GODFREY Freeman, a senior partner at Morecrofts, will be made the new chairman of family law association Resolution at its national conference in Brighton next week.
It is the second success of its kind for the firm so far this year, as his appointment follows that of colleague Anne Heseltine to Liverpool Law Society president.
“Liverpool is at the forefront of a lot of things at the moment, there’s quite a lot going on this coming year so we are going to be busy,” said Mr Freeman. “It is the 25th anniversary of Resolution, so it is quite a privilege to be asked to chair in this anniversary year. Not only that but it’s also great fun to be able to get together, mix with colleagues and put names to faces.”
He joined Morecrofts in 1992, having become involved in Resolution – formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association – in the 1980s. Mr Freeman rose through the ranks first of the Merseyside group and then nationally. He will hold the post of chairman for one year.
He said: “The organisation exists really to provide a benefit to the clients. The vast majority of people don’t want to have a nasty and expensive fight with their former partners and spouses – hence Resolution.”
Issues to be tackled by the group during the year include the upcoming launch of the Children First initiative, to make separating parents more aware of how children are affected; co-habitation reform; continued campaigning for no fault divorce and more certainty on the division of assets during divorce; and calling for the legal recognition of prenuptial agreements.
Helen Broughton, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “I’m immensley proud of Godfrey’s election, because as a practice we have always supported the aims of Resolution and a non-confrontational approach to family law. I am sure he is going to be splendid national chair.”