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Barkers is a small dedicated specialised practice that works on the philosophy that "we only do what we do, and we do it well". As a consequence of this policy there are lots of areas of legal practice that we do not cover, but, as the saying goes "we know a man that does" and we can refer you to other specialist firms that can assist you. We would rather pass you on to someone who can help you rather than pretend we can help you when we can't. However, in the areas that we do specialise in we offer a personalised service that we think is second-to-none, so check out our specialisms below for more information:-
For more information about our personnel check out the links below:- For the History of the firm (if that is of interest to you) click here
Barkers was formed in 1992 when Senior Partner Jeremy Barker left the Partnership of Keogh Ritson (now "Keoghs") to "go it alone". He had been a partner there since 1986 specialising in Divorce, Family matters, and Crime. With Jeremy from Keoghs came Diane Ford, his secretary, and a Receptionist/Telephonist was recruite. Lisa Meehan joined as an Assistant Solicitor in October 1993 and left to have a baby in February 1997. Michelle Newton joined Jeremy as a Trainee Solicitor in October that year to replace Lisa. When Michelle qualified in May 2000 he was more than pleased to offer her a permanent position as an Assistant Solicitor. Michelle's progress has now been recognised by promotion to being a full Equity Partner and they both work together now very much as a team. Laura Hunt joined Barkers in October 2003 as a Family Law Clerk and Diane McKenzie is the newest member of staff working as a Receptionist. The computer systems have constantly been upgraded and improved helping the firm to secure a Franchise from the Legal Aid Board (now the Legal Services Commission) confirming the quality standards and systems that are now in place. The firm expanded into newly refurbished offices in Corporation Chambers in Bolton town centre in 2002 and a new advanced digital telephone system was installed to ensure a continually improving service. A decision to continue to refine our "specialist" position resulted in a decision to no longer be a member of the Criminal Defence Service (CDS) so that we could devote more of our time to Family Law matters. In September 2007 the practice moved to new offices at 29 Chorley New Road and a complete new computer system was installed. Barkers have recently celebrated 15 years on the Bolton legal scene and are now a respected name in Legal Services in the town. (Click here to return to the top of the page)
Jeremy Barker was born and brought up in Bolton and qualified as a Solicitor in 1980. He worked as an Assistant Solicitor in Levenshulme before returning to Bolton to specialise in Divorce/Family matters and Crime in 1982 at Keogh Ritson on Chorley New Road. He became a member of the Bolton Duty Solicitor Scheme in that year and then ran a town-centre office for Keogh's at 18 Wood Street. He became a Partner at the firm in 1986 and in the same year became a founder member of the Bolton 24hr Police Station Duty Solicitor Scheme. Keogh's closed the Wood Street offices in 1990 and Jeremy returned to Chorley New Road before deciding to branch out on his own in 1992. He was a member of the Local Duty Solicitor Committee for some years and, accordingly he has extensive criminal experience and is an advocate of some 23 years standing. He has dealt with serious crime - Murder, Rape, Indecent Assault, as well as motoring cases and all the varied matters that come before the Courts. However, in order to concentrate his efforts on matrimonial advocacy, Jeremy has recently resigned from the Criminal Duty Solicitor system. His main specialism is Divorce and Family matters and he has extensive Family advocacy experience. He has dealt with literally hundreds of Divorce cases over the years as well as Residence, Contact, Parental Responsibility, Adoption, Change of Name, Specific Issues, Prohibited Steps, Same-Sex Relationship breakdown, etc., etc. This experience has now been recognised by Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) who have awarded him "Accredited Specialist" status and he is also a member of the Law Society's Family Panel. As a member of Resolution, he adheres to their Code of Practice (see Links). Jeremy is married with two children (and a dog!) and an avid Bolton Wanderers fan. (Click here to return to the top of the page)
