Ecclesiastical Law

Chattertons offers specialist advice in relation to ecclesiastical law.

We are responsible for the Registry work within the Lincoln Diocese and partners Caroline Mockford and Rodney Blezard serve as Diocesan Registry and Deputy Diocesan Registrar respectively. We can advise on all aspects of church work including:

  • Faculty jurisdiction
  • Consistory courts and their proceedings
  • Common marriage licences
  • Ordinations and the appointment of clergy
  • Employments issues, including clergy terms of service and clergy discipline

For further information about this aspect of our work please contact Caroline Mockford from the details below.

In addition to purely Registry work, we have a wide experience in dealing with matters relating to Ecclesiastical Property.  This includes:-

  • Matters arising in relation to churches and church halls including acting on behalf of the Incumbent and the PCC of the local parish working, when necessary, in conjunction with the Church Commissioners
  • Leases and licences regarding the occupation of property forming part of the church, leases of church halls and matters relating to the grant of rights and easements for the benefit of or affecting church property
  • Acting on behalf of the Diocesan Board of Finance in relation to the sale and purchase of property, the grant of leases and providing general advice in relation to property related issues
  • Advising in relation to matters concerning glebe land including sale and purchase of investment property and agricultural land
  • Undertaking the sale and purchase of clergy housing
  • Legal work in connection with Diocesan educational holdings

For further information about property matters please contact Rodney Blezard from the details below.

Contact Details

Ecclesiastical Team

 Contact EmailOfficePhone Number 
Caroline Mockford Lincoln 01522 814600 Details…
Rodney Blezard Stamford 01780 764145 Details…