Peter Burgess, partner and co-founder of Burgess Mee Family Law, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Resolution Award which celebrates family professionals who have championed the Resolution Code of Practice and played a part in creating a better family justice system for all.
Peter is nominated for devising and launching The Cross Check in the Working in Collaboration category, which recognises members who have made a difference to families by working together with other professionals, sharing expertise in innovative ways to help clients achieve the best solutions.
Launched last month, The Cross Check saw Burgess Mee join forces with a leading national wealth manager and a panel of four highly rated divorce consultants to offer clients a comprehensive, cost-effective package of expert advice on navigating the legal, financial and emotional aspects of relationship breakdown.
Peter Burgess said:
“I am thrilled that The Cross Check has been nominated for a Resolution Award. The Resolution Code of Practice ensures that the tens of thousands of families who each year take the tough decision to separate can do so with as little conflict and confrontation as possible. It’s an honour that my work helping these families has been recognised by my peers.
“Going through a divorce can be a highly stressful and painful experience – it is not simply a legal journey, yet all too often a client’s financial and emotional needs are not given due consideration. The Cross Check seeks to give clients comfort to be able to move on, safe in the knowledge that they have received individualised advice about what works best for them.
“With the new no-fault divorce regime, a growing number of separating spouses will undoubtedly be thrashing out life-changing agreements themselves. These “kitchen table” deals may lead to one party or the other feeling underprepared and out of their depth in terms of legal, financial and life decisions. The Cross Check is designed as a one-stop-shop for precisely that situation, as well as other common scenarios such as couples coming in and out of mediation who may not be sure of their rights and requirements.”
Juliet Harvey, National Chair of Resolution, said:
“The judging panel arrived at a shortlist after much discussion and lengthy debate about the qualities of each entry – the high standard of which made the final decision very tough indeed. Family professionals have a tough job having to balance the needs of the whole family and our shortlisted candidates have all demonstrated their ability to excel in their roles while championing our non-confrontational values. Our shortlisted candidates are a truly inspiring group of people and I look forward to meeting the winners at our National Conference on 20 May.”
The Resolution Awards 2022 have five categories including the YRes Rising Star, the EDI Champion, Innovation, Working in Collaboration and John Cornwall awards that recognise the diverse and outstanding talent within the family justice community.
In total, 71 entries were made to the 2022 Resolution Awards. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Resolution’s National Conference (20-21 May) in Birmingham.
The judging panel consisted of Juliet Harvey (Chair, Resolution), Remyhs Baker (Co-Chair, Resolution EDI Committee), Peter Jones (Recipient of the 2021 John Cornwell Award), Andrew Watson (Chair, Resolution Standards Committee), Grant Cameron (Vice-Chair, Resolution) and Jane Craig (former Resolution Chair).
Last year Peter and Burgess Mee co-founder and partner, Antonia Mee, were shortlisted in the Resolution Awards’ Working in Collaboration category for launching The Happy Co-Parent, a website that provides free information and advice for separated couples on managing on the minefield that is co-parenting. Written by the firm’s expert family lawyers and mediators, the site features case studies, practical advice and tips, short videos, and sets out the current law, in order to give people the very best chance of a successful relaunch of their relationship as co-parents.
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For further information contact:
Sarah Peters, Bell Yard Communications: 07977 997927 / sarah@bell-yard.com
Notes to editors:
Burgess Mee Family Law
Burgess Mee Family Law is an award-winning firm offering a full range of family law services, as well as advising on wills, estate planning and powers of attorney, from three offices across London.
Founded in 2013 by Antonia Mee and Peter Burgess, both previously at market-leading family firm Withers LLP, Burgess Mee offers high quality, bespoke family law advice and service at a much more affordable rate than established City firms.
The firm comprises 17 fee-earners (including six partners) from leading firms in and around London. All solicitors belong to Resolution, which promotes the constructive settlement of family matters.
The Cross Check comprises:
- a no charge introductory half-hour Zoom call with a lawyer from Burgess Mee and a financial adviser;
- two 90-minute joint consultations with Burgess Mee and the financial adviser and a 90-minute meeting with one of The Cross Check’s panel of four divorce consultants, for a fixed fee.
During the joint consultation, clients receive legal advice on the court’s approach to the division of assets in their case and/or consideration of whether any settlement agreement reached falls within the range of outcomes a court would order; whether all disclosure and considerations have been taken into account as part of any settlement reached or in assessing how the court would approach the case; and any arrangements for the children and whether these are appropriate.
The financial advice covers modelling and budgeting; valuation methodologies for any complex assets or business assets; pension division; and future investment strategy and budgeting.
The introductory session with the divorce consultant considers any emotional support and guidance that may be beneficial to help clients move forward following the breakdown of their relationship.
Resolution
Resolution is a membership association of 6,500 family justice professionals promoting a non-confrontational approach to resolving family issues and campaigning for a fairer family justice system.
Resolution members commit to a Code of Practice that promotes a constructive approach to family issues and considers the needs of the whole family, in particular the best interests of children.
Further updates about Resolution’s work can be found via its official twitter handle: @ResFamilyLaw and on our website: www.resolution.org.uk
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