Gary Jacobs & Co was established in 2005 in South Woodford, and the company is recognised as one of the leading Family Law practices in Essex and East London.

The company originates from Chadwell Heath when Gary Jacobs worked for Adey & Company.  Gary Jacobs became a Partner to the firm and in 1981, when Mr Adey retired, the firm’s name changed to Gary Jacobs & Co (incorporating Adey & Company).  Mr Jacob’s took the firm from general practice through to specialising in tw0 types of law, Crime and Family.

In 1998, Deborah Jacobs and Sunil Mehta bought the Practice from Gary Jacobs (who became consultant until he passed away in 2003).  The Firm continued specialising in Crime and Family and obtained a Franchise and subsequently Contracts in both categories of Law in 1998.

In April 2005, Deborah Jacobs became the sole proprietor of the Firm.  Debbie qualified in 1988 and has specialised in Family Law and Crime up to 2000.  In 2000, Debbie specialised solely in Childcare work.  Since April 2005 the Firm ceased to provide Criminal Defence Service and has concentrated solely on aspects of Family Law and Financial settlement.

Our Reputation We pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer to all our clients.

The majority of our new clients are previous clients of the firm and personal recommendations.  We receive many referrals from local courts, Magistrates, District Judges and professional organisations, including individuals from all areas of Family Law such as children Guardians and local advice agencies, including local domestic violence agencies.

Funding the Work

Public Funding from Legal Services Commission (formally known as Legal Aid)

We hold the Quality Mark of Family Law which means we are regularly audited by the Legal Services Commission (the LSC) against quality standards.

Public Funding is available for many aspects of family work.  Our staff will advise you. Public Funding may be free, or may require you to pay a contribution.  Should you recover or preserve property or money you may be required to repay your fees to the Legal Services Commission under the Statutory Charge.

Private Paying Clients

Our rates are payable on an hourly basis depending on how much work is undertaken on your case.  An estimate will be provided at the outset to the next stage of your case, and we will keep you advised of your costs on a regular basis (usually monthly).  We can accept payments by way of instalments to help your budgeting.  We also have Credit Card facilities.  Fixed fees are available for an uncontested divorce.

Our hourly charging rates are £150 - £200 per hour plus VAT.  The rates vary according to the seniority of the Solicitor with conduct of your case.

Our Office Location and Amenities

We are situated at 137 George Lane in South Woodford London.  We are a two-minute walk from L.T Underground South Woodford.

We have staff able to speak Bengali, Sylheti, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

We also use expert interpreters in other languages including sign language.

In some circumstances home visits can be arranged.