About Vanessa Gillbanks

Hi I am Vanessa Gillbanks.

I am an experienced family and divorce lawyer in the UK based just outside Ipswich and advising and supporting clients on divorce, financial settlements and child arrangements, with a particular forcus on resolving matters in a calm, practical and cost- effective way.

I have been supporting individuals and families navigate their separation and divorces for over 35 years. I understand that this is not just a legal process- it is a significnt life change. My role is to guide you through it with clarity, calmness and practical advice, so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Divorce, Financial Settlements and Child Arrangements-Colchester Essex

 I regularly advise and support clients on:

Divorce and separation

Financial Settlements following divorce

Child Arrangements

My Approach

I believe family law should be:

Clear and easy to understand

Focused on pracitical outcomes

Proportionate in terms of costs

Supportive, not overwhelming.

I take the time to explain your options in a straightforward way, helping you feel more in control during what can be an uncertain time.

Where possible, I encourage amicable and cooperative solutions, helping to reduce conflict and create more positive long -term outcomes- particulaly where children are invovled.

Personal Service

As a  divorce and financial settlement advisor and child arrangement lawyer in Colchester, I offer a more personal way of working. I work as a consultant to Nexa Law and Richard Nelson LLP which gives more flexiability about when and how I help you.

When you instruct me:

You deal directly with me at all times

You won’t be passed between different team members with different levels of experience

You receive consistent advice from someone who understands your situation fully.

You can access some support and assistance out of usual office hours when needed and or agreed.

This allows for a more efficient, supportive and tailored service.

Supporting You Beyond the Legal Process

My Role goes beyond simply advising on the law.

I am to:

Help you feel clear and informed

Support you emotionally with a calm and steady approach

Guide you towards fair and workable solutions

Keep a focus on your long term stability.

Where appropriate, I may also suggest additional support such as counselling or other professionals to help youthrough the wider aspects of separation.

Experience You Can Trust

With over three decades of experience,  as an amicable divorce solicitor and lawyer, I have worked on a wide range of family law matters, including:

Divorce

Complex financial settlements

child arrangements

SEND child arrangements on divorce or separation

long- term relationship breakdowns

high net worth financial settlements

I am experienced in resolving matters through negotiation, but also able to represent and support clients through court proceedings where necessary.

A Real- Life Understanding

As a wife of over 30 years and a mother of three including children with special needs and disabilities, I bring a real-life understanding to my work.

I appreciate:

The importance of stability for children

The emotional impact of separation

The need for practical, workable solutions.

This perspective allows me to support clients in a way that is not just legally sound- but grounded in real life experiences.

Clear and Flexible Costs

I understand that concerns about legal costs can add to the stress of separation.

I offer:                                                                                                                    Find Out More ABout Fees

Transparent hourly rates-( pay as you go)

Agreed/ Fixed Fees and agreed packages of support where appropriate ( usually payable upfront, but brings more certainty of costs)

Access to Funding loans to cover legal fees where appropriate

My aim is to provide clarity and certainty, so you can focus on moving forward.

 

Moving Forward

Separation and divorce is a difficult chapter of life- but it is also the begining of a new one.

I’m here to help you move forward with:

Clear advice

Practical support

Confidence in your decisions

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss your situation or explore your options, please get in touch.