Abney Garsden McDonald solicitors
(est.'d 1985)

In their 15^th year of business Abney Garsden McDonald, Solicitors are delighted to announce that they are moving to new and bigger premises at 37 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme. They open for business on the 20^th November and will be looking forward to helping all existing and new clients sort out their affairs. Since the summer, builders have been actively refurbishing the premises, which were purchased from Barclays Bank, in order to convert them to new office accommodation. Special attention has been given to facilities for the disabled.

The present Partners Peter Garsden and Paul McDonald in Cheadle, where Paul was brought up, founded the Practice in 1985. In the early years the business profited from the 1980’s property boom, and within two years opened a second office in Poynton. Peter returned to the Cheadle office in 1996 to open a new Personal Injury Department, and to expand his group action child abuse work. The growth in child abuse claims brought a requirement for more staff and space, and thus larger premises.

Since 1994 when the child abuse work the Cheadle office has expanded by 500%. The present accommodation on Stockport Road, Cheadle was overcrowded, and new office space was desperately needed. The new premises on Station Road, Cheadle Hulme are twice as large as the present premises, and include a converted basement.

Types of Case

Divorce & Mediation

Susan Jervis who is in charge of the Family Law Department is a qualified Mediator and a member of the Specialist Family Law Panel set up by the Law Society. She can help couples arrive at an agreeable solution to their differences together. The concept is new in Matrimonial Law, and is an easier way to settle disputes. It avoids conflict and can be a quicker and cheaper solution. The new premises are being adapted to ensure that they are suitable for Mediation Cases.

Accident Claims

Our Personal Injury Department headed by David Haworth deals with accident claims. Whether the accident be at work, on the road, on holiday, or indeed any location the firm are able to offer "No Win No Fee" Agreements and insurance to cover the other side’s costs if necessary. Both David and Peter Garsden are a member of the Specialist Personal Injury Panel, membership of which requires a certain quality standard.

Property Work

The stress involved in moving house or renting domestic or commercial premises is something Abney Garsden McDonald have been familiar with for 15 years. Independent advice upon any aspect of any property transaction can be provided. Assistance with choice of mortgage through to a speedy conclusion to the transaction can be given. Both the domestic and commercial client can be catered for.

Wills and Probate

Free storage of wills and deeds is something Abney Garsden McDonald have offered since they opened 15 years ago. We can advise upon the correct type of will for domestic and tax reasons. The aged relative incapable of managing their affairs may need a Power of Attorney in order to leave control of their affairs to a close relative or friend. A grant of Probate can be a frustrating process for any grieving relative. Abney Garsden McDonald can assist in all these areas.

Investors in People

Abney Garsden McDonald were one of the first firms in the South and East Cheshire, and Stockport area to be awarded an Investors in People Certificate in 1996. At the end of last year the quality standard was renewed. Holders of the Certificate have established that they are committed to proper quality standards when dealing with personnel from a planning and organisational point of view.

In March of this year the firm were awarded a Legal Aid Franchise in the areas of Personal Injury and Family work. In order to acquire the quality hallmark one has to prove an acceptable level of quality in all areas of business including planning, personnel, finance, and supervision. It is also necessary to show that legal work is carried out to a certain standard. Only solicitors with a franchise are allowed to do legal aid work.

Child Abuse

Abney Garsden McDonald are one of the only firms in the country to have a Specialist Child Abuse Compensation Department. The work is very specialised and started in 1994 when Peter Garsden took on his first case from the Poynton office. Over the last five years the department has grown to sixteen staff including six solicitors, three assistants, two administrators, and a collection of secretaries. The firm co-ordinate the claims of 700 victims of physical and sexual abuse at children’s homes throughout the North West of England and other parts of the country. The scale of Police investigations has increased substantially over the last few years and covers the 1960s to the 1990s. The work is stressful, demanding, but very rewarding. The team at Abney Garsden McDonald is committed to this very important type of work.

Peter Garsden has appeared regularly on television and radio in both an informative and expert capacity on the subject of child abuse. He has been Guest of the Day on Radio 5, and has written several articles for the legal and national press on the subject of child abuse. He has helped set up ACAL (Association of Child Abuse Lawyers) www.childabuselawyers.com in order to help other solicitors and give them the support they need when dealing with child abuse cases. The organisation provides national assistance to solicitors all over the country.

Web Site

The firm has an Internet site, which can be found at www.abneys.co.uk. Through the site it provides free advice to any individual on certain subjects. It is possible to give instructions on line for the making of a Will. There is a selection of free letters for any member of the public to use and adapt if necessary, as well as a smattering of humour. The firm is technologically advanced so that all solicitors have access to the Internet, and personal email addresses to ease communication both internally and externally. Various legal publications are accessible on line, and through the network. The firm has its own Intranet, which is a source of help and assistance on all levels for all members of staff. In order to assist the child abuse group actions sophisticated databases have been set up and common access to all documents for use in the case is provided. The numerous documents used have been scanned onto CD-ROM by specialist bureaux, and are searchable from every workstation. Up to the minute access is required to a huge amount of information.

The move to Cheadle Hulme is a return home for Peter Garsden who used to live in Cheadle Hulme and be employed by a local firm who will become next door neighbours. The area is a thriving commercial centre as well as providing a client base of many local people. Abney Garsden McDonald are committed to assisting the local community in every way possible, and to providing advice and assistance for any business or domestic problem that may arise. Access to the offices is assisted by extensive car parking facilities in Cheadle Hulme, the proximity of the railway station on the doorstep, and a local bus service with links to local towns and cities.

Free Offer

As a special offer Abney Garsden McDonald are prepared to offer a short free consultation on any subject to any new or existing client who contacts us before the end of January 2001. Abney Garsden McDonald sends best wishes to all existing clients who no doubt will return for help and assistance in the future at the new premises.

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