Joanna Broadhead
Legal Executive
01423 566666
jo.broadhead@raworths.co.uk
Background
Born in Harrogate
Educated: Ripon Choir School, Harrogate Ladies’ College, Rossett High School, Northampton University and The Institute of Legal Executives Tutorial College.
Previous roles: Personal Injury Claims Handler – Poole and Co, Northampton
ILEX President Medal Award winner 2009/2010
Joined Raworths: February 2000
Member of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association)
Committee member of the York and North Yorkshire ILEX Branch
Member of Harrogate and York County Court Users Committee
ITC (Ilex Tutorial College) Representative
Legal Specialisation:
Jo specialises in all aspects of Family Law including divorce proceedings, resolving financial issues which arise upon separation and divorce, resolving disputes in respect of children, cohabitation issues and pre marital and cohabitation agreements.
Experience
Cases Jo deals with on a daily basis include:
- Divorce procedure
- Separation issues
- Co-habitation issues
- Financial settlements
- Issues relating to civil partnerships
- Pre-nuptial agreements
- Residence
- Contact
- Removal of children from the jurisdiction
- Determination of specific issues/prohibited steps in respect of children
- Injunctions in respect of domestic abuse / disposal of assets
- Change of Name Deeds
- Pension sharing and business assets.
In Conversation
What drives you in your career?
I am motivated in the pursuit of helping people through what can be an emotional time in their lives whether it be a divorce, separation or issues in respect of children. Further, to assist people in being able to pursue their new lives or to proceed with as little conflict as possible is my primary objective.
What does Resolution mean to you?
I am committed to the Resolution Code of Conduct and wherever possible I will try to resolve issues amicable to enable parties relationships, specifically where children are involved, to remain intact as far as possible so that they will be able to work together in the future for the common benefit of the family.
What happens if a case needs to go to Court?
I will take a robust approach when required. Certain cases, unfortunately, are not able to be resolved amicably and court proceedings are required. I enjoy the challenges of representing clients at court and fully researching relevant areas of law to enable me to present the case to the Judge in the best possible way to achieve a positive outcome.
Why did you choose Family Law as an area of law to specialise in?
My parents divorced when I was 11 years old. I was old enough to understand the process and see the effect of the divorce on all those involved. The assistance that the lawyer involved gave made the process a little easier and it was this that sparked my passion for Family Law. If a client is concerned as to how a child will cope with a change of school or having two homes as a result of separation I can make practical suggestions of things which may help, as some years ago I was that child. Although every case and the people involved in those case are different a common feeling appears to be one of upset, failing and loss. I find it can assist if people can see that it is not a personal failing to admit that a relationship did not work out as planned.
What is the most interesting case you have been involved with?
I think two cases stand out. I dealt with two separate cases involving French property disputes which involved cross jurisdictional issues which were particularly complex. Further, defended divorce and financial proceedings in the High Court including an application for leave to appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice.
What is the proudest moment in your career?
This must be when I won the ILEX Presidents Medal 2009/2010 for giving outstanding service to ILEX or the Legal Community and representing ILEX values and ethos after being nominated and selected out of 22,000 Legal Executive across the Country.
What interests do you have outside work?
I am passionate about extreme sports, specifically motorsports. I ride my KTM off road motorbike most weekends and I have entered events in Europe including two entries riding for GBR in Austria. I also enjoy travel and many of my trips abroad are associated with my sport.
