Geldards LLP‘s broad family law offering spans mediation, private FDRs and neutral evaluations, family arbitration and collaborative law, among many others, and has been praised as ‘a force of a team’ who are ‘thorough, knowledgeable and approachable’. Experienced specialist family practitioner Fiona Apthorpe heads the team. Jane Cowley is notable for her strong matrimonial finance practice which sees her routinely act on matters with complex tax, pensions and trust issues. Claire Dean chiefly lends her expertise to high net worth financial remedy cases and is also highly regarded for her experience on complex and sensitive children cases. Natalie Haydon-Yeung represents HNWIs on financial matters involving property portfolios, business assets, trust assets and pensions, as well as undertaking complex children cases.
Family in East Midlands
Geldards LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Fiona Apthorpe
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Dean; Jane Cowley; Natalie Haydon-Yeung; Kate Keenan; Janine Hobday
Les références
‘Geldards is a very professional set-up but in my experience is also very supportive and understands the emotional toll of harrowing proceedings. They have a cohesive team approach, and I have always been able to contact someone from the team I am working with. Deadlines are well organised to be completed in advance. ’
‘Kate Keenan has undoubtedly been the stand-out individual I have worked with; supportive and professional at all times, coordinating efficiently between the children and finance proceedings. She is always well-prepared and switched on. Notwithstanding that, all the individuals I have worked with have been very capable and professional. ’
‘The team all put the client first and work well together. In terms of expertise and experience, they are a well-balanced outfit and the client is always placed with a partner or associate appropriate for the complexity of the case, the age, ethnicity etc of the client and the budgetary requirements of the client.’
Principaux dossiers
John Hooper & Co
Specialist family law practice John Hooper & Co is based in Nottingham and comes recommended for fielding ‘a team of professionals who excel at what they do’. The group acts for both divorcing spouses and separating cohabitees, as well as handling children cases, financial disputes, non-molestation orders, and personal and financial protection. Founder John Hooper is a family law specialist, noted for his expertise when it comes to divorce and high-worth financial disputes between spouses and cohabitees as well as financial applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Yasmine Roff is a key name for financial remedy cases, including those involving intervenors, offshore trusts and corporate assets.
Responsables de la pratique:
John Hooper
Autres avocats clés:
Yasmine Roff
Les références
‘Yasmine Roff is exactly what you want in a matrimonial solicitor. She is very approachable and user-friendly but absolutely razor-sharp. One who really punches above her weight. ’
‘Their attention to detail is exemplary, every person in the team knows my name and can respond immediately to any request I have. All my dealings with the firm have been handled with professionalism, discretion and care.’
‘From the initial meeting with the John Hooper team my lawyer, Yasmine Roff has been superb. I can say wholeheartedly that she guided me through the divorce process with both skill and care, taking control of extremely difficult issues calmly and kindly.’
Principaux dossiers
Nelsons Solicitors Limited
International child law, surrogacy, deprivation of liberty, unravelling trusts, and international disputes over children, assets and jurisdiction are the core pillars of Nelsons Solicitors Limited‘s family law practice. Known for an ‘unwavering dedication to her clients’, Emma Davies specialises in both divorce and complex financial issues, whilst Melanie Bridgen is a name to note for her work with complex children proceedings and domestic abuse issues. Gayle Rowley‘s strong practice includes both finance and children cases, often including complex international elements. Gareth Protheroe is the key contact for public child law issues, specialising in Children Act proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Emma Davies; Melanie Bridgen; Gayle Rowley; Gareth Protheroe
Autres avocats clés:
Naomi Bond; Jeremy Ward
Les références
‘Naomi Bond knows my case very well, she listens, she is very supportive, caring but also professional.’
‘Nelsons Family Team provide a first class service to their clients; particularly in the field of financial remedies.’
‘Melanie Bridgen is a client’s dream. Her judgment and tactical nouse are second to none. Her case preparation is meticulous and her collaborative approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive advice in respect of all aspects of their case.’
