Hall Of Fame

Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 in South East

Blandy & Blandy LLP

The ‘strong’ practice at Blandy & Blandy LLP Reading handles the full range of private children and financial remedy matters, often involving valuation, trust, and jurisdictional questions. The group's dedication to alternative, out of court dispute resolution is exemplified by Tasha Bevan-Stewart's training as a mediator, and the group's qualifications in collaborative law. Team head Claire Dyer  ‘exudes gravitas', assisting with the full range of family matters including nuptial agreements, separation agreements and surrogacy matters. Claire Clarke joined the team in December 2023 from Vardags, along with Gemma Kemp, who joined from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in January 2024, further strengthening the team’s offering.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claire Dyer


Autres avocats clés:

Tasha Bevan-Stewart; Shashi Sachdeva; Rebecca Ledgerwood; Peter Hilton; Claire Clarke; Gemma Kemp


Les références

‘A strong team who do great, varied work in private children and financial remedies. A collaborative approach, they don’t litigate for the sake of it, but truly try and find settlement where possible.’

‘Tasha Bevan-Stewart is adept at handling some of the thorniest of family law disputes, whether because of the assets, the international elements or the characters involved. Any case which is capable of settlement will be settled. If that is not possible, then Tasha will proceed to litigate with an iron fist in a velvet glove. She goes to court and wins.’

‘Definitely the biggest hitters in the Thames Valley region when it comes to Family Law. The sheer depth of knowledge and experience, doing heavyweight finances and children work but also able to help with the less complex due to size of team. They are also have great experience on the out of court dispute resolution contingent.’

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Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne

Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne goes ‘from strength to strength’, and is recommended for its strength in care proceedings, adoption, and finances, often representing unmarried couples. Both Karen Newman and Ruth Hawkins offer mediation. Hawkins forms part of the firm’s four-strong leadership team, regularly advising on complex children matters involving kinship care, advice for vulnerable mothers in care proceedings, and children separately represented in complex litigation. Emily Boardman is ‘fiercely bright’, standing out for her work involving non-accidental injuries and adoption. Irena Osborne is a key name for international matters, often involving domestic abuse, and Helen Bishop heads the firm’s private matrimonial team. The group is based in Abingdon.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emily Boardman; Ruth Hawkins; Irena Osborne; Helen Bishop


Autres avocats clés:

Karen Newman


Les références

‘I cannot praise this firm enough. I found the team to have exceptional knowledge and expertise when dealing with my somewhat unusual case. I think clients would want to know that they are treated as individuals, that the firm is empathetic and understanding. They went out of their way to support and help me.

‘Emily Boardman is an excellent solicitor. She is brilliant at giving robust advice and just getting the job done.’

‘This firm goes from strength to strength. The three partners are exceptional in their field and offer exceptional client service alongside legal expertise. ’

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP houses an ‘excellent team with both strength and depth' in Oxford, known for advising on financial proceedings involving complex business and trusts structures, international elements, and property disputes between unmarried couples. Tim Whitney moved from the firm's London group to head the Oxford team, and is known for his specialist knowledge of cohabitation disputes. Matthew Heyworth and Claire Burton joined the team in March 2023 from BDB Pitmans; Heyworth co-heads the team and regularly acts for high-net-worth clients in matters involving inherited wealth, while ‘brilliant solicitor’ Burton is well-versed in complex children matters involving allegations of abuse.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Whitney; Matthew Heyworth


Les références

‘I’m so fortunate to have found Mills & Reeve. They’ve approached my situation, and the work that has flowed from it, with such care, empathy and professionalism. They are a shining example and model for how all law firms should hold themselves, and operate.’

‘Tim Whitney is one of the most outstanding professionals I’ve ever encountered. No one ever wants to be in desperate need of a family lawyer – but when that does happen, you want a family lawyer (and a firm) who is adept at actively listening, has appropriate empathy and care for your unique situation, who is going to try and get a resolution as soon as practicable. This is exactly the approach Tim took in my case, and it was central to the great outcome and results we ultimately achieved.’

‘Excellent team with both strength and depth; they work extremely well and often collaborate on case management so that there is a coherent and strategic approach to the case right from the start. The team is knowledgeable, thorough and very accessible to clients.’

