Initially I had hoped to sort out family finances after divorce amicably with my ex wife. When she then engaged a solicitor I was obliged to do the same. Alison Fielden was recommended to me.
Over 3 years of supposed solicitor negotiations came to nothing except costing me nearly £10,000 for letters and emails. The solicitor I saw was Steven Barratt who is their family solicitor. I can think of nothing positive to say about my experience. One quite shocking thing happened. Some weeks after the law changed to prevent firms charging for using a credit card I received a bill from them. I rang to pay and was told by the receptionist that I could not pay by credit card. I explained that as all family money was still tied up and held by them, that was the only means available to me. She put me on hold and when she came back told me she had spoken to Alison and that on this occasion I could pay with a credit card but they would still charge me 5% on top. I had no other option but this was both unethical and illegal.
My ex wife finally after 3 years agreed to go to mediation for a second time and through their efforts we have now settled everything and have the court orders for a clean break. The solicitors on both sides were just making money out of us. They proposed no realistic solutions throughout the 3 years and just took us for a ride. The service was absolutely appalling and I cannot stress enough to anybody considering using them...DO NOT they are quite simply the most corrupt and useless solicitors I have ever had the displeasure to come across.