Principaux dossiers
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP retains its strong regional presence and handles a broad range of financial disputes arising from relationship breakdowns, as well as preparing nuptial agreements, and handling complex and sensitive child matters. The group is praised as ‘extremely responsive to clients and has very good technical knowledge’. The Leicester-based Katherine Marshall comes highly recommended as ‘very knowledgeable’ and both ‘robust and pragmatic at the same time’. Sonia Bachu has significant experience as a specialist divorce lawyer.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katherine Marshall
Autres avocats clés:
Sonia Bachu
Les références
‘The family team is an extremely strong one with an excellent support staff. I find that the preparation of cases and the advice which has been given to clients is always of the highest quality. The team responds quickly and comprehensively to enquiries both from me as Counsel and from lay clients.’
‘Simply unrivalled in the the East Midlands for its strength as a full-service firm.’
‘Katherine Marshall is a fantastic family lawyer to have on your side. Her advice is realistic from the outset. Sonia Bachu handles some really difficult cases with real sure-footedness.’
Sills & Betteridge LLP
Sills & Betteridge LLP‘s large-scale family law practice group has a strong influence in the region and is built around core teams that handle all aspects of matrimonial finance, emergency, care, children and mediation, respectively. The practice has garnered praise for being ‘hard-working, dynamic and very focused on best outcomes’ and is headed up by Helen Derry, whose diverse caseload frequently includes divorce, property issues, maintenance, nuptial agreements, co-habitation disputes and private children’s cases. Chrystal Theofanous is head of the emergency children and domestic abuse team, whilst Mo Hayes is a specialist for public law care proceedings, specifically child law cases, and spearheads the care team. Dominic Lee‘s practice emphasises divorce and financial cases as well as private children’s law disputes. Siobhan Thompson and Ailsa Tennant are other key contacts within the wider department.
Responsables de la pratique:
Helen Derry
Autres avocats clés:
Chrystal Theofanous; Mo Hayes; Jessica Firth-Brown; Nicholas Flatt; Siobhan Thompson; Ailsa Tennant; Dominic Lee; Sarah Rowe
Les références
‘They pay attention to detail and give the client the attention they require to their case. They are well-prepared and efficient as a team. They are good with technology and have a supportive environment from the top down in the team.’
‘Hard-working, dynamic and very focused on best outcomes. They really do take their client’s part and push as far as possible. Don’t take no for an answer! Forthright and powerful litigators.’
‘Sarah Rowe is an outstanding young lawyer. Always thinking creatively and fearless – challenges orthodox thinking and is more than happy to pursue cases through the appeal courts. If I needed a family solicitor to really fight my case (and do so effectively) I would instruct Sarah Rowe.’
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for the respondent children in a reported domestic abuse case before the Court of Appeal involving the welfare of two children; the court in November 2023 dismissed a parent’s appeal of an application to revoke placement orders – an order made by the court authorizing a local authority to place a child for adoption.
- Challenging children’s care case acting for the respondent child (via the children’s guardian) before the Court of Appeal.
- Represented the father in a child abduction case at the Court of Appeal in which the appellant mother challenged the decision of a High Court judge to return a child to Australia, arguing that the lower court judge had erred.
Smith Partnership
Smith Partnership is adept across all aspects of public childcare law and family law issues. Highly experienced family law practitioner Muctar Johal is praised for his ‘outstanding court advocacy and grasp of detail’. Johal jointly leads the practice in conjunction with Ruth Jones. Clare Cuomo remains another important contact within the group as a child law specialist and is lauded by clients as ‘knowledgeable and organised’ as well as being ‘robust in the advice she provides’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Muctar Johal; Ruth Jones
Autres avocats clés:
Clare Cuomo
Les références
‘The client care provided by the team at Smith Partnership goes above and beyond. They pull together to support each other when preparing the most challenging cases. They provide a seamlessly excellent service.’
‘It was a privilege to be instructed by Muctar John and to lead him in a case. Muctar was such a pleasure to work with, because of his intellect, invaluable grasp of medical issues, impeccable preparation and most importantly, his empathetic management of his client. He is deservedly well-respected.’
‘My experience of Muctar Johal is that he knows everything there is to know about family law. He is my go to person for any complex issue and I recommend him for his outstanding court advocacy and grasp of detail.’
