paul humphries
Man walks into a solicitors office, says I’ve been viciously abused at home by my partner over a lengthy period. He says he's trying to hold down a job and protect two small children who rely on him. He’s not joking. He tells his story to Shabana. She is listening with an intense focus. It’s the fifth time he’s told this story to different, indifferent solicitors. It’s the first time someone has believed him. Well after all, he’s a man and his partner is a woman. Who would you believe? They agree to engage. This process is straightforward, business like, caring. She requires a lot of information from him. He is happy to provide this because he knows it's not now wasted time (and money). Over thirty months and ten court hearings, Shabana supports him diligently and with compassion. The bureaucracy is handled flawlessly and efficiency. Shabana brings in counsel for the hearings who are closely matched not just to his needs but his outlook. Together thy emerge from the long dark tunnel on a windswept May day in Feltham. Not the most salubrious of locations but it doesn’t matter. Even a judge has believed him now the evidence has been aired. Now the man possesses a ‘lives with’ order for the children and approved relocation and schooling plans. Importantly, there is an agreed contact plan for the children to see their mother regularly, albeit under supervision. They are safe and can flourish. That man is me. The person who carried me through this is Shabana. Thank you Shabana.