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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s Reading and Oxford-based family team runs the gamut of family matters, and is noted for its expertise in international cases. Jane Mitchell  makes a ‘formidable opponent’, specialising in complex financial and children matters as well as pre and post nuptial agreements. Mitchell co-heads the Oxford team with Ruth James, whose practice consists of financial matters involving trusts, offshore entities and companies. Kerry Fretwell leads the Reading team, with her broad experience in acting for unmarried clients and intervenors. The practice gained the expertise of Jolene Hutchison in 2024, who joined the Oxford office from IBB Law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jane Mitchell; Kerry Fretwell; Ruth James


Autres avocats clés:

Eleanor Moodey; Danielle Bentley; Jolene Hutchison


Les références

‘The team are highly specialist and fully up to date with all developments in the field as well as familiar with potential experts. The advice to clients is always very sound and grounded.’

‘Kerry Fretwell is excellent, very experienced and her client care is focused on providing guidance and pragmatism.’

‘Penningtons have the strength in depth amongst their offices that most firms look at with envy. Brilliant lawyers from Partner to Trainee level and everything in between. A superb firm that really sets the standard.’

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Barrett & Thomson

Barrett & Thomson, based in Slough, is well-regarded for its expertise in public children law, and its specialist knowledge of care proceedings and cases involving domestic violence. Practice head Claire Fitzgerald acts for children and parents, utilising her strong knowledge domestic abuse issues. The 'exceptional' Tracey Haynes regularly assists vulnerable clients in complex cases including alleged sexual abuse and non-accidental injury. Sue Scott is a key name for private children law, while Rizwana Khan regularly represents children and their guardians in care proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claire Fitzgerald


Autres avocats clés:

Tracey Haynes; Sue Scott; Rizwana Khan


Les références

‘Sue Scott kept me informed all the way through my case as well as being very supportive.’

‘The firm are very professional and very honest in their dealings with all issues that come up regarding my case. I have felt like a valued and important client, if one person can’t help they easily ask others for help and guidance before coming back to me.’

‘Claire Fitzgerald was so amazing with helping with my case. If there was anything I didn’t understand she would explain it more and made sure I was happy with everything, she gave lots of advice which was very appreciated.’

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Blake Morgan LLP

Consisting of ‘the very best individuals in their field’, Blake Morgan LLP's Oxford-based team of experts has notable experience in complex financial disputes and sensitive children matters, in addition to offering alternative dispute resolution methods. Laura Bennett is a qualified mediator, and Christine Plews retired in October 2023. Practice head James Davies regularly acts for high-net-worth individuals in complex litigation, often internationally, and is a key name for cohabitation disputes. Catherine Morgan is recommended for her deep knowledge of nuptial agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Davies


Autres avocats clés:

Catherine Morgan; Laura Bennett; Amy Maher; Rachel Knight


Les références

‘From the outset the team at Blake Morgan were very supportive and provided a personal level of care that made the whole process much less daunting. The knowledgeable team have a wealth of experience and were able to provide valuable feedback and guidance during a difficult time. I cannot recommend Blake Morgan enough!’

‘Blake Morgan are top of their game and I wouldn’t consider using another firm. Their communications are superb and they have an exceptional team of experts.’

‘Amy Maher has been handling my divorce for over a year now. My first and hopefully only divorce, I didn’t know what to expect from the outset, but I can say with confidence that without Amy’s help and guidance, her exceptional expertise and also compassion and understanding, the whole matter would have been considerably more traumatic.’

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Field Seymour Parkes LLP

The team at Field Seymour Parkes LLP in Reading has ‘gone from strength to strength‘ under the leadership of Bethan Thomas, ‘go-to solicitor for children and finance work' who regularly acts for both married and unmarried clients as well as intervenors. Its commitment to alternative forms of dispute resolution is demonstrated by both Sue Baker and Madeleine Young's work as mediators, Baker in particular is noted for her ‘vast experience'. Lindsay Davies remains a key name for cases involving armed forces pensions. The team is also noted for its expertise in pre and post nuptial agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bethan Thomas


Autres avocats clés:

Sue Baker; Lindsay Davies; Hannah Sims; Madeleine Young; Duncan Lomax


Les références

‘This team is a class act. They have depth of knowledge and judgment. Every decision taken has a pragmatic forensic approach designed to save the client money and minimise any emotional anguish. They are highly collaborative and achieve excellent results.’

