Shetal Says...
“Getting married and having children together is one of life’s real pleasures, but for some there isn’t always a happy ending. Getting divorced when there are children involved can be very complex and sometimes painful, but as a children law expert I have to always focus on what is the best outcome for the child. Very often there isn’t a clear-cut solution, so I help my clients to find an outcome that they are comfortable and one that will give the child as much stability as possible. Divorce is very tough on children and it’s my job to help families navigate the process whilst always focusing on the needs of the child.”
What do you specialise in?
Shetal is a highly experienced Family Law Solicitor with over 20 years of experience advising clients on all aspects of family law. As a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Children Law and Domestic Abuse cases, she is particularly recognised for her expertise in helping families navigate complex and sensitive issues involving children.
Her areas of specialism include:
- Child Arrangements Orders
- Shared Care Orders
- Co-parenting Following Separation
- Divorce and Separation
- Domestic Abuse Matters
- Emergency Injunctions
- International Child Relocation and Child Abduction Cases
As a children law specialist, Shetal is passionate about securing the best possible outcomes for children and families. She provides practical, compassionate advice to parents throughout separation and divorce, helping them navigate difficult conversations with their children and reach arrangements that support their child's wellbeing.
Shetal regularly assists clients in negotiating child arrangements and contact schedules that work for both parents and children. Where agreements are reached, she can help formalise those arrangements through legally binding court orders, providing clarity and stability for the future.
She is also experienced in urgent and complex cases, including applications for protective injunctions and situations where a child has been removed from the country without consent. Recognising that family circumstances often change over time, Shetal continues to support clients as their children's needs evolve, helping them review and adapt arrangements when necessary.
Recognition
Our Family and Care team is recognised in The Legal 500, one of the UK's leading independent legal directories, having achieved a Tier 2 ranking for the second consecutive year. Our Family Law team has been recognised for its work across complex divorce and financial remedy cases, private children disputes, pre and post nuptial agreements, and domestic abuse matters. Shetal has also been personally recognised in The Legal 500 for the past five consecutive years. This recognition reflects her extensive experience, specialist knowledge and dedication to supporting clients through challenging family law matters.
Her accreditation as a Resolution Specialist in Children and Domestic Abuse cases further demonstrates her expertise in complex and sensitive family disputes, particularly those involving the welfare and safety of children.
Client Feedback
In the 2021 guide Shetal received this testimonial from a women's refuge;
"Shetal Gudgeon has a long history of working with women fleeing domestic abuse. We recommend her to our residents because we like the manner and tone of voice she uses when communicating with our women. She makes them feel valued and important. She shows empathy and respect. This is something some of our women have never experienced. Our women need a certain kind of person as they have fled domestic abuse, lost their homes and sometimes children. They have complex needs and are dealing with trauma."
Previously recognised as a recommended Family Lawyer in The Good Lawyer Guide – the independent guide to solicitors in England and Wales –She is well known for providing clear and practical advice described as “second to none” and leaving “no stone unturned”. She has also been described as “professional”, “welcoming” and “empathetic”. Shetal works closely with her contacts such as charities in the areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Case studies
One of Shetal's recent cases has been published as the judge felt it was important for the public to be able to see how the family courts come to decisions on cases involving children. The case, where Shetal acted for the mother, concerns the impact of domestic abuse on child arrangements and an allegation of parental alienation supported by one of the experts only. This was an unusual case where a psychiatrist and psychologist were instructed to undertake work with the family.
Accreditations
Contact Shetal
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Meet the Team
Shetal Gudgeon
- Senior Solicitor
- ShetalGudgeon@bannerjones.co.uk
- 01246 283 022
- Sheffield - Abbey House
- Team number - 01246 283026
Shetal Gudgeon's Services
We take data privacy very seriously, and we want you to understand and feel confident about how we collect, store and handle your personal data. If you’d like to find out more you can read our Privacy Policy.