What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?
After completing my law degree at Staffordshire University, I qualified as a solicitor in 1997. During my career I have worked in many areas of the law, criminal, family, litigation, and a short time in conveyancing. I never thought that I would end up in Private Client but now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I really enjoy meeting clients, getting to know them, and helping them.
I specialise in personal legal issues including the preparation of Wills and the administration of estates after someone has passed away. I love figuring out that facts and figures, making it simple for our clients to understand the processes.
I am also a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners. My Probate work ranges from giving relatives one-off advice to managing the whole matter through to the final distribution of very complex estates.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
What I like most about working in our Private Client department is that no two days are the same. Each client is different and each one’s circumstances are distinct. I love meeting new clients, helping them, and then getting to know them more over the years as they come back to change their Will, prepare Powers of Attorneys. And then meeting their children, who come in to do their own Wills.
It is such a diverse role.
What are your strengths and skills?
I am a good listener, compassionate, patient, and great at talking in plain English, helping clients to understand each step of their matter. I create comprehensive Wills for all sorts of situations including those that cover guardianship arrangements for children and Wills that cover complicated family structures.
Whilst mostly working from our East Grinstead office I regularly make home visits to clients who find it difficult to travel.
What would your colleagues say about you?
I think they would say that I’m approachable, helpful, always calm and gets on with the job. I think we all work well together as a team.
Outside of work
Outside work, I love to make the most of the beautiful Sussex countryside and enjoy long walks, and horse-riding. I also play netball in the East Grinstead netball league.
I qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and worked for Allen Ticehurst for 10 years before the merger with Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2012. My main areas of expertise are property litigation and employment law.
Marika Monaghan has particular specialisms in; Property, eg rights of way, title disputes, adverse possession/boundary disputes, Commercial Landlord and tenant (dilapidations & forfeiture), Commercial lease renewal, serving s25 and s26 Notices, Residential L & T possession, Service charge disputes , Building disputes & construction disputes, Breach of contract and Debt recovery
In terms of property litigation, I regularly deal with disputes regarding rights of way, boundary/neighbour disputes and claims for adverse possession, plus residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes ranging from possession proceedings, service charge disputes and dilapidation claims. My expertise in these areas has been recognised by the independent legal guide known as the Legal 500 in which I am described as “highly experienced in contentious rural property work and commercial landlord and tenant matters”
On the employment side, I advise on everything from contracts and settlement agreements to unfair dismissals, redundancies and discrimination cases and am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
I also deal with contentious probate, company and partnership disputes and breach of contract claims.
Disputes can be distressing for those involved and the issues at stake are often of considerable importance. I find it very satisfying to be able to assist clients in achieving the best possible outcome for their particular case and to be able to support them through what is often a challenging process.
Outside of work I enjoy long country walks with my family, gardening and visiting National Trust sites.
I am a Senior Associate Solicitor ordinarily based in the East Grinstead office.
In 2013, I joined Mayo Wynne Baxter and qualified into the Family department in April 2018. I obtained a degree from Sussex University, before attending the University of Law in Guildford for my Legal Practice Course, attaining a Distinction.
I advise on all aspects surrounding relationships including; divorce and separation, dissolution of civil partnerships, private children matters (including Special Guardianship Orders), cohabitation and pre and post-nuptial agreements.
I also advises clients in respect of Injunctive proceedings; Non Molestation Order and Occupation Orders.
Undertaking my cases in an assertive, sensitive and constructive manner, I assist my clients to consider the benefits and costs (emotional and financial) of any next steps. I’m mindful that each client’s circumstances differ and ‘one size does not fit all’.
As a member of Resolution, I am is committed to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational and constructive way, whilst also striving for the best possible outcome for my clients. I appreciate the emotional strain placed upon clients and pride myself on being approachable and understanding as I help my clients through the legal process.