Vines Legal Limited

I had the free initial consultation for my divorce.
I was advised to wait 2 years for a no fault divorce as there was no bad feeling on either side. This was really helpful.
I've never used a solicitor before and found the process a bit daunting initially.
Catherine guided me through the legal terms and was very reassuring.
Would highly recommend.
Thanks again.

First and early red flag was the solicitor not replying in a timely manner and numerous chasers having to be sent in regards to time critical matters.

We then were told we had enough to apply for full custody due to safeguarding concerns. We didn’t get full custody at the first hearing so was told to not ask for it at subsequent hearing or it would damage our case.
After the final hearing, we were told that not pushing for full custody throughout had damaged our case despite following the advice we were given.
Conflicting advice given throughout. Blindly trusted our solicitor and this has left us in a life ruining situation.
Unsolicited advice was given to not post our wedding pictures because it would upset the ex (advice that caused great upset and wasn’t asked for and neither should it have been relevant to child proceedings)

We were persuaded not to mention domestic abuse committed against my partner and were told that it could be perceived as petty. If he was a woman this undoubtedly would have been taken seriously.

Our solicitor didn’t fight our corner after the judges decision to say how the court ordered pattern was simply impossible with our work schedule (which we only found out they could have done after consulting another firm after) our barrister and representative from Vines couldn’t have ran out the door quicker after letting us down.

We were then told the process for an appeal would be reviewed. First we were promised Friday, then Monday. By the time we received the advice we only had 7 days left to seek alternative advice and with the complexity of the case it simply wasn’t possible.

Our solicitors only advice in regards to the situation was to move to a job that accommodated the court order which Unfortunately telling somebody that works frontline in the emergency services to work Monday - Friday 9-5 isn’t a realistic option due to the nature of the job.
Or we were told to give up our careers as if we don’t have bills to pay or a child to provide for.
We were then told if all else fails, just ask the ex to be flexible - as if we would have gone to court in the first place if that was an option.

Would recommend that people don’t use vines - especially if you work for the emergency services. We were let down spectacularly.

I had the pleasure of Claire and Shelby working on my case.

They were very knowledgeable on all the issues I faced and confidently reassured me and guided me on every aspect from start to finish.

I found the whole team approachable and understanding whilst they maintained a professional outlook through out.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend again and will certainly use for any legal issues in the future.

Thanks again!
Mark P

Would not recommend for divorce, not strong enough to deal with tricky situations that arise in an acrimonious divorce, didn’t give me any confidence whatsoever , I actually felt that the newly qualified solicitor that was assigned to me was fearful of my husbands solicitor. I wish I had changed solicitors.