Meet the team

Summary

I was admitted as a solicitor in 1975 since when I have gained a wealth of experience not only in my specialist field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and Inheritance Tax Planning, but in many other aspects of the law which I believe gives me the ability to take a global and holistic view of my clients needs.

I understand that in the field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and InheritanceTax Planning there are many complex issues which frequently need to be addressed by my clients at times of emotional stress and difficulty. I aim to adopt a sympathetic yet practical approach, seeking to explain complicated concepts in simple plain english.

I recognise the needs of our older clients who may need to rely upon others to look after matters for them.

Expertise

My expertise lies in all aspects, both contentious and non-contentious, of Wills, the administration of estates and Trusts including Inheritance Tax planning.

I have particular expertise in claims arising out of contested Wills, claims against Trustees for mis-use of Trust Funds and claims on behalf of children and other dependants when no provision has been made for them.

Case Study

 I have represented claimants, defendants and executors in proceedings under the Inheritance Act where no provision has been made for dependants, including a claim where the settlement involved an overall saving of inheritance tax of several hundred thousand pounds.

I have acted as an Executors in many large estates involving several million pounds and act as a Trustee of a number of substantial Trusts.

Personal

I am married with children and grandchildren. In the winter months I continue to play hockey for my local team, taking particular pleasure when I am able to play in the same team as my son."

Summary

I wholeheartedly believe Pictons to offer clients a genuine service which is client friendly and focused, but at the same time gives sound legal advice in all situations however complex.

As a partner and within my roles as Deputy Managing Partner and Head of Private Client I seek to maintain our reputation as the leading provider of legal services across the Beds, Bucks and Herts region.

Expertise

As a matrimonial lawyer I have over 10 years of experience in all aspects of family work, specialising in the areas of divorce and finances. In addition I have expertise in areas of children, cohabitation, and pre and post nuptial agreements, jurisdiction and wealth preservation.

Case studies

I have acted on a number of large ancillary relief matters dealing with complex issues such as business and pension division.

I have represented clients on a wide range of children matters and have successfully obtained orders for a number of clients in order for them to remove children from the jurisdiction.

I have recently worked on a number of matters relating to the preparation of pre nuptial agreements and advise clients regularly on when it is appropriate to consider entering in to such agreements and when it is not.

As a young solicitor I worked on a Court of Appeal case regarding the law relating to the challenge of the validity of a consent order, that case remains a leading authority on that principle to date.

Testimonials

“I hired Sukh as a result of a personal recommendation, given that I have tended not to trust lawyers too much it meant a lot to work with someone reputable. Sukh did not fail to deliver on any count. He clearly knows everything there is to know about child/marital law which are the areas relevant to me and not only does he know his stuff he is passionate about what he does and intent on getting the right result for his client. Sukh has always been 200% professional, calling when he says he will, constantly updating on progress and delegating to associates if he was not available. As a partner of Pictons he represents this firm superbly and I would recommend (and have done) Sukh to anybody. I found Sukh to be diligent, open, honest and also thoroughly personable. Sukh is on my speed dial now and I won't use any other lawyer in the future if I so needed one.”
June 1, 2010

“Sukh is a highly knowledgeable Legal professional, adept at explaining the nuisances of British Law in a plain and understandable way. He gives you a clear view of your options and keeps in touch throughout the process. In short, Sukh is a Lawyer that you would want on your side of the Court.”
March 18, 2010

“Sukh is highly professional, friendly and helpful. He is happy to give advice and guidance which can help people to avoid later issues and unnecessary expense. Anyone who has a concern over a legal matter should definitely consider speaking with Sukh.”
February 5, 2010

“I have known Sukh for some time via joint membership of several business network groups. His reputation is that of a consummate professional of the highest integrity coupled to a very high level of knowledge in his profession as a practicing solicitor and senior partner with Pictons Solicitors LLP I recently had the pleasure of working with Sukh to implement a training day for several members of the Pictons team and was impressed by how much of his professional attitude and practices had permeated through to both senior and junior members.”
January 4, 2010

Personal

I am a keen sportsman and follow football, cricket and horse racing. My passion for sport now takes a back seat to me looking after my two young children.
 