‘The team has gone from strength to strength since the appointment of Bethan Thomas. Bethan has a keen grasp on what a client needs and how the department can best service them.’

‘A strong family law team with excellent client care and expertise in complex international cases, including in the High Court and Court of Appeal.’

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Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP's Oxford-based family team stands out for its range of specialist expertise in matrimonial and children related mandates, and cases involving serious domestic violence allegations. Joanne Thomas is a key name for fertility and surrogacy matters, and Gemma Nicholls-Webber is an expert in rural and agricultural issues. Practice head Gavin Scott, ‘a truly exceptional lawyer', continues to handle matters involving complex overseas investments. Tom Burgess is recommended for his extensive skill in mediation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gavin Scott


Autres avocats clés:

Joanne Thomas; Tom Burgess; Gemma Nicholls-Webber; Danielle Beesley; Alexandra Haworth


Les références

‘From the minute I spoke to the team at Freeths I knew they were definitely the firm for me. Freeths explained everything to me, what the divorce process looked like and what they could do to help. They answered all my questions and I felt very empowered. The team at Freeths remained very calm, and managed to defuse the situation and come to an agreement before it went to court.’

‘Jo Thomas is beloved by clients with good reason.’

‘Gavin Scott is technically brilliant and one of the hardest working, most dedicated people that I have had the pleasure of working with. If you have instructed him on your case, you know it would have been done well and to an excellent standard.’

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Hedges Law

The Oxford-based family team at Hedges Law handles complex, multi-jurisdictional, high-net-worth financial remedy cases to highly vulnerable children matters. Zoe Rose heads the offering, and is recommended for her expertise regarding complex pension arrangements. Nicola Poole frequently handles prenuptial agreements, and is experienced in disputes over inherited wealth. Alexandra Baggallay joined the team in April 2023 from Hunters Law LLP in London, followed by Ian Davies, who joined from Cotswold Family Law in May 2023, further strengthening the firm’s offering.

Responsables de la pratique:

Zoe Rose


Autres avocats clés:

Nicola Poole; Carrie Rudge; Ian Davies; Alexandra Baggallay; Lauren Pilcher


Les références

‘The family law team are dynamic and proactive, while also understanding how difficult a divorce can be, and they work well together to make the process as smooth as possible.’

‘Lauren Pilcher and Zoe Rose really understood the emotional trauma I was experiencing and provided invaluable support and guidance through an incredibly difficult time. When my world around me was in pieces, they were there for me, giving stability, comfort, reassurance and understanding, while also being firm with the other solicitors and protecting my interests. Responsive, incisive and supportive – what you need in a crisis!’

‘Hedges has a family feel to it, you feel cared for as a client, part of the family, not just a valued customer. ’

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RWK Goodman

RWK Goodman's family team in Oxford is headed by Simon Bassett, ‘a swift identifier of strategies and solutions' who regularly advises high-net-worth clients in financial disputes resulting from divorce, including those which involve complex business assets and require reputation protection. The team’s approach includes work with a divorce coach and a developing alternative dispute resolution offering. Vanessa Gardiner ‘is a highly skilled, pragmatic lawyer', with experience in intervener claims in financial remedy proceedings, nuptial agreements, and high-conflict children cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Bassett


Autres avocats clés:

Vanessa Gardiner; George Chick


Les références

‘Simon Bassett was always on hand to advise and support and I couldn’t fault his responsiveness. He was pragmatic and unflappable.’

‘RWK Goodman have a large team, providing expertise in all areas of family law. They are experienced and solution-focused. The team regularly refer clients to other professionals to create a team around them, so that clients are fully supported. RWK really understand the importance of holistic support.’

‘Vanessa Gardiner is a highly skilled, pragmatic lawyer, with a robust yet empathetic manner. Vanessa has extensive experience working for clients who are experiencing divorce from a challenging, abusive or narcissistic partner. Vanessa is able to offer clients a full service including financial and children matters and she is not afraid to stand up for her clients when needed.’

