Tozers are proud to announce that their award-winning Family Law team will be jointly led by Caroline Ryan and Tony Wood from 1st July 2022.
The Care team (care proceedings, children, and domestic abuse) will continue to be led by Tony Wood, while the Divorce and Finance team (divorce, separation, and finances) will now be led by Caroline Ryan.
This follows the retirement of Tracy Lambert, who has been head of the Family Law team at Tozers for over 15 years, helping them build a highly regarded reputation as “one of the top family law practices in Devon”, being ranked 2nd regionally and 11th nationally by their clients, who stated that the team is “second to none,” “friendly, approachable, and very, very helpful,” and “has expert knowledge,” alongside achieving high rankings across Chambers & Partners, Legal500, and The Law Society.
Having two heads will enable the teams to establish deeper and longer-lasting client relationships within their distinct areas of law, while still understanding the depths of each client’s very personal situation.
The teams have also had a period of sustained growth, with the Divorce and Finance team working on a national level but with the conscientiousness of a local firm, and the well-respected Care Team continuing to provide regional expertise as one of the largest and most experienced in this specialist area of work.
Tony Wood will continue to lead the Care team, which boasts four Children Panel specialists, with Tony and the team representing children, parents, and other family members in complex care cases. The team have also developed a reputation for specialising in private law children cases and in supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Tony has over 20 years’ experience specialising in care proceedings, and together with many of the team pride themselves on being able to conduct almost all their own advocacy. Recently, Tony, and other members of the team, have represented both children, parents, and grandparents in cases where children have suffered serious injuries, and where it has been necessary to obtain extensive medical evidence, with the Court having to consider whether findings can be made as to how the injuries were caused and by whom.
Tony Wood said, “I understand what a difficult time it is for families who find themselves involved in care proceedings, and the importance of parents and children being properly represented when such important decisions are being made about the future of that family, and whether or not children can remain in the care of their parents. I try my best to represent our clients at each and every hearing so as to provide continuity to the clients, so that the best outcome can be achieved for the client.”
Caroline Ryan will lead the Divorce and Finance team, which assists clients at all stages throughout the country with a wide range of family matters such as pre and post nuptial agreements, separation agreements, divorce, finances on separation, children issues, and domestic abuse.
Caroline, who has almost 30 years’ experience as a solicitor, was recently named as a ‘key lawyer’ in her field, with her specialising in complex cases, including the resolution of situations involving family businesses, trust funds, farms, property portfolios, and pre-acquired wealth. She has also acquired great experience and knowledge in dealing with pensions, including public sector pensions such as the Armed Forces, Police, Fire Service, NHS, Teachers and Local Government.
Caroline Ryan said, “I am looking forward to driving further growth for Tozers’ Divorce and Finance team, aiming to add clarity and understanding to clients looking for support and resolution, enabling them to move forward in what is inevitably a difficult and emotional time for them and their families.”
Tozers would like to take this opportunity to thank Tracy Lambert for all her work throughout the years in leading the Family team and supporting the firm, as well as to wish Caroline and Tony the best in their roles.
Managing Partner Paul Kelly said, “I am delighted by the promotion of both Caroline and Tony, whose commitment to their clients and to the firm is outstanding. Tracy’s was also, and she led our family team from strength to strength. I wish her all the best in the future.”
If you would like to contact Tony, Caroline, or their teams, about a family matter, or to find out more about their services, please visit our dedicated family pages where you can get started online, or call 01392 207 020 to talk directly to a member of the team.