Background

• Attended Middlesex University
• Training contract at IBB Solicitors, Uxbridge
• Qualified as a Solicitor in 2002
• Worked as a paralegal prior to starting her training contract at IBB Solicitors (predominantly cases concerning children and injunction proceedings/domestic violence)
• Joined Pictons in 2003

Expertise

• Experience in all aspects of family law
• Children Matters
• Care Proceedings (i.e. social services involvement)
• Divorce Proceedings

Recent Work

• Acted in a case at the High Courts of Justice, in which a second wife was seeking to validate her marriage that took place in Pakistan
• Represented a parent of numerous children in complicated care proceedings case and succeeded in preventing their removal from her care

Summary

I attended Brunel University and Middlesex University and completed my training contract at Kennard Wells Solicitors in London. I joined Pictons Solicitors in October 2006.

Expertise

I advise on all aspects of family law, including divorce, ancillary relief (finances), children matters (both private and public law) and family law injunctions. I am a Resolution member (formerly known as the SFLA), and the Association of Lawyers for Children.

Personal

I am a keen cricketer and footballer and I play for both Pictons CC and my local club.

Summary

• Attended Hertfordshire University
• Training contract at Underwoods Solicitors
• Qualified as a Solicitor in 2006
• Joined Wellers Solicitors May 2007 to July 2008
• Joined Pictons in August 2008

Expertise

• Divorce
• Ancilliary Relief (finances)
• Private Children Matters
• Family Law Injunctions
• Co-habitation Disputes
• Care Proceedings
• Members of Resolution

Testimonials

Claire, thank you so much for your help and support during my difficult divorce, was invaluable. Things seem to be very calm at the moment, so long may that continue. All the best - T. Nicholls.

Claire, thank you for all your help and for putting up with me. Best wishes in your forth coming wedding - B. Pluck.

 

Personal

I enjoy running. I have participated in the race for life many times.

Summary

I undertake all aspects of family law. I am the Hemel family team leader and Branch Manager. I know and understand that going through a relationship breakdown can be distressing. I pride myself on working with my clients to achieve a fair outcome with the minimum of acrimony.

Expertise

I am an expert in all aspects of family law but I have a particular interest in financial claims attached to divorce and separation. I have been qualified for over 26 years and for the last 20 of those years have specialised in Family Law. I therefore have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon.
 

Testimonials

"My Solicitor and her team were excellent!" - Mrs Morrison

"When I first consulted Drenne regarding my matrimonial affairs she told me that her main objective was to achieve amicable settlements between parties. I have to say that wasn't my main objective - I was more concerned with the financial aspect.
However having been advised and supported every step of the way in the last year I have to say she was 100% right! The result is that all parties are now happy with the negotiated outcome.
Also, and very importantly, her time charging is very fair and accurate, no hidden items or costs. Once again many many thanks Drenne". - Mr Turner, March 2011

"I first contacted Drenne in 2005, not knowing or understanding any detail of the divorce process.... After my first consultation, I felt totally reassured that Drenne had not only seen many others in my situation but was also able to show me an incredible amount of empathy. I also felt confident that with her financial expertise I would receive the right advice in my divorce as my ex-husband owned his own company.... For me, Drenne became an absolute pillar of strength, constantly allowing me the space to vent my frustrations and yet at the same time pulling me back into the real world with her steadfast advice and direction for the right course of action. I never had to wait on her for anything as she was fully in control of the case.... When legal proceedings become so complicated it is key that you have a solicitor that you can trust and who will painstakingly explain and re explain the process to you. Drenne did this for me countless times, always knowing herself when to pull in additional counsel advice. Finally, the costs of a five year divorce were justifiably high but at every strategic point Drenne was clear with me about charges often suggesting ways to minimise fees and also being extremely fair for what she charged. Thank you, Drenne, I will always be grateful to you!" - Ms M, April 2011

Personal

I am married with 3 children. I play the piano, read books and am a follower of Sunderland Football Club in my free time.

Summary

I joined Pictons in January 2010 and work in a team of very able and committed individuals. I have experience in Divorce, Private Law Children matters, Ancillary Relief and an increasing interest within Public Children Proceedings.

Expertise

Qualified as a solicitor in 2009, and decided that I wanted to pursue a career in family law in order to help everyday people with difficulties that they never expect to come their way, as they say no one gets married to get divorced.

