People

Shabana is a cofounder of the firm. She has over 16 years of experience in Family Law. She was formally practicing at J R Jones in Ealing where she was also a partner. Shabana read law at North London University.

She specialises in the financial aspects of high value divorces, residence and contact arrangements for children and disputes arising from the breakdown of relationships between unmarried people. Many of her cases have an international dimension including Child Abduction.

Shabana is a member of Rights of Women which is an organization which advises hundreds of women every year on issues including domestic violence, child contact and relationship breakdown. She is also an Honorary Legal Advisor at the Principal Registry of the Family Division where she offers pro bono advice on a regular basis for those who qualify.

She believes in adopting an approach which is not only sensitive and cost-effective but constructive with a view to reaching a settlement at an early stage. She is also prepared to take practical and decisive Court action quickly when necessary.

She is an SRA -accredited specialist in Family Law and believes in adopting an approach which is not only sensitive and cost-effective but constructive with a view to reaching a settlement at an early stage.

Email: sw@shortlands.co.uk

Tel: 0207 471 7350

Sian has specified in family law since qualifying over 20 years ago. She is an accredited Resolution Specialist in cases with an international element or involving pensions. Sian is trained in Collaborative Law and gives skilled help to couples who wish to reach agreement without court proceedings. Sian also assists in safeguarding all family members by drafting Wills, planning for old age and administering estates.

Email: siw@shortlands.co.uk

Tel: 0207 471 7353

Austin joined the firm in February 2008 and deals with all aspects of private family work relating to both finances and children. He is experienced in the financial aspects of divorce as well as issues faced by unmarried families, such as cohabitation disputes and financial claims between unmarried parents. Austin read law at Reading University.

He also has experience in international child abduction cases.

Austin is a trained Family Mediator. He is a member of Resolution and the Family Mediators Association.

Austin is involved in charity work in his free time. He is a member of the National Association of Child Contact Centres and works as a volunteer in enabling children of separated families to spend time with their non-resident parents, and maintain family relationships. Austin is also an Honorary Legal Advisor at the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Email: achessell@shortlands.co.uk

Tel: 0207 471 7356