BRIDGET McVAY
Barrister
Year of call: 1990
“In a family emergency Bridget was able to intervene to ensure an elderly relative was not moved against his will by another member of our family. Bridget was able to escalate all of this over a weekend period, taking statements from his GP and friends and then dealing with the duty judge and gaining an injunction from the Royal Courts of Justice, ensuring that the situation was put on hold. Bridget’s calm exterior camouflages a razor sharp sided and in-depth knowledge of family law. Thoroughly recommended.”
“I was very apprehensive about the court date but Bridget was always at the end of the phone and very supportive. Email communication with her was very good. When we met Bridget in court she was very professional and really put me at ease. When we went in with the judge, Bridget put my case forward extremely well! I am so pleased with the outcome and would definitely recommend, I will use again in the future.”
“What an amazing woman, really impressed!!”
“Bridget has been my rock throughout each stage of my very emotional and long-winded divorce proceedings, she gave me exceptional support, advice and guidance that alleviated much stress. Bridget listened and tried to put herself into my shoes at all times, so as to totally understand what I was going through and was brilliant at calming me down and directing me toward the best solutions to each obstacle that we came up against. She dealt with all matters promptly and thoroughly so that the time taken to reach the conclusion of my case was kept to a minimum. I highly recommend Bridget as professional, approachable and very knowledgeable, she has made a very difficult time become a lot easier for me and helped me to achieve the very best outcome for me and my children. Thank you Bridget!”
About Bridget
Bridget specialises in all aspects of Family Law and has over 30 years’ experience in advice and advocacy in the following areas of specialism:
Family Children/Care (Public & Private Law)
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Child relocation often with an international element
- Domestic Violence/Injunctions(Non-Molestation & Occupation Orders)
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
- Finding Of Fact hearings
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Parental responsibility / declaration of parentage
Family Finance
- All aspects of divorce and financial arrangements
- Property rights
- Pensions
- TOLATA (Trusts of Land & Trustees Act) and cohabitation
Court of Protection
Bridget undertakes all aspects of Court of Protection work.
Immigration
Advice and advocacy in applications for visas and passports and for any immigration hearing including applications for judicial review in The High Court.
Bridget lives in the Quantock Hills, Somerset and although her practice is centred around Taunton and on the Western Circuit she often undertakes remote hearings nationally. She is happy to go to London on occasions. She is approachable and friendly with a reputation for her sympathetic approach.
Her caseload often includes cases where the children and/or their parents have learning disabilities or mental health problems – often caused by stress or anxiety.
Bridget says:
“I take the time to help and support my clients through the court experience. All of my creative energy is used in approaching my cases from all angles to ensure that a successful and workable outcome is achieved. When a robust approach is needed – particularly in negotiation with the other side, I will hold my ground. I trained as a mediator and use these skills in my negotiation of settlements/agreements.
I am also a fluent French speaker and my other expertise lies in my work with foreign clients which I have developed in my immigration and family practice over the years. I am used to working through interpreters.
I firmly believe in the rights of the individual and human rights law has influenced my working life to date following the time I spent working at the European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg, France. I believe strongly in the need to promote fairness and impartiality whilst always respecting the private and family life of individuals. “
Cases of Interest:
- SSHD v Nargis Chowdry (2nd February 1998) Court of Appeal
- The Queen on the application of AM (Cameroon) v the AIT and the SSHD [2008] EWCA Civ 100
- Re Q (Fact-Finding Hearing: Apparent Judicial Bias [2014] EWCA CIv 918