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"This very strong 14-fee-earner team was further strengthened in 2006 by the arrival of Ian Kennerley. Margaret Simpson is recognised by peers and clients alike as ‘highly skilled and very experienced.’”

Legal 500 2007

"Clients appreciate the lawyers' attention to detail in the family department and express their deep loyalty to a team that “produces excellent results.Prominent family barrister Ian Kennerley was recently recruited as in-house counsel, adding to the already extensive resources that attract high net worth marital clients."

Chambers UK 2008

Dickinson Dees has the largest Family Department in the North East, offering an unparalleled service of excellence. With a national and international client base, the Department is renowned for its expertise in handling high profile, high value divorce and financial work, particularly where there are corporate, farming, pension or business considerations.

Dickinson Dees is one of only a handful of law firms in the county to appoint an in-house Barrister specialising in family law. Ian Kennerley has a particular interest and expertise in financial issues and his presence complements existing expertise within the team which is a recognised leader in the field.

The team specialises in the following:-


• Divorce and related financial issues
• Pre-nuptial and Separation Agreements
• Pensions, Tax and Insolvency Advice
• Cohabitation contracts and disputes
• Children issues, residence, contact and adoption
• Child support advice
• Child abduction
• Public law children work for Local Authorities

Margaret Simpson is Head of the Family Team at Dickinson Dees LLP. She specialises in financial issues involving significant assets in complex areas of law. She is Chair of the Tees Valley group of Resolution - First for Family Law.

Ian Kennerley is a barrister of 23 years experience who acts as in-house Counsel for the team, providing advice and advocacy in respect to all aspects of family law.

Kim Fellowes is a Director in the department and has considerable experience in Family Law, with a particular expertise in CSA matters. Kim is recognised as a national authority in relation to child support work, regularly commenting to the the press and media on legislation issues.

The Family Law Team is also made up of an additional four Solicitors and five Legal Assistants.

Additionally, the Family Law Team regularly contribute to external publications, including the Family Law Journal, Solicitors Journal and
Practical Lawyer as well as writing for broadsheets. The Team also write extensively for lifestyle magazines such as Accent, Living North and North East Times.

The Family Law Team comment regularly to the media on all Family related issues and frequently provide comment to national and local radio, television and newspapers.