Dornier Whittaker

Family

Practice Summary

Dornier has practiced exclusively in family law for more than 20 years with a wide range of expertise in all areas of family law from leading child care cases to complex financial remedy disputes. She has a  busy finance and children practise in the North of England.

Dornier’s principal specialism is financial remedy and private law children disputes in which she has over the years built up a reputation for incisive analysis and robust advocacy.

Dornier has been described by the Legal press as “impressive on her feet” and “insightful to client’s problems”. She places considerable importance on an open and friendly relationship with both solicitors and lay clients and is a firm believer in practical, realistic advice tailored to the client’s individual needs.

Areas of Expertise

All areas of Matrimonial finance and property with particular emphasis on :

• Private companies

• Family trusts

• Farming cases

• Overseas Jurisdiction

Schedule 1 Claims under the Children Act 1989

Trust of Land (cohabitee) proceedings

All areas of private law children disputes with particular experience in :

• Relocation both internal and external

• Overseas jurisdiction

• Complex child arrangements notably difficult contact arrangements between parents

Lectures and seminars

Dornier is a regular contributor to publications and enjoys presenting seminars to both solicitors and professionals throughout the North of England

Recent seminars include:

• Practical Considerations in farming cases

• Conduct – should it form a greater part of the discretionary exercise

• Practical considerations in intractable contact disputes

• Relocation -  internal and external legal guidelines following Re C

• Spousal Maintenance : Quantum and Duration

• Children Issues - updating Schedule 1 CA 1989

Quotes and Recommendations

Chambers & Partners 2017:

"Extremely skilled in private law work relating to children as well as financial family disputes. She has previously advised on complicated separations involving farming and corporate assets, in addition to complex child relocations." 

"She is sensible, charming and empathetic, and really excellent at managing difficult people."

Legal 500

The Legal 500 2017 "She has an ability to think outside of the box and is very good on her feet."

The Legal 500 2015 "She is impressive on her feet without being unpleasant or resorting to bullying”

The Legal 500 2014  "Impressive on her feet".

The Legal 500 2013 "Is charming, efficient, and insightful".