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Seminar: Outsourcing and Contract Procurement
Tue 28 Feb 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Carol Ellinas
Position: Partner
Core Areas: Private Client & Family Law
Carol Ellinas is a Partner within our Private Client department, where she has specialist knowledge of Family law.
Recently she has been individually ranked in Chambers UK 2012, being recognised for her expertise in high net worth divorces. Clients describe her as "highly dedicated, professional and astute."
If you or a member of your family need legal advice on divorce, separation, children, pre and post nuptial agreements and inheritance disputes you should speak to Carol before making any major decisions. She will give you clear and practical advice, guide you through the process, give you the options available and advise you on the consequences. Where possible she will help parties broker an agreement, but if litigation is inevitable she is decisive and tenacious.
Carol specialises in high net worth divorces and cases involving family run businesses. She also represents clients in the media and banking industry.
Download Carol's VCard by clicking here.
Recent experience
Carol recently acted for a client in their divorce from a high profile media celebrity. The couple wanted to keep the process as amicable as possible mainly for the sake of their 2 teenage children. At the same time the client wanted to be sure she was getting a fair settlement. They signed up to the Collaborative process which meant they had to agree not to go to Court. Five round table meetings later they had reached an agreement on all issues. This is the process American actor Robin Williams used.
She recently represented the wife of an international banker. The case started with a jurisdictional ‘race’. Emergency injunctions freezing bank accounts within 24 hours quickly followed to avoid assets being removed from the jurisdiction. Court proceedings were issued and a settlement was reached without the need for a final hearing.
She has acted for a father who wanted a test to establish paternity. Once it was confirmed that he was the father he wanted to remain fully involved in the child's life. Following contested hearings the father obtained a joint Residence order and now the child has significant and regular staying contact with his father.
Carol also acted for a lady who lived with her partner for 30 years although they never married. She thought she was a ‘common law wife’ and that she had rights if they were to separate. Several years later the gentleman died following a brief illness and although he had made provision for her in his will, the will was old and had not been updated and the bequest to her was now a very modest figure. A successful claim was made under the Inheritance Provision for Family and dependants Act of 1975 to make proper provision for her.
Professional memberships
Law Society of England and Wales
Resolution
London Collaborative Lawyers Committee
Work history
2009 to present, Partner, Family Law, Winckworth Sherwood
1995 to 2009, Partner Bross Bennett LLP
1982 qualified, practicing in commercial and taxation
Personal interests
Carol is an enthusiastic sub aqua diver and recreational skier. Her less active pursuits include painting, cooking and theatre. She is a member of the RAC club and enjoys attending (sadly not participating in) motor sports events.
