Peter Collins

Family law

I started out my practice by specialising in public law children work, where I represented clients on both sides of the fence - acting for the Local Authority and also for parents.

On top of that, we adopted our twins through the courts, which means I have a pretty in-depth understanding of this area of law from all angles!

I decided to take a more hands on role in bringing up our twins, and so have gradually steered my practice away from court work to drafting and advice. I can potentially appear in court for my clients, though living in the middle of France means that these days I have to do that remotely.

I took the decision not to carry on with public law work as this requires physical court presence, so now I focus mainly on helping clients find solutions to their child arrangements and matrimonial finance issues. I’ve been able to assist hundreds of clients since working in this way, and as I generally don’t have day to day court commitments I can usually accept last minute instructions if needed.

My approach

Advice

I can advise in any area of family law and will quickly get to the nub of the issue for my clients, trying to propose a reasonable and fair solution as a means to end disputes over loved ones, children or family finances.

Drafting

I help clients by drafting their witness statements, letters or offers to the other side and with initial court applications. I’m also able to write skeleton arguments, draft appeal grounds and give advice on the prospects of success of any such application. I can also draft wills, separation agreements or deeds of trust. In divorce cases, I specifically assist with drafting clean break / consent orders and Section 25 MCA statements.

Contact

I’m always able to respond to emails, normally within a couple of hours but always within a working day. I am also available on the telephone for clients when needed. I basically charge my time at an hourly rate and we can spend this time exactly how you need it, to best suit your needs.

About me

I’m Peter, I’ve been helping clients find solutions to their problems in both family law and civil law for almost 10 years, since starting out in the legal profession after a previous career as a professional musician.

I now live in France, where we relocated as family in 2017, and I mainly assist clients with their drafting and advisory needs in both family and civil law.

What my clients say

“Thank you Peter. I’ve won the appeal, the skeleton argument you wrote for me was outstanding and has really helped me win this appeal. Really appreciate your help.”

Mr H, April 2021 

“Dear Peter, I am so grateful for this statement, no words can make up for this, there is nowhere in heaven or on earth that I could possibly put it any better, it is well worded and meets the points.”

Mrs T, March 2021

“I did as you suggested and have managed to get them to reduce the costs, which is probably the best I could expect in the circumstances. Thank you for all your help again, Peter.”

Mr C, November 2020

“Thank you Peter for everything. This has been such a stressful time and you have made it much simpler and easier than I could have imagined would be the case. You made the really complicated things seem manageable and I was able to represent myself confidently.”

Mrs S, October 2020

“Peter was my legal guardian angel. I came back to him several times with questions on a fairly complex international issue involving domestic abuse and my young grandchildren - each time he went above and beyond to make sure he could help. I can’t thank him enough.”

Mrs A, October 2020

Specialisations
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