Collaborative Lawyer
& Mediator
I came to practise the law relatively late in life; previously I worked as a manager in a large organisation. This experience gives me excellent organisational skills and makes me more approachable and practical than many solicitors and mediators. I specialise in approaches that are ‘around the table’ in person or on Zoom. I am particularly experienced in the collaborative process (and it’s my favourite way to work).
In 2011 I founded Sussex Family Solutions which, as you can see, brought together lawyers, mediators, therapists, parenting experts and financial advisors to work together collaboratively.
I wrote ‘(Almost) Anything but Family Court’, the foreword of which is written by Sir Andrew McFarlane (President of The Family Division), with editors Only Mums & Dads which aims to help the reader understand that they do not need to ‘have their day in court’ when they divorce or separate. There are so many other avenues to resolution; to appoint the right professional at the right time at the right price. Those professionals are not just solicitors and barristers but also therapists, family consultants, IFA’s, pension experts and divorce coaches. That’s what Sussex Family Solutions excels at.
Another resource I use are workbooks that allow you to privately explore how you feel about each of the decisions you will have to make. Exercises help you learn about yourself – your needs, concerns and hopes – and your communication pattern with your former partner.
I have sat on The Law Society Family Law Committee, Resolution’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee and on its DR Committee. I am a member of the Family Solutions Group legal committee., chair East Sussex Resolution. I also Chair the Equality Diversity and Inclusion committee (EDIT) of the Family Mediation Council
Jo O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan Family Law
Do visit my website to see my video clips to get to know me better
Tel: 07780 676212
