Melanie Toms-Wilson

Solicitor - Consultant Solicitor

SRA ID: 279944

I am a senior family Solicitor, having qualified in July 2002 following a training contract in a traditional High Street practice in Folkestone. I have practised in other areas of law but have specialised in Care Proceedings and private children matters, dealing with matters from the initial advice through to conclusion of the matter, undertaking advocacy in both the local Magistrates and County Courts. In a previous role I was an accredited member of The Law Society Children Panel, representing parents and children in public law care proceedings. I also have extensive experience in private residence and contact disputes. I read English and German Law at The University of Kent and the Phillips Universitaet in Marburg, Germany. I graduated in 1998 and completed the Legal Practice Course at The Guildhall University in Moorgate, London in 2000. As a mother and grandmother I am approachable and draw on my own experience, and knowledge of relationship breakdown and parenthood together with a practical and common sense approach to problem solving. Family clients are often in very stressful and emotional situation regarding their children and grandchildren. The court environment and that of having to seek legal advice or instruct solicitors is often a very foreign environment, particularly if the matter is unable to be resolved and proceeds to court. I try to reassure my clients and guide them thorough the process, without giving unrealistic expectations. Having built up a good relationship over the years with, and a good working knowledge and experience of, local barristers and chambers, I always try to match my clients to barristers who will be most suited to obtain the best outcome for my clients when I am unavailable for hearings myself. I have been a trustee of Shepway Homestart since 2012 and haverecently been appointed chair of their personnel committee. I alsoprovide pro bono legal advice to my local One Stop Shop for victimsof domestic abuse in which I have been involved for a number ofyears.