Job Title
Associate, Solicitor
Direct Number
Email Address
Fax
01903 229173
Department/s
Family
Yasmin Govan
Overview
I am an accomplished solicitor with over 20 years of legal experience, currently serving as an Associate in the Family Law department at Bennett Griffin LLP. My passion for law was sparked at a young age, and I have since built a career marked by versatility, empathy, and strategic insight.
After completing my History degree in London and then legal studies in Dublin and Bristol, I qualified as a solicitor in 2001. My early career spanned multiple disciplines—including Personal Injury and Employment Law—before I found my true calling in Family Law in 2019.
I offer a warm, transparent, and no-nonsense approach to my clients. I break down complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice, empowering my clients to make informed decisions during often emotionally charged times.
My work is guided by a belief in collaborative resolution, and I aim to settle disputes outside of court whenever possible. As a member of Resolution, I promote constructive dialogue and practical solutions where possible to attempt to reduce both legal fees and stress.
I also prioritise fee transparency and cost-efficiency, ensuring that my clients understand their options without being overwhelmed by legal jargon or unexpected expenses. My empathetic style and strategic mindset make me a trusted advocate for families navigating change.
Qualifications
(BA Hons) History Degree in 1995
LLB (Hons) Law degree in 1998
Legal Practice Course (Distinction) in 1999
Recent Cases
Children Act proceedings – Acted for the applicant father on an application for a Private Arbitration Hearing where he had not seen his child for a significant period of time due to allegations by the child’s mother. I also managed to resolve issues surrounding the child’s upbringing and care, including the mother’s refusal to allow the child to be vaccinated. The Decision was filed with the Family Court and eventually resulted in a Child Arrangements Order that was secured in my client’s favour.
Matrimonial Finance – I have resolved many financial matters also including clients who are based abroad (working closely with the International Lawyer). I have also acted for a client settling his Financial remedy proceedings for enforcement of a Financial Remedy Order in which the former wife continued to default payments on the mortgages resulting in repossession proceedings for one of the matrimonial properties. My former client managed to sell one of the remaining properties and retain his own before the threat of any further possession proceedings.
Areas of Expertise
Children’s law, including representing parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Divorce and separation
Financial matters arising from Divorce
Separation Agreements, including cohabitation Separation Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial Agreements
Private Arbitration
Memberships
Law Society
Resolution