Our Team

Karen West

Karen is an experienced family lawyer.

Karen worked full time whilst attending college in the evenings to qualify over 30 years ago as a Legal Executive. She has extensive experience in the areas of divorce, children, finance and applications for non-molestation injunctions. She has additional expertise in property disputes (where cohabiting couples are separating), Landlord and Tenant matters (possession proceedings) and contested probate. She is always keen to help people and assist them in resolving their problem. “I ask myself what kind of care and support I would want for myself - and then do my utmost to provide the same for my clients,” says Karen.

Karen is based in our Surrey offices but is always happy to see clients at any of our branches in person or if more convenient by zoom.

She prides herself on being approachable and friendly and will focus at all times on the best possible outcome for you and your family. As a result, Karen is known for her ability to build trusting relationships based on clear communication, a deep understanding of the law and a genuine attentiveness to your individual needs. These values are at the heart of the Parfitt Cresswell culture, and Karen expresses them in ways that have won her recognition as one of the most professional, empathetic, and knowledgeable members of our team.

• Chartered Legal Executive
• Year of Qualification:1994
• Membership: Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Specialisms:

• Divorce/Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
• Financial Matters (to include the preparation of consent orders, helping with the mediation process, or court proceedings)
• Children Matters (to include applications for a child arrangements order, prohibited steps order and specific issue order)
• Domestic Abuse (to include physical and emotional and psychological abuse)
• Cohabitation Matters
• Disputes relating to same sex relationships/marriage
• Emergency applications in relation to children
• Emergency applications in relation to domestic abuse

Telephone:

020 8643 7221

Articles

• How to Deal with Divorce During Christmas
• Understanding fact-find hearings in child arrangements and domestic abuse cases
• Frequently asked questions about child arrangements and parental disputes
• Children applications - legal support for parents during relationship breakdown
• What can I claim in a divorce settlement?
• What happens to my pension during a divorce?
• What is a Separation Agreement?
• How to obtain a divorce
• What Is the difference between a civil partnership and a marriage?
• Do I have to go to mediation before divorce?
• What is Mediation?
• Five Things to Consider When Thinking About Separation & Divorce
• Family Law Bulletin 8: Inherited Wealth Within Divorce Proceedings
• Family Law Bulletin 5: The Perils of Unmarried Couples