare family law case, successfully obtaining an order to terminate parental responsibility. This outcome, described by legal experts as a “once in a career” achievement, comes at a time when domestic abuse cases typically see a concerning rise over the festive period.
The landmark case, led by Jaynie Broughton, senior associate at Ramsdens Solicitors, involved the removal of parental responsibility from a father due to severe domestic abuse. The court’s decision was made to safeguard the wellbeing of the child, a result that required meticulous legal expertise and a detailed approach to family protection.
“This type of application is one of the most challenging in family law, and successful outcomes are exceedingly rare,” said Broughton. “This ruling reflects the expertise of our team and our dedication to protecting vulnerable clients and their children in cases involving domestic abuse.”
Women’s Aid has reported that calls to domestic abuse helplines increase by 15% after Christmas, while Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, notes an 80% surge in website visits during the holiday season.
Broughton’s work on the case involved securing public funding under exceptional circumstances, conducting in-depth legal research and case law analysis, preparing detailed court documentation, and representing the client throughout the proceedings. Additionally, she instructed and briefed counsel for the final hearing to ensure the best possible outcome.
Sarah Ward, head of family at Ramsdens Solicitors, praised the team’s achievement, highlighting the importance of supporting domestic abuse victims, particularly during the festive period. “Our Family team regularly handles complex cases involving domestic abuse,” she said. “This landmark ruling reinforces our commitment to securing robust legal protections for our clients and their children, especially during this challenging time of year.”
Ramsdens Solicitors emphasises that support and legal protection for victims of domestic abuse remain available during the holiday season, including applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders where necessary.
Image provided by Ramsdens Solicitors
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.