Principaux dossiers
Banner Jones Solicitors
Banner Jones Solicitors‘ practice group is split across specialist family law and care proceedings teams. On the family side, Kelly Parks leads the team, which routinely undertakes a broad range of matters including divorce, financial remedy proceedings, children's cases, and nuptial agreements, among others. On the care side, care proceedings brought by local authorities, adoption and special guardianships and PLO meetings are the core focuses. Head of care Vince Beckworth received praise for being ‘extremely good with the client and can quickly put them at ease in stressful situations’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kelly Parks; Vince Beckworth
Autres avocats clés:
Shetal Gudgeon; Jason Burnett
Les références
‘The team is able to identify the issues in a case very early and give proportionate and thorough advice. Their instructions are always diligently prepared and are on hand to answer questions.’
‘Shetal Gudgeon is very experienced, thorough and diligent. She is engaged in cases and ensures clients receive the best advice.’
‘The team provide a high quality of service comprising of expertise, availability and reliability. The team is efficient, knowledgeable and effective communicators. They represent clients with energy and enthusiasm.’
Principaux dossiers
- Successfully obtained a costs order and a penal notice against a wife that would not co-operate in financial remedy proceedings.
- Acted on complex care proceedings in relation to the youngest child of the family initially arose due to concerns for neglect and chronic school absence.
- Representing a large sibling group of 5 children who all had differing Care plans and expert evidence was needed on the sibling group and their attachments to one another. Significant and serious allegations were made of sexual abuse during the course of the proceedings and directly to the expert psychologist.
Flint Bishop Limited
Flint Bishop Limited‘s extensive work portfolio encompasses divorce, nuptial agreements, separation agreements, freezing orders, and children's cases, among many others. The group frequently acts on behalf of HNWIs and on matters involving international elements. Angela Davis leads the team, lending her expertise to all aspects of family law including arrangements for children and financial arrangements. Erica Wakeman specialises in resolving financial matters following divorce or separation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Angela Davis
Autres avocats clés:
Erica Wakeman
Les références
‘The private client family team at Flint Bishop is exceptional. Their lawyers are knowledgeable approachable and extremely capable of understanding client’s needs and problems and finding a quick solutions.’
‘Angela Davis is a diligent and thorough solicitor with a wealth of experience in both Children Act matters and matrimonial finance. She is always thoroughly prepared and has an eye for detail.’
‘Angela Davis is an extremely experienced family lawyer and will always provide sensible sound advice.’
Principaux dossiers
- Advising the husband in ongoing financial remedy proceedings.
- Advising the husband on a maintenance variation matter.
- Acting for the father in a complex Children Act Case involving a child with special needs.
Howes Percival LLP
Howes Percival LLP primarily advises on financial disputes and issues which arise out of divorce or separation, including Schedule 1 proceedings, TOLATA claims and negotiating deeds of separation. Leicester-based Justine Flack is known for advising HNWIs on complex financial arrangements, frequently involving businesses, agricultural assets and inherited wealth. Alishia Marrocco is another key contact within the practice group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Justine Flack
Autres avocats clés:
Alishia Marrocco
Les références
‘The team are hardworking, cohesive with a great wealth of knowledge.’
‘Alishia Marrocco is a brilliant lawyer with a fantastic bedside manner. A real star.’
‘The team has brilliant client care skills – the people I have worked with at the firm are genuinely lovely people who really care about their clients.’
Principaux dossiers
Rothera Bray
Rothera Bray has a strong reputation when it comes to financial settlements and private children issues, handling matters including, but not limited to, separation agreements, care proceedings, farming divorce, collaborative law, adoption, section 20 agreements, and prohibited steps orders. Paul Cobb and Ann-Marie Bowman jointly lead the department split across Nottingham and Derby. Joanne Millward is another member of the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Cobb; Ann-Marie Bowman
Autres avocats clés:
Joanne Millward
Les références
‘They did an outstanding job and worked hard to ensure everything was done properly.’
‘The team is very professional and understands the individual needs. Excellent in communication and keeping me updated.’
‘It’s a pleasure to work with this team who are attentive and knowledgeable.’
Principaux dossiers
Wilkin Chapman LLP
With an ‘excellent family team covering both private financial and children matters‘, Wilkin Chapman LLP excels in complex financial work, including high-value divorces, farming divorces and MOD divorce cases. Key individuals include Lisa Boileau, who specialises in divorces involving substantial farming assets; and Julie Bailey, who is experienced in divorces involving military personnel.
