Ernestas (otherwise known as Ernie) joined Ridley & Hall as a trainee solicitor in August 2022. Ernie is a De Montfort University graduate, having graduated with a First-Class Bachelor of Laws. Ernie qualified as a solicitor in September 2023 and continues his studies for a Masters of Laws at the University of Law. Ernie prides himself on delivering excellent client care and has a personable and friendly approach which has been demonstrated by the positive comments often received from his clients.

Ernie was born in Lithuania and lived there until 2006, before moving to Northern Ireland and finally, England. Ernie has retained his fluency in Lithuanian, and is able to advise clients in Lithuanian, if necessary.

Ernie has practised family law since January 2021 (aside from a brief stint in conveyancing) and has been advising clients on all aspects of family law since. Ernie has worked on cases where serious domestic abuse has been a factor and has been successful in obtaining non-molestation orders, occupation orders as well as other injunctions against the other party. Ernie further has experience in advising on the validity of marriages, in particular, Islamic marriages, and has experience in making applications for declaration of validity of marriage.

Ernie has an expanding practice in advising unmarried couples both pre and post separation, including assisting in resolving issues where no agreement can be reached in respect of a jointly owned property. Ernie has further had success in establishing interests in properties where the property was solely owned by an ex-partner and successfully reaching a substantial settlement in respect of this.

Ernie has expertise in advising and assisting clients in children matters, adapting a child-focused approach in the hopes of reaching a swift resolution in the best interests of the children. Ernie understands that children issues are amongst the most emotional for all the parties involved and tries to adopt a holistic approach in supporting his clients in reaching a resolve. Ernie has also represented numerous grandparents seeking contact with their grandchildren, as well as those who may have special guardianship orders in respect of the children who have been the subject of proceedings with the parents seeking additional contact or otherwise.

In relation to finances arising out of divorce, Ernie has worked on numerous cases in assisting couples to reach a resolution as to the financial split as well as assisting them in navigating the court process. Ernie has been involved in a case which involved a substantial Star Wars collection as well as assisted on a case which had international and criminal elements.

In his spare time, Ernie enjoys gaming, football, basketball as well as going on walks with his partner.