« Back to News
A Day in the Life of the Head of the Family Department
18 May 2026
Meet Nicola Bennetts - Head of the Family Department and a Partner in the Firm.
Nicola Bennetts is the Head of the Family Department and a Partner in the Firm. Nicola specialises in divorce and resolving the financial aspects of the parties’ divorce. She also advises in relation to domestic abuse, Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders and Private Law Children Act Proceedings including Child Arrangements Order and Prohibited Steps Orders. With extensive experience supporting individuals and families through very difficult and emotional times, Nicola is known for her compassionate, practical approach, helping clients to reach an agreement in a non-confrontational way.
Nicola is a member of Resolution who follows the Code of Practice that promotes a constructive approach to the resolution of family issues and considers the needs of the whole family. She aims to manage any conflict and confrontation, support and encourage families to put the best interests of any children first and to act with honesty, integrity and objectivity. She aims to help clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of decisions and treats everyone with respect and without judgment.
In this blog, Nicola shares a snapshot of a typical day in her life as the Head of the Family Department, offering insight into the varied and rewarding work involved in helping clients across Dorset with their matrimonial matters and family conflicts.
- 09.00am – I arrive at work, most importantly I pop the kettle on and have a cup of tea with the team out of my favourite leopard print cup. I check my emails and calendar and prioritise the most urgent cases and deadlines. I usually spend the first hour responding to client emails and discussing with my team their cases and workloads to oversee and ensure case management is happening effectively within my department.
- 10:00am – I see a new client on a Fixed Fee basis to advise in relation to obtaining a Non-Molestation Order. This is a short term Order of the Court and is a type of injunction under the Family Law Act 1996 that protects victims of domestic abuse or their children from a partner, ex-partner, or associated person. It prohibits their partner from using or threatening violence, harassing, intimidating, pestering, or communicating with the victim, with violations being a criminal offence. I take details from the client to establish whether this is a case whereby an urgent application can be made without notice to her partner. I take details of the worst incident, the most recent incident and the pattern of behaviour which has led to the client seeking this kind of protection from the Court. Following our appointment, I prepare my Client Care Letter setting out in writing the advice I have provided clearly for the client together with the next steps. Most client’s find this helpful as something to refer back to as I appreciate initial appointments can be a lot to take in, certainly in emotive times.
- 11:00am – The post arrives. I check to see whether the Court has provided any Orders or Applications. This is where the majority of the post is received from, as most correspondence is via email which does mean that correspondence can be received and responded to quicker than anything received by post. I then respond to further emails and make a cup of tea.
- 12:00pm – I telephone a client to discuss his Child Impact Report. The Bournemouth Family Court is now under the new pathfinder scheme which means that on any application for a Child Arrangements Order, the Court direct Social Services or Cafcass (the Court’s Welfare Officer) to prepare a report after meeting with both parties and the child or children to ascertain the wishes and feelings of the child. The report contains safeguarding checks and any recommendations to the Court in relation to what should be ordered in line with the child or children’s best interests. The Report received is positive and I can now take instructions in relation to my client’s position taking into consideration the recommendations in the report. I consider that these reports are helpful in ensuring the Court is aware of the children’s wishes and feelings and it helps the Judges to make the most appropriate Orders without significant delays.
- 12:30pm – I swear a document for a client in relation to their Change of Name Deed. This now means the client can be known by a different name on official documents such as bank statements and passports.
- 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunchtime. I like to get outside and go for a walk and enjoy the lovely beaches near our Bournemouth Office. I often take a walk to visit the local goats on the clifftop with my team and sometimes on my own. In the summer we will stop for an ice cream as a treat!
- 2:00pm – I prepare a Form E on behalf of my client. This form is a comprehensive financial statement used within divorce proceedings to disclose financial assets, income, debts, and the financial needs of each party. It is mandatory within Financial Remedy Proceedings for this form to be completed together with supporting documentation to ensure fair, "full and frank" disclosure of all financial circumstances. These forms are mutually exchanged so that each party is aware of all of the matrimonial assets in the case. These forms are reviewed and Questionnaires can be prepared setting out any questions which arise or any further information or documentation which is required following the exchange of Form E’s.
- 3:00pm – I attend a conference with Counsel and my client ahead of the Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment within Financial Remedy Proceedings. This is the second hearing of the three hearings listed by the Court and at this hearing, the Judge will provide an indication as to the decision he would make if he was the Judge at the Final Hearing. The decision is not legally binding, but it is persuasive to the parties and is meant to assist the parties in reaching settlement. The conference with Counsel allows the client and Counsel to discuss strategies and the approach to the case and the aim is to try to resolve the case at this hearing. If agreement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to Final Hearing whereby the Judge will make a decision. This time, the decision will be legally binding. There is a risk with all litigation that the Court could make an Order which neither party is satisfied with and therefore I encourage the clients to reach settlement prior to the Final Hearing wherever possible.
- 4:00pm – I watch a webinar about cryptocurrency within Financial Remedy Proceedings called when the Courts and Crypto-World Collide. In light of the extreme rise of the value of Bitcoin, these investments have become increasing relevant to Family Law especially in Divorce. I frequently attend webinars to ensure my legal knowledge remains up to date in an ever-changing world certainly in terms of technology. Whilst the very essence of Cryptocurrencies is that they afford a level of privacy to investors which makes it difficult to trace a link to a particular individual beyond the initial investments, Cryptocurrencies can be very valuable assets which need to be disclosed within the Form E in the same way as any other asset. It is paramount to ask specific details questions at the earliest stage to ensure that these assets are fully explored.
- 5:00pm – 5:30pm – I leave work to feed my elderly cat Fluff and go to the gym or enjoy quality time with my family and friends.
Working as a Family Solicitor is about more than legal processes. It’s about supporting individuals and families through one of the most significant life events they face and ensuring that they receive a fair financial settlement to enable them to move forward independently.
If you need advice on Divorce, Financial Remedy Proceedings, Occupation Orders or Children Act Proceedings, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation and ensure your affairs are in order for the future. Call 01202 294411, or send us a message online: Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs
Further Information