Autres avocats clés:
Lisa Boileau; Julie Bailey; Stacey Heeley; Lucy Reding
Les références
‘Excellent family team covering both private financial and children matters. Breadth of knowledge and diversity in the team. Very user-friendly and excellent client care.’
‘Their client care and attention to detail are exemplary, nothing is too much trouble. They always give pragmatic advice and prepare court applications with considerable attention to detail. Stacey Heeley is a standout for this.’
‘Lisa Boileux and Lucy Reding are exceptional divorce specialists. ’
Chattertons
Chattertons handles all aspects of private family law, including divorces and the related financial settlements, nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, arrangements for children including applications to the court, and injunctive procedures. Liz Graham leads the team, while Neil Denny is a key contact for financial remedy work.
Responsables de la pratique:
Liz Graham
Autres avocats clés:
Neil Denny
Les références
‘The team has provided me with an outstanding service that is efficient, professional and understanding.’
‘Liz Graham was recommended to me and I highly recommend her expertise to others.’
‘Neil Denny – I have known Neil for many years and he is, pound for pound, one of the brightest, kindest and genuine lawyers I know. He cares very much for his clients and is able to give brilliant advice in a clear and easy-to-digest manner.’
DFA Law
The practice at DFA Law has ‘a very strong ethical and personal approach to clients, backed up with extensive knowledge of all aspects of divorce law and its complexities‘. The group’s broad expertise encompasses complex financial settlements, nuptial agreements, farming cases, children matters and cohabitee disputes. Rachel Adams leads the team and attracts praise as ‘a phenomenal legal adviser‘, who is ‘clear and direct with her advice from the outset‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rachel Adams
Autres avocats clés:
Emma Kirkland
Les références
‘Rachel Adams and her family law team have a very strong ethical and personal approach to clients, backed up with extensive knowledge of all aspects of divorce law and its complexities. Their communication with their clients is exceptional, in both proactive and reactive situations and their personal approach to individual issues significantly helps in what is a very emotional process.’
‘Rachel Adams has been a phenomenal legal adviser. She has been clear and direct with her advice from the outset while delivering with high integrity and compassion. At all times during our engagement, she has put me first as a person, rather than just a case.’
‘I was fortunate that Emma Kirkland was my solicitor. She was approachable and always contactable. She was outstanding throughout the process. She recognised my initial anxieties, and supported me through the difficult steps of the process.’
Excello Law
Excello Law handles a range of matters on behalf of high-net-worth individuals including divorces and separations, including the dissolution of civil partnerships, financial settlements, cohabitation agreements, children cases, and pre and post-nuptial agreements. The practice is also noted for its experience in mediation and collaborative law processes. Practice head Swati Somaiya handles all aspects of family law, and is singled out by clients as ‘an excellent solicitor, willing to go the extra mile in everything she does‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Swati Somaiya
Les références
‘Swati Somaiya is an exceptionally good family lawyer. Her advice is always timely, easy to understand and practical. She is a highly knowledgeable and technically brilliant lawyer and always fights for the best outcome for her clients.’
‘Swati Somaiya is an excellent solicitor, willing to go the extra mile in everything she does. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field which provided me with confidence and reassurance.’
‘Excello Law are very experienced and extremely capable firm.’
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP has a robust track record for handling complex and high-value financial and children disputes on behalf of a range of clients including business owners and entrepreneurs, and their spouses. Practice head Nikki Aston chiefly handles cases which involve complex financial business and trust structures; and Stephanie Clifton, who ‘works tirelessly for the client‘, specialises in divorce and financial remedy matters, and also handles complex private children's law cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nikki Aston
Autres avocats clés:
Stephanie Clifton
Les références
‘Freeths is highly regarded locally as a small but strong family law team.’
‘Nikki Aston is a star. Well regarded and has a bright future ahead of her. She is tenacious but pragmatic.’
‘Nikki Aston and Stephanie Clifton are approachable, reasonable and knowledgeable solicitors who go above and beyond for their clients.’
Roythornes Solicitors
Roythornes Solicitors specialises in financial cases involving complex issues ranging from pension assets, company and partnership assets, and trusts, as well as complex and sensitive children matters. The group also excels in mandates with cross-border elements and handles cases involving farming assets. The ‘superb‘ Nick Ingrey leads the team, which also includes Caroline Elliott, who acts for a mixture of local, national and international clients, and John Boon, who focuses on family remedy cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nick Ingrey
Autres avocats clés:
Caroline Elliott; John Boon
Les références
‘Their attitude to their clients is amazing.’