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SE-Solicitors

The ‘incredibly hardworking’ Patrick Mulcare heads the family team at SE-Solicitors, ‘a first class traditional practice’ based in Banbury which handles financial proceedings for agricultural business owners. The group's expertise also includes cross border matters with international assets. The team is recommended for its ‘innovative’ approach, with a range of alternative options for dispute resolution including its ‘divorce together’ model, offering the mediation strength of Monicka Rai. Deborah Davies heads the Bicester family team, and is particularly experienced in domestic abuse matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Patrick Mulcare


Autres avocats clés:

Deborah Davies; Madeleine Harrington; Monicka Rai


Les références

‘The family law team demonstrates excellent responsiveness and empathy towards my needs, particularly given the challenging circumstances of navigating a divorce. They recognise that certain matters necessitate detailed conversations beyond the scope of an email, and always make time for these discussions.’

‘Monicka Rai has provided exceptional legal support during my divorce, adopting a highly personalised approach. Her keen understanding of my case and proactive anticipation of my needs have been pivotal. During such a stressful period, placing your trust in your lawyer is paramount as they shape the future for both you and your children. Monicka possesses a great balance of empathy and professionalism, which makes her an excellent family lawyer.’

‘Patrick Mulcare’s depth of knowledge and expertise in navigating intricate financial matters is truly commendable. Whether dealing with high-net-worth individuals or Joe next door, his dedication is comparable and of the highest quality.’

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Blanchards Law

The ‘thoroughly professional team' at specialist firm Blanchards Law handles nuptial agreements, matrimonial finance matters, and children disputes, alongside pensions issues. The 'exceptional' Punam Denley is a trained mediator and heads the practice. The ‘knowledgeable, understanding and considerate' Helen Habershon has specialist knowledge of international child abduction matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Punam Denley; Helen Habershon


Les références

‘This is a thoroughly professional team who work well together to support their clients brilliantly. I have no hesitation in recommending this firm, and Puman Denley in particular, as I know they will be met with a team who will manage their queries and concerns promptly and efficiently.’

‘Personal touch with clear explanation, strong legal knowledge and yet a complete absence of legal speak make them perfect for those going through family challenges for the first time.’

‘A first rate team led by the formidable and wholly committed Punam Denley, comprehensively and ably supported by her fellow partner Helen Habershon. The entire team really gets behind their clients, understands their cases, and guides them unerringly to the shortest route to the best outcome. If you want someone to fight for you and get the best outcome, this is the firm to do it.’

Brethertons LLP

Divided into groups covering children and domestic abuse, public law children and care, and divorce and finance, the Brethertons LLP family team operates out of its Banbury and Bicester offices. A stand-out element of the practice is its expertise in international matters, an area in which children matters head Simon Craddock is ‘a leader’. The national team is headed by Linda Jones, while Dominic Wisdom, across Banbury and Rugby, co-heads the divorce and finance team alongside Banbury and Bicester based Katie Phillips, who has a notable specialism in freezing injunction proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Linda Jones; Dominic Wisdom; Katie Phillips; Simon Craddock


Autres avocats clés:

Sally Clark; Michelle Hodges


Les références

‘Brethertons are specialists in both children and financial matters. The team are highly experienced in all areas of family law. The firm has a particularly strong reputation for international child abductions having been involved in a number of leading cases.’

‘Simon Craddock is a super star in areas involving international children including child abduction, leave to remove and international contact issues.’

‘The team has a wealth of experience in Children Act and financial remedy proceedings.’

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Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

The Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors family team operates across Reading and Wokingham, and is praised for being ‘extremely pragmatic and solution focused'. The 'exceptional and tenacious' Anne Deller heads the Reading team, and is noted for advising unmarried couples. Complex children cases involving allegations of violence are handled by Rekha Joshi, head of the Wokingham team, while Lisa Lee is recommended for assisting vulnerable clients in children cases. Laura Inskip is a key name within the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anne Deller; Rekha Joshi


Autres avocats clés:

Lisa Lee; Laura Inskip


Les références

‘Lisa Lee has been a rock to me throughout my whole case. She always gives realistic feedback and no question or query is too much trouble.’

‘Rekha Joshi is a well-known star. She does a lot of the complicated Children Act and Matrimonial Finance work in the area. Clients trust her for her insight into cases. She knows when to litigate and when to settle. She always gets a good deal for her client.’

