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Agreeing access arrangements for children – welfare considerations

A relationship breakdown often means a dramatic change in life for all involved and when parents live apart, arrangements need to be agreed about how and when children will see…

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Damian Summerscales

Partner — Family

Direct dial: 01202 377823

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Qualifying a Solicitor in 1988, Damian has over 30 years’ experience as a Family lawyer, specialising in both public and private law children proceedings. He is an accredited member of the Law Society Children Panel, confirming his expertise to represent parents, children and extended family members at all levels of the Family Court. His understanding and empathetic approach towards both negotiation and litigation makes him especially well equipped to deal with clients facing a difficult and life-changing legal process.

At the weekends, Damian likes to make the most of our beautiful Dorset coastline with sea swims and cycling. Lured by the challenge of triathlon, he conquered Ironman Wales in 2015 and in 2022, he completed the iconic Escape from Alcatraz in San Francisco.

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Guide to direct access arrangements for children

Being separated from your child can be heart-wrenching, and yet some parents have to overcome some significant...

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Agreeing access arrangements for children – welfare considerations

A relationship breakdown often means a dramatic change in life for all involved and when parents live...

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Who is responsible for organising and paying for a funeral?

After a death, one of the first tasks is to arrange the funeral. This is generally carried out by the deceased’s next of kin, whether or not they are an…

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Kate Mansfield

Partner — Private Client

Direct dial: 01202 377853

Email

kate mansfield
  • “We have had the pleasure of Kate’s sensitive and unwavering professional support for a number of years. She has always been able to combine her deep expertise, with practical context and a tone of voice that gently escorts you through, often difficult decisions. We could not recommend Kate highly enough, both professionally and personally.”

    Simon Bennett

  • “Kate was extremely knowledgeable, straightforward to deal with as well as sympathetic during what was a difficult time. I felt in good hands!”

    Elisabeth Bonelli

  • “We were treated with respect and felt our wishes were taken in consideration. The patience shown in helping us understand the implications of decisions was outstanding.”

    Francesca Remix

  • “Very efficient and welcoming. Understood my access requirements and my unique concerns thoroughly.”

    Hannah Fielding (wheelchair user)

  • “Mrs Mansfield has been exemplary in every respect. She is an excellent listener and has the ability to explain complex issues patiently and emphatically. We are fortunate in having her as our legal adviser.”

    Neville Osrin

  • “Professional, always available for a phone enquiry. Always informed me as thing's progressed. Excellent company with very pleasant and helpful front of house. My sincere thanks.”

    Susan Dawn Godfrey

  • “Kate took the trouble to understand the particularities affecting my Will and found sensible ways of dealing with them.”

    Peter Andrews

Kate is a Partner in our Private Client Team and has 25 years’ experience in private client work, specialising in wills, tax planning and estate administration. Kate has worked in this area since she qualified and has assisted thousands of families and individuals.

Kate qualified as a solicitor in 1995 after obtaining a 2.1 in Law from the University of Kent. She completed her training contract with Laceys and became a partner in 2002.

Kate is a full member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP) and sat on the STEP committee for 6 years. She has also taught on the Legal Executives course at Bournemouth & Poole College.

Kate enjoys the personal side of the work and the satisfaction of assisting the bereaved and families with complex affairs, whether it be complex financial aspects or those where a diplomatic hand is required. She prides herself on being able to explain the legal position in plain English.

Out of the office she enjoys keeping fit. She enjoys going to the gym and getting out into the Dorset countryside on her road bike. Cooking, particularly baking, is also a passion.

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