‘The understanding of the case and response is very impressive. Nick Ingrey and his team had a grip on the situation at all times.’
‘The whole team are professional, helpful and polite.’
Stowe Family Law LLP
Stowe Family Law LLP is adept across all aspects of private family law including divorces, separations, Children Act matters, nuptial agreements, fertility issues and TOLATA matters. The practice is also regularly active in cases involving domestic, emotional and psychological abuse, and provides advice to same-sex and cohabiting couples. Newly promoted managing partner Beth Sheridan heads up the practice in Nottingham and is a key name for financial remedies and private law children matters, while Holly Lamb leads the international team. Sarah Townsend joined the group in September 2023 and is active in financial remedy cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Beth Sheridan
Autres avocats clés:
Holly Lamb; Sarah Townsend
Les références
‘The team have strength in depth with superb solicitors across all levels of experience.’
‘Beth Sheridan is an excellent solicitor. Her judgment and tactical nous are second to none. Her case preparation is meticulous and her collaborative approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive advice in respect of all aspects of their case.’
‘Stowe Family Law often seem to go the extra mile for their clients.’
Wilson Browne Solicitors
Wilson Browne Solicitors covers the full spectrum of family law work, with expertise across divorces, financial remedy issues, cohabitation agreements, pre and post-nuptial agreements, TOLATA claims, and children matters. Heather Davies heads up the practice group and advises on all aspects of relationship breakdowns, while Ed Rawlins has expertise in matters involving land and complex business assets.
Responsables de la pratique:
Heather Davies
Autres avocats clés:
Ed Rawlins
Les références
‘My solicitor has always treated me empathetically and with consideration for my circumstances and situation.’
‘Ed Rawlins was fantastic, he explained every eventuality at whatever detail and level I needed. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was extremely patient no matter how emotional the situation.’
‘Heather Davies is extremely knowledgeable and also empathetic. She is always able to offer solutions to resolve issues and is committed to helping until a satisfactory conclusion is reached.’
HCR Hewitsons
HCR Hewitsons is recognised for its knowledge of high-value financial remedy cases, often handling claims with unusual or complex elements. The group also focuses on complex children cases, including cases involving allegations of parental alienation and abuse, as well as surrogacy, donor and fertility law issues. Private family law specialist Sally Robinson leads the team, and is ‘well-grounded and apparently unflappable‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sally Robinson
Les références
‘From the very first communication to the last, HCR gave me full confidence I had chosen wisely who was going to represent me.’
‘Sally Robinson is such a pleasure to work with. She is well-grounded and apparently unflappable. Her clients are always well prepared in advance for what is to come – she manages clients’ expectations exceptionally well.’
‘HCR Northampton has a family law practice that is up there with the large city firms. The family team are meticulous, strategic and very approachable. From what I have seen, their client care is second to none, and the relationship and trust they have built with their clients puts their clients at ease during a difficult time.’
Josiah Hincks Solicitors
Josiah Hincks Solicitors regards complex divorce cases, child arrangement matters, pre and post-nuptial agreements, and TOLATA cases as the core pillars of its family law practice. Jonathan Foster heads up the team from the firm’s Syston office and excels across the full spectrum of family work. Clients also praise Radmila Balac as ‘a good communicator who understands people‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Foster
Autres avocats clés:
Radmila Balac
Les références
‘The solicitor at Josiah Hincks, Radmila Balac, was amazingly good and I thanked my lucky stars I had found her. She was professional, and practical and took the time and care to guide me through the divorce process, helping me to make sensible and reasonable decisions.’
‘Radmila Balac is a very experienced family solicitor and she is also a good communicator who understands people. Radmila, whilst retaining a professional approach, showed an understanding of the difficulty that a person may experience and approached reaching a resolution in a way that was reasonable, civil and fair. This impressed me.’
‘Radmila was amazingly good and I thanked my lucky stars I had found her. She was professional, and practical and took the time and care to guide me through the divorce process, helping me to make sensible and reasonable decisions.’