Summary
Steph’s practice focuses primarily on private family disputes, including property, inheritance, trusts and estates.
In addition, Steph acts for and against local authorities in judicial review and administrative claims where there is an overlap with her main areas of practice. Steph is a member of the Attorney General’s junior junior scheme and has a background in costs litigation.
Steph is direct access qualified.
Steph has a particular interest in property disputes arising from co-ownership. She has experience drafting pleadings, obtaining orders for sale with associated directions, advising on pre-action protocol, Part 8 and Part 7 procedure, and offers to settle under Part 36.
Steph also has experience of the following:
- Applications to rectify the Land Register
- Charging orders
- Disputes over ownership of chattels under section 188 LPA 1925
- Unjust enrichment claims
- Proprietary estoppel
- Drafting declarations of ownership
- Applications under Section 2, Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970
- Registering and challenging restrictions and charges
- Permitted developments/LDCs
- Costs disputes
Landlord & Tenant (residential)
- Possession proceedings
- Unlawful evictions
- Disrepair
- Discrimination
- Tenancy deposit claims
- Service charge disputes
- Succession claims
Wills and Probate
- Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- Construction of wills and trusts deeds
- Challenges to wills
- Tax planning relating to inheritance, trusts and VAT
- Trustee and beneficiary disputes
Steph can be instructed to provide advice and representation at all stages of family proceedings, including:
- Children Act 1989
- Family Law Act 1996
- Financial remedies
- Applications under Schedule 1, Children Act 1989
- Child maintenance appeals
- Transfers of tenancy
- Applications to vary
- Enforcement
- Appeals
Steph has significant experience in Section 8 Children Act 1989 matters and is regularly instructed in parallel children and finance proceedings.
“I thought she was excellent… Steph brought to my attention relevant case law which was really useful. Steph was extremely approachable and dealt with everything in a timely and efficient manner throughout her dealings with the case. Overall Steph was amazing and I will be instructing her again.”
Solicitor, 2023
“Steph went above and beyond from the start. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. Fantastic result and I know client is incredibly happy.”
Paralegal, 2023
“Steph is really nice and I got on with her well. She obtained a favourable outcome at court and client is happy. The opponent was really difficult but she dealt with matters really well. Would definitely instruct her again.”
Legal Executive, 2023
Education
LLM
BPTC
MA Law
English Literature BA (Hons)
Awards
Lincoln’s Inn Major BPTC Scholarship.
Frances Murphy Postgraduate Scholarship.
Dean’s Award for outstanding performance during BA.
