Direct Access Barrister
Lydia Ruth Bonnefoy-Jenkinson
Direct Access Barrister
Lydia Ruth Bonnefoy-Jenkinson
I undertook my training to qualify as a family law barrister in 2019-2020 and have practised exclusively in this area ever since. I qualified to represent clients on a direct access basis at the same time that I qualified as a barrister so have many years of experience assisting member of the public who do not have a solicitor in all types of family law cases.
Area of Law
Family
I have 7+ years of experience as a barrister specialising in family law and representing clients on a direct access basis. I represent and advise all types of parties in all kinds of family cases to ensure that they can fairly and fully put their arguments in court.
Feedback from direct access client, June 2026:
"...I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you once again, for the pivital role you played in having the Family Court's agreeing for us to have contact with our grandson again. Your attention to detail was truly outstanding as was your methodical approach to the task, demonstrated by the position statements you drew up on our behalf. Furthermore, your ability to successfully argue your points removed an enormous amount of pressure from us both, and that we are most grateful for. You always made me feel most at ease when talking with you and I whole-heartedly appreciate you always accommodating my hearing impairment."
What sort of work do I do?
I represent clients in court and offer advice on all cases relating to family law. This includes:
- care matters and cases where there is a risk of children being removed from families due to safeguarding concerns;
- private child cases where decisions need to made as to children's living and contact arrangements;
- finances on divorce and determining how assets should be divided; and
- domestic abuse cases and obtaining orders to prevent the abusive party from contacting or entering the home of the victim.
I regularly represent clients at all levels of family proceedings from Magistrates to cases before High Court Judges. I can also advice and represent clients with appeals both with seeking permission to appeal and the actual appeal itself.
Who do I work for?
I represent all types of clients in various types of proceedings. I assist:
- parents in determining arrangements for children;
- grandparents who wish to see their grandchildren;
- victims of domestic abuse who need protection from an abusive partner or family member;
- those who have been accused of abusive behaviour in defending allegations made against them;
- spouses who are divorcing and need to resolve finances; and
- guardians who are appointed on behalf of children.