Brethertons LLP

Brethertons agreed with the Legal Ombudsman’s proposed outcome November 2025 that they made an error on my consent order, did not rectify the error and were unreasonable. These findings are significant to me because they address both the original drafting error and the firm’s response when I tried to have it corrected. I relied on that understanding and the firm did not say otherwise until very recently. 
 Quotes directly from The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) Case Assessment.
 LeO's email 2.12.25 'I am writing to let you know that Brethertons have accepted my case decision.' 

‘1. The firm failed to identify an error with the currency detail on the consent order

 2. The firm failed help rectify this error when Ms M identified it in 2022
 Ms M says she wants the firm to admit they made an error as this has cost her thousands of pounds.
 Following my investigation I have found the firm’s service to have been unreasonable, and I have upheld both complaints. For the reasons explained below. ’

‘The firm had the right information but drafted the order incorrectly ’

‘ 2. The firm failed help rectify the error when Ms M identified it in 2022’

 Brethertons then helped me represent myself in court to correct their error. 

‘2.18 Ms M transferred £167 to the firm on 24 August and the following day the firm confirmed they had amended the application as she had requested and now needed her address and her ex-husband’s address before the application was sent to court.’

 The court could not locate this application, I was told it was sent to Liverpool but it should have been Bury St Edmunds. Brethertons refunded the money to my account after 2 years in 2025 before the LeO investigation.

 ‘2.24. 
LeO was provided with a copy of a letter which the firm sent to the court on 9 November 2022. This explained that the firm were acting in an advisory basis.
 Ms M had been told that the application from August 2022, could not be located, and she had been advised to submit another one, which the firm were now doing.'

When I called the court the second application was not in process I told them that I was Litigant in Person (LiP) and that Brethertons had paid for and submitted the application. Brethertons had also written a cover note for this application saying they were assisting me. The Court told me that it may have been binned and that a law firm cannot help or pay for a LiP.

 My third application to court to address the Error with a ‘slip rule’ was accepted, I had posted and paid the fee and it was not rejected. 

‘2.32 Once Ms M had highlighted the error to the firm they should have realised that they had made an error and although Ms had not originally identified this, I do consider that the firm should have taken some responsibility for the mistake and sought to assist Ms M. 
As it was the firm seemed to want to lay the blame onto Ms M for not identifying the error. I do not consider this to be acceptable as a firm should draft documents
 accurately. I therefore find that the firms service was not of a reasonable standard, and they should have assisted Mrs M further.’

‘R.1. As shown in the sections above the firm had the right information but drafted the order incorrectly and when this was highlighted to them at a later point did not take action to assist Ms M as she tried to rectify the matter. I find the firm’s service was not of a reasonable standard and I have upheld both complaints.
 Case Decision
 Following my investigation I have found the firm’s service to have been unreasonable, and I have upheld both complaints.’

 After LeO case agreement I wrote to Brethertons seeking an apology, but did not receive a response. I subsequently sent a letter of claim to DWF, its insurer. Brethertons eventually set out its arguments in response being 2 letters and rejecting my claim.
 I then I paid a highly respected independent law firm to assess merit and they considered ‘Brethertons' arguments that your claim is barred because of the Legal Ombudsman process to be weaker than they suggest.’ 

I put forward a loss-of-chance argument, as I believe the drafting error affected my ability to obtain the money I understood I was entitled to under the Consent Order. 
Brethertons have rejected my claim and the concerns I raised have not been resolved. 
In Sept. 2026 Brethertons have now said it does not agree with LeO findings. Letter from LeO -Tue, 2 Dec 2025 upholding the error and unreasonable behaviour. 'Dear Ms M  I am writing to you to let you know that Brethertons have accepted my case decision. Do you want to continue with the final step of our process?  Kind regards   Investigator  Legal Ombudsman' Letter from Brethertons Sept 7 2026 stating Brethertons did not agree with the findings. ‘One point that we do wish to make clear to you concerns your assertions that Brethertons accepted the ‘findings’ of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO). We did not agree with the ‘findings’. The actual position is that Brethertons accepted the proposed outcome as set out in LeO Investigator’s Case Decision dated 13 November 2025, which was that we should make a payment to you of £500. Yours faithfully For Brethertons LLP’ I am still seeking accountability. I have asked Brethertons and LeO for the wording of Brethertons agreement.

I used Bretherton’s to deal with my divorce. From beginning to end my solicitor, Dominic Wisdom, was professional, personable, very organised and proactive, very quick with communication and felt like a truly safe pair of hands. I recently had to make contact with him again in relation to another matter and, again, he was very helpful, informative and personable.

Excellent communication and reassurance during one of the most difficult periods of my life. The initial phone call from the advisor was the hardest and biggest step rhat I had to take and I was very anxious and worried about my position. I was met with clarity and professional knowledge and because of this, the next steps going forward and sticking to my decision were made much less daunting and may fragile state was made more confident. I am very thankful to Bretherton's for guiding me each step of the way. Sincere thanks to everyone that helped me through those journey.

My Solicitor was so supportive right up until the very last minute. I would not have coped with my separation if she had not been there to support me emotionally and professionally. Absolute star and I am forever grateful for her assistance.

Sally Cark was fantastic in dealing with my divorce and financial remedy, she dealt with my case promptly and professional and gave good advice during that time. I would definitely recommend Brethertons.

Brethertons have been absolutely amazing helping me on my child arrangements ongoing court proceedings the past few years. I would have been totally lost without them. Caitlin Lovell has been absolutely incredible, always responding very fast and put a huge amount of work into preparation and always explaining things to me when I had worries along the way. She explained the complicated legal terms in a way I understood and always made sure everything was prepared in good timing for each court hearing. I really cant ever thank her enough for everything she has helped with, a definite 5 star Solicitor, and highly recommend going to Brethertons for any legal help needed. There have been many other staff members who have also been super along the way, Jemma Bryan's, Katie Nightingale and Amelia Morley-Smith. I will always go back to Brethertons for any future legal help needed, they are a 5 star Solicitors and I wouldnt choose anybody else!

Sally Clark and Mel Halsam dealt with my divorce and financial remedy, provided me with good professional advice, kept me up to date with the progress, and supported me with all the relevant paperwork required. A very happy client.

I reached out to Brethertons for support with a consent order as part of my divorce. The first call I made was met by a lovely lady who reassured me and explained the options. I scheduled a telephone appointment with Dominic Wisdom who contacted me on time and ensured I was fully informed. His friendly and supportive approach again reassured me. Charlotte Kingham has supported with communication in the process and organising the documentation. Although the process has only just begun, I am so glad I went with Brethertons who have made a difficult time less stressful than it could have been. I would highly recommend Dominic and his team.

I could not ask for more from a Law firm and was very happy with both the advice and level of service provided by the Brethertons team. Dawn's level of pensions experience and expertise was precisely what I needed to be reassured that a fair outcome could be achieved at the financial settlement stage. I was always kept informed, replies were timely and Dawn and her team were always approachable. They were a pleasure to work with. In the end a very reasonable outcome was agreed under what could have been a difficult and extensive divorce negotiation. My heartfelt thanks to Brethertons and Dawn for helping me navigate through such a difficult and major life event.

It’s been a long and sometimes difficult process, but I’m very grateful for the support and guidance I received from Brethertons throughout my family court case. Although there were a few changes in solicitors (I worked with two or three over time) and different barristers involved, everyone remained professional and committed. I’d especially like to acknowledge the last barrister on my case, who was particularly supportive and effective. Overall, I’m pleased with the outcome and appreciate the efforts made on my behalf.