Browse Expert Advice ▾
A McKenzie friend and lay advisor since 2004, Jeff guides people round the pitfalls of divorce and separation. His help enables them to make the best decisions for them and their children.
I'm an expert who specialises in: * Expert advice and help with Family Law matters relating to Children after a separation or divorce * Help for separated or divorced parents to maintain and re-establish relationships with your children * Specialist guidance on contact orders; shared or joint residence orders; prohibited steps orders; specific issue orders; appeals; leave to remove; internal relocation; abduction and many more important legal issues. * Creating effective interactions with CAFCASS, guardians, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists and family therapists
Hello, my name is Jeff Botterill and I am a McKenzie friend specialising in Family Law. I help parents maintain and re-establish their relationships with their children after separation and divorce. I have extensive knowledge of Family Law in relation to children. If you need help on these matters, call me today at Greatvine and we can begin to talk about your best options.
For many of my clients, all that is required is some accurate and reliable advice in plain English. They simply need support to understand the options realistically available to them regarding their children. They might be looking for advice on a difficult situation for their children, and to explore any ways that it might be turned around. For some of my clients however, a more formal route is required, such as official mediation and/or using the legal system through the appropriate courts. I will provide you with guidance and information on the most effective route through the legal system aiming for the best result for your children. My clients have found that my support helped them avoid lengthy delays and reduced their costs in a considerable way.
I provide advice on all types of Family Law matters relating to Children after separation and divorce. An area I often work with is fully explaining which options are legally open to parents. This includes ensuring they are informed of the relative risks for each option and their prospects for success by pursuing any option. My work often includes experienced lay advice on court procedure and points of law you may need to be aware of. Separation and divorce can obviously be distressing for some people. Following the event, I firmly believe that properly informed parents can make better decisions for both themselves and for their children.
This includes work dealing with contact orders; shared or joint residence orders; prohibited steps orders (i.e. opposing leave to remove/internal relocation); specific issue orders (i.e. schooling); and appeals. I also work with parents after a separation or divorce to create positive, effective interactions with important children’s professionals. Many of my clients need to liaise with Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) staff, guardians, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists and family therapists. It is in the best interests of both these parents and their children that all interactions with these staff always proceed as calmly and effectively as possible.
I sincerely hope to able to help you with your concerns about your children here at Greatvine. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call; I am here to support you as much as I possibly can at this vital time.
Many Thanks,
Jeff
"Jeff has given me more than any solicitor ever could. Due to Jeff's insight and experience, I have regained a special bond with my daughter. There are no quick fixes with the UK's legal system, but Jeff has taught me to be a better person, whilst winning over the Judges in court. Jeff Botterill is worth his weight in gold and if you care about your children then you will be a lucky person to have Jeff on your side. He has been through the court system himself and as long as you listen to his advice you will stand a fantastic chance of being able to be a good parent to your children"
L
"Jeff Botterill was my McKenzie friend for a Leave to Remove from the Jurisdiction hearing which I was opposing. I was very impressed at the quality of service Jeff provided. He helped prepare a Position Statement to present to my ex-wife's solicitor for negotiation in advance of the final hearing. He was very well prepared for the 2 court appearances (a further directions and a final hearing) and provided case history which won me my request for a Shared Residence Order, which on the advice of her legal team, had been turned down by my ex-wife when presented in the position statement. I think her legal team was rather surprised by the knowledge and case notes that Jeff had provided me in court.
His guidance and support throughout the court hearings was excellent. He put me at ease and gave me the confidence to represent myself. His knowledge of the law and the case history surrounding leave to remove exceeded any that I had heard from the two solicitors that I had used. He is also passionate about the need for both parents in the lives of their children. I would highly recommend Jeff to anyone else looking for a McKenzie friend..."
C
"I have found the support and advice from Jeff invaluable. I decided to act as a litigant in person for a combination of financial reasons but also because I wanted to maintain control of my case and ensure the best outcome for my children. Initially I did this on my own and soon ran into difficulties (despite being a confident person in a profession which involves public speaking and analyzing information).
Having Jeff’s support has helped due to his: knowledge of legal matters; ability to prepare clear concise statements; and quick thinking in the court room. But its not just these knowledge and skills – he combines a supportive understanding of a very difficult and upsetting situation with a clear headed willingness to tell you when he thinks such emotions risk making you say or do unhelpful things.
Thanks to Jeff’s support I have seen my children for the first time in a couple of years and am awaiting a more permanent contact order to be put in place."
C
"After using a solicitor and barrister for a couple of years (and getting nowhere). I have found Jeff's knowledge of the court processes and family law invaluable in progressing my court case for contact with my two boys.
Whenever we have been in court Jeff has always been fully prepared for the appearance and the suggestions/advice he has given me has helped me set the agenda in court. Jeff is measured in his approach and calm at all times whether in or out of cour"
A
£1.02/min*
Greatvine connects you with the UK's top specialists so you get individual advice. No call centres or recorded messages.
Just dial and speak with the expert of your choice for immediate, 1-to-1 advice. Or send a question and receive a detailed reply by email.
To talk with an expert who’s not available now, click 'Request a call'. You only pay for the time you use, through your phone bill.
Problems using Greatvine?
Call the Greatvine Technical Helpline on 0208 820 4887.
Helpline available Mon-Fri, 9.30am - 6pm.
* from a BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may vary. 18+.
Receive our newsletter