‘Anne Deller is an exceptional and tenacious lawyer whose attention to detail is second to none.’

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Gardner Leader LLP

With team members in Maidenhead and Newbury, the offering at Gardner Leader LLP advises clients on the full range of family law matters, including financial arrangements, private children disputes, cohabitation, and nuptial agreements. Maidenhead-based practice head Simon Fisher is a key name for financial disputes on divorce, while in Newbury, Suzy Hamshaw has a growing specialism in nuptial and cohabitation agreements, alongside her work as a mediator. Stephanie Buckeridge is praised for having a ‘huge amount of experience', assisting both married and unmarried families.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Fisher


Autres avocats clés:

Suzy Hamshaw; Elizabeth Saunders; Stephanie Buckeridge; Amy Wilson Weymouth; Stephanie Newton; Ash Sanger


Les références

‘Suzy Hamshaw handled my divorce with professionalism and compassion. Her communication was excellent and responded immediately when urgent matters arose. Suzy understood my expectations and provided knowledgeable, well balanced and sensible advice at all times. She offered support, reassurance and encouragement giving me the strength to see the lengthy 2 year process to the end, ultimately achieving the desired fair outcome in court.’

‘Gardner Leader are a brilliant team who are always on top of a case. They give brilliant advice and care to their clients.’

‘Stephanie Buckeridge has a huge amount of experience and is very diligent with her cases. She knows her clients well and is always up to speed with her cases and in charge of the progress of a case. I like the fact she develops a personal relationship with the client: they are never just a case name.’

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  • Acting for a wife in a multi-million pound financial remedy matter in the High Court involving trusts in the Cook Islands, assets in New Zealand and a company in England.

HMG Law LLP

Working out of its Bicester and Oxford offices, HMG Law LLP is led by Christina Cree. ‘Calm under pressure but a pleasure to deal with’, Cree advises on the full range of matrimonial finance and children matters, including nuptial agreements and matters arising from the breakdown of cohabiting relationships. Consultant Andy Nellist has broad experience in acting for business owners, public personalities, and members of the armed forces.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christina Cree


Autres avocats clés:

Andy Nellist; Alexandra Smith


Les références

My experience has been very positive. Everyone I’ve spoken to handled my situation with understanding and empathy. Divorce can be a stressful time and when the process is explained with confidence your anxiety reduces. ’

‘Andy Nellist is very good at explaining the process when it comes to divorce. He makes you feel less stressed and as this is the first time I’ve had to deal with solicitors it’s been a journey I won’t forget but it will be for the right reasons. Andy was always there if I needed advice and I never felt ignored. Would I recommend Andy, most definitely.’

‘Andrew Nellist deals with me as an individual, respecting my experience and intellect. He takes the fear out of many potentially challenging and threatening situations, and is pragmatic and responsive to my specific situation.’

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Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers Ltd (LGFL Ltd)

Boutique family firm Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers Ltd (LGFL Ltd) operates across Swallowfield and Berkshire. The team handles the full range of cases involving post-separation abuse and SEN children, offering ‘expertise, experience and knowledge all wrapped up in a approachable and caring way’. Co-founders Rita Gupta and Anne Leiper are recommended for their focus on children work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rita Gupta; Anne Leiper


Les références

‘I went looking for legal representation that had demonstrable experience with children with disabilities AND that I could trust and work with in what was likely to be a very difficult case. I called around a number of firms, but LGFL stood out. It was clear that I would be in capable hands, but also ones that would work collaboratively with me and the other side in the best interests of my children.’

‘Rita Gupta has been outstanding. She has been an excellent guide through the divorce journey and has helped me not only understand the process but also how to focus on the things that matter and keep a collaborative and child-focused approach throughout.’

‘LG Family Lawyers is a boutique-style practice that offers top-tier advice in a friendly, approachable manner. The firm is a small but powerful outfit that can match any top-tier London/national family solicitors. If a friend or family member had a family law dispute and required legal advice and representation, I would not hesitate to recommend this firm. They are really that good!’

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Lightfoots Solicitors

Praised for its 'personal touch', Lightfoots Solicitors' family team is based in Thame, and handles the full range of financial and children proceedings arising out of divorce and the end of relationships. Petrova Caldecourