You can instruct me at any stage of your case, even before legal proceedings are initiated.
Limitations to Consider
For complex cases involving extensive documentation or multifaceted issues, involving a solicitor alongside my services may be beneficial.
I cannot undertake litigation tasks on your behalf, but I can guide you through the process and ensure all necessary steps are taken.
Legal Advice
Clear and practical guidance on legal matters, including family and commercial law
Drafting Legal Documents
Assistance with drafting legal documents such as witness statements, contracts, and applications
Court Representation
Skilled advocacy and representation in court.
Correspondence Support
Drafting letters and other documents to support your case
Areas of Expertise
Family
Cohabitation
Cohabitation is when two people live together without being married. This often leading to legal issues over property and finances if they separate. Since cohabitants have fewer legal protections than married couples, resolving disputes can be complex.
Paul will offer legal advice under TOLATA 1996 for property disputes, mediation to help couples settle disagreements amicably, and court representation when necessary. Support is also available for third-party claims and managing legal procedures related to property interests.
These services ensure fair and clear resolutions for cohabiting couples facing separation.
Divorce and separation
Divorce ends a marriage, allowing remarriage. Separation keeps the couple legally married. Both processes are emotionally challenging.
Paul’s response is described as empathic but firm throughout negotiation, mediation, and court representation, ensuring financial matters, child arrangements, and asset division are managed effectively throughout.
Domestic abuse and injunction
Domestic abuse leaves lasting scars, affecting victims, children, and families. In times of fear, legal protection is essential. Paul has over 17-years experience, including
- Court Representation – Fact-finding, dispute resolution, pre-trial reviews, and final hearings.
- Drafting – Applications, witness statements, case summaries, and position statements.
- Injunctions – Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders for protection and home safety. Forced Marriage Protection Orders and Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders
- Transfer of tenancies – removing the right of the other party to control you through ownership
- Child Welfare – Advocacy in child protection, support, and parental alienation cases.
- Urgent Action – Emergency applications for immediate legal protection.
Paul will guide you through every step to ensure your safety and legal rights are upheld.
Grandparents and stepparents
Grandparents and step-parents do not have an automatic right to contact with a child. Courts can decide if this is in the child’s best interest. Paul will support parents pursue or defend:
- Child Contact Applications – Guidance on applying for Child Arrangements Orders.
- Permission to Apply – Help with court permission when needed.
- Safety Concerns – Support on cases involving abuse or violence.
Private child croceedings
Family disputes can leave children feeling vulnerable and caught in conflict. Paul’s approach is to reduce the emotional toll and protect their future by guiding families through sensitive legal proceedings.
Services:
- Child Arrangements Orders
- Mediation and Dispute Resolution
- Enforcement of Orders
- Domestic Violence Cases
- Urgent Applications
- Fact-Finding Hearings
Social services
From his 17 year’s experience in the sector, Paul understands of how overwhelming it can be when social services become involved in a child’s life. He stand by parents during these challenging times, offering unwavering legal support to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
Paul also works hand-in-hand with local authorities, providing the legal expertise needed to safeguard vulnerable children through Care, Supervision, and Special Guardianship Orders.
Whether advocating for families or guiding local authorities through complex proceedings, our focus is always on securing the best possible outcome for the child – with compassion, dedication, and care.
Matrimonial finance
The outcome of financial remedy hearings impacts your long-term security and that of your children.
Paul will attend and advocate for your interests, guiding you through every stage of financial remedy proceedings – from issuing Form A to representing you at First Appointments (FA), Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings, and final hearings. We handle asset division, spousal maintenance, and financial order applications.
Paul regularly draft Section 25 witness statements, position statements, and a range of applications, ensuring each document protects your interests and secures the best outcome for you and your children.
Forced marriage protection orders (FMPO)
Paul Chiy Legal Services provides legal assistance in obtaining Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs) to prevent forced marriages and safeguard individuals.
FMPOs are available under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007, applicable in Northern Ireland, England, and Wales. Scotland enforces equivalent measures under legislation enacted in 2011.
Applications for FMPOs may be submitted by:
- The victim
- A relevant third party (friend, lawyer, etc.)
- Any other individual with court permission
- The court
Breaching an FMPO constitutes a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.
Protection from harassment Act 1997
Paul regularly advises and represents individuals seeking protection under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. We manage cases involving harassment, stalking, and workplace bullying, offering guidance on pursuing civil remedies.
We file claims for actual or anticipated harassment and seek compensation for clients, covering both anxiety and financial losses. Our focus is on securing prompt legal redress to safeguard client well-being.
Female genital mutilation protection orders (FGMPO)
Paul advises and represent clients seeking Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPOs). These orders protect girls and women at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM).
FGMPOs can:
- Prevent individuals from performing FGM
- Stop individuals from taking someone abroad for FGM
- Address threats or coercion related to FGM
FGMPOs may impose obligations:
- Surrender passports to the court
- Ensure school attendance
- Present a child for social services meetings
Commercial
Paul has in-depth knowledge and experience of commerce and industry. Although his clients range from sole traders to limited liability companies, the core of his instructions come from small and medium sized businesses. Paul specialises in Business Law, Company Law and Commercial Law that affect small businesses and is available to advise on corporate and commercial matters including but not limited to company formation; mergers and acquisitions; franchising; asset, corporate governance, project and corporate finance; and shareholder agreements and shareholder disputes.
INFORMATION LAW DATA PROTECTION AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Paul’s portfolio at the Office for Gas and Electricity (Ofgem) included advising on all aspects of information law. He regularly advises on private and public clients on Data Protection Act (DPA), GDPR, Freedom of Information (FOIA) and Environmental Information (EIR) issues, helping public sector clients to navigate the rules regarding FOI and EIR and can provide support and assistance with:
- Dealing with complex requests for information relating to confidential and commercially sensitive material, including those related to public procurement exercises.
- Advising on the application of appropriate exemptions.
- Dealing with complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
- Assisting with public interest test arguments and determinations.
- Strategies for dealing with vexatious requestors.
- Responding to ICO enquiries.
- Advice in relation to and representation at appeals before the Information Tribunals in relation to FOIA and EIR.
- Training your Information Governance teams on FOIA and EIR compliance.
CHANCERY
Dr Chiy undertakes specialist work on companies, contentious probate, business or property disputes of one kind or another; and claims for professional negligence against solicitors.
EMPLOYMENT AND PENSIONS
Advise and provide representation on all types of breach of contract and unfair dismissal claims at the Employment Tribunal and in appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal whether arising from capability or gross misconduct or from any other reason. This includes:
- Advice on disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Unfair Dismissal by reason of Unfair Redundancy and Selection, Consultation and Search for Alternative Employment.
- Unlawful deductions from wages
- Whistleblowing claims
- Continuity of employment issues
- Terms and Conditions of Employment including obligations and entitlements
- Advice on the Transfer of Undertaking Regulations
- Extensive experience in negotiating settlement of claims through ACAS or directly with solicitors.
Immigration and Asylum
My practice in immigration law is shaped by a unique dual perspective: I have acted both for the Home Office and for immigrants seeking to make the UK their home. This experience has given me valuable insight into how immigration decisions are made, and how best to challenge them. I understand the system from both sides—its pressures, its flaws, and the opportunities within it.
That insight is strengthened by my own personal journey. I came to the UK as an immigrant several decades ago, and I still remember the uncertainty, the bureaucracy, and the hope that comes with trying to build a new life in a new country. It’s this combination—professional and personal—that informs how I approach every case: with empathy, realism, and a strong commitment to getting results.
I advise and represent clients across the full spectrum of immigration law. My areas of expertise include asylum, deportation, bail, family reunion, domestic violence-based applications, human rights claims, nationality, and all categories under the Points-Based System. I also assist with student visas, visitors, spouse and partner applications, and judicial review—especially in urgent cases involving removal and injunctions.
I appear regularly before the immigration tribunals and higher courts, including the Upper Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. Where appropriate, I accept direct instructions under the Public Access Scheme, allowing individuals to work with me without going through a solicitor.
To me, immigration law is not just a legal exercise—it’s about protecting people, preserving families, and giving individuals the chance to contribute to and thrive in this country. I work hard to bring strategic thinking and clear, honest advice to each case, no matter how complex or time-sensitive.
Please note: I generally do not accept instructions under the ‘Reform Procedure’ for preparing Appeal Skeleton Arguments unless suitable arrangements for remuneration are agreed in advance.
If you are facing an immigration issue and need guidance or representation, I’m here to help.