Michelle was born and brought up in Rochdale, and, after studying for her "A" levels, decided not to go to University immediately but instead accepted a position as a Trainee Legal Executive with a large Manchester practice. After obtaining her Part 1 qualification she changed direction and went to work for Norwich Union where she gained rapid promotion, finally ending up as a Regional Sales Manager. She still held an ambition to be legally qualified and decided to pursue her ambition of becoming a Solicitor. She returned to full-time study and in June 1997 obtained her Law Degree. She started here at Barkers in October 1997 as a Trainee Solicitor and continued to study part-time. She obtained her Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) in June 1999 with Commendation. After completing her training period in April 2000, she was finally admitted to the Roll as a qualified Solicitor on the 2nd May 2000. Not being satisfied with this achievement, however, Michelle has continued with her studies and in August 2000 completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Family Law. She is currently studying for her Masters Degree in "Child Law - Families, Rights and the Law". Michelle became a full Equity Partner in October 2002. Michelle's particular interest is Family work including Divorce, Residence, Contact, Adoption, etc. She is particularly interested in Domestic Violence and specialises in obtaining Injunctions in such situations. She has recently been granted memebership of the SRA's Children's Panel to add to her membership of the Family Law Panel and she is a member of Resolution (formerly the Solicitor's Family Law Association) and complies with their Code of Practice (see Links). Michelle is married with three children and lives in Lancashire. (Click here to return to the top of the page)
The breakdown of a relationship can often be a distressing and emotionally charged time for those concerned. Decisions made can have a far-reaching and devastating effect on the parties' future and that of any children involved. It is at the time of greatest stress that you need a cool clear head to guide you through the maze and out to the new life that lies ahead. We have led many, many people through this difficult process with dignity, clarity and a keen eye for the right moves to progress matters satisfactorily. We understand the emotional turmoil that a divorce or separation can generate and we can help to reduce the stress and stabilise your situation. We have extensive experience in Divorce, Separation, Ancillary Relief and related issues (such as Residence, Contact, etc.) and are Mermbers of the Solicitors' Family Law Association. We are accredited "Family Lawyers" approved by The Law Society and Jeremy Barker has achieved the Solicitors Family Law Association "Accredited Specialist" status, one of very few over the country to achieve this and the first such Solicitor in Bolton. We can justifiably consider ourselves to be able to offer specialist advice in this important field of Law. We deal with private clients and also Publicly Funded matters. We have a Contract with the Legal Services Commission to provide Legal Help and are licensed to do Certificated Work. Estimates of fees can be provided and payment terms agreed. (Click here to return to the top of the page)
Children can bring great happiness and sometimes great sorrow but dealing with children is always challenging. Unfortunately there is increasing litigation concerning children and expert advice can be necessary to resolve disputes about the arrangements that affect their daily routines. The Children Act 1989 sets out a framework for resolving disputes regarding children and we have extensive experience in dealing with Residence, Contact, Specific Issues Orders, Prohibited steps Orders and also Parental Responsibility. We can advise with regard to Adoption procedures and have dealt with international child abduction issues. Domestic Violence is another unfortunate fact of life and we have for many years dealt with emergency applications quickly and efficiently as well as with sympathy and tact. In recent years we have also dealt sympathetically and tactfully with Same-Sex relationship breakdown as well as Trans-Gender issues and the effect on family relationships. We deal with private clients and also Publicly Funded matters. We have a Contract with the Legal Services Commission to provide Legal Help and are licensed to do Certificated Work. Estimates of fees can be provided and payment terms agreed. Jeremy Barker's expertise in this field has now been recognised by Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) who have awarded him "Accredited Specialist" status. (Click here to return to the top of the page)
We have written many Wills over the years and use sophisticated Will-drafting software to speed the process. Wills can often be completed at the first visit and we also offer FREE storage of completed Wills (as well as Deeds and other important Documents) We also have a small but growing Probate practice that can offer efficient and sympathetic professional advice at a time of great sorrow. (Click here to return to the top of the page)
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