I am a graduate from De Montfort University and perused my masters in intellectual property, my taste for family law evolved during my training contract in a North West London Law firm, where dealing with diverse family issues in a very diverse society was a skill that needed to be acquired rapidly.

Personal

I am a keen individual with a wish to be successful in my career and that comes with working hard to ensure successful outcomes for my clients.

Summary

I understand that going through a divorce can be an extremely difficult time for all the parties involved. I believe that providing advice in a simple yet professional manner is the best approach in communicating advice to clients.

Expertise

I am a specialist in all aspects of Family Law. I advise on: issues concerning children matters including private and public law, divorce, ancillary relief and domestic violence. I also carry out my own advocacy.

My previous background includes a vast amount of experience and knowledge of residential conveyancing including the sale of a portfolio of properties for a Jersey based company.

I also have experience in the area of Wills Trusts and Probate.

Case studies

Over the past year I have worked with the Luton All Women Centre in providing advice to a variety of clients in respect of issues concerning domestic violence. I have also interacted with other organisations and agencies to find an approach and gateway to help support people who are the victims of violence.

Personal

I am a keen member of my local gym and attend regularly. I love to travel and spend my spare time travelling the world and experiencing other cultures.

Summary

Each relationship is different and as a result, each client’s needs are different. I provide a tailored approach to Family Law so that a client can make a decision based on all their options knowing fully the consequence of each.

Expertise

I am an expert in all aspects of Family law. I advise on: all Children Act matters including contact and residence disputes, divorce and separation, ancillary relief claims and division of assets upon relationship breakdown, Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustee Act 1996 applications, Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 claims, applications for Family Law Act 1996 injunctions and other Family Law act 1996 remedies, Transfer of Tenancy applications under Schedule VII Family Law Act 1996, applications to vary or suspend orders made under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

Whilst I can advise on all areas, my chosen field is advising on financial matters following separation. I am able to represent my clients in the local courts and undertake most of my own advocacy.

Case studies

I have acted on behalf of a Father whose child was removed to South Africa without his consent. It was necessary to liaise with the South African authorities and to make sure that the orders obtained in the UK High Court were enforced in South Africa to effect the return of the child to the UK promptly and safely. This case involved several short notice hearings at the High Court and continued proceedings further to the return of the child.

I have advised many clients in relation to separation of assets following divorce. I have represented clients with an asset base in excess of £1m and have represented clients who have nominal assets and the main issue to be dealt with is who is to be responsible for debts accrued during the relationship. There are different factors that need to be taken into account in such circumstances such as liability for capital gains tax or entitlement to state benefits and I ensure that I give tailored, up to date advice rather than simply apply a standard set of rules.

I have had to deal with numerous cases of domestic violence where it has been necessary to obtain a non-molestation injunction from the court to ensure that my client, and any children they may have, are adequately protected from further violence. This may mean obtaining an injunction but quite often involves obtaining an occupation order to ensure that the perpetrator of the violence is required to leave the parties’ home. Such work needs to be undertaken with speed to make certain that the client is afforded the court’s protection as soon as possible.

Personal

I am a keen netballer and play for a local team in my spare time. I also spend one day a month at a local Women’s Centre providing free legal advice on all aspects of the law.
 

Summary

I regularly advise and represent clients in all types of family matters including divorce, co-habitee disputes, children and financial disputes.

I am experienced in advising clients who are in difficult emotional and financial situations. I aim to provide sympathetic personal advice tailored to an individual’s specific circumstances and requirements. I provide prompt and practical advice on how to cope with problems and resolve them as amicably as possible.

Expertise

I am particularly experienced in matters concerning Divorce and Private Law Children Act matters such as obtaining Parental Responsibility and Access to children. I am also the Change of Name expert within the team here at Luton.

I also have a wealth of experience in dealing with applications for contact when the whereabouts of a child is unknown and I have also assisted a number of grandparents to obtain contact with their grandchildren.

I am a member of Resolution and abide by the Resolution codes of conduct in order to deal with disputes in the most amicable and cost effective way possible.

Personal

I am a keen gardener and I also enjoy swimming, cycling and cooking. I also like to travel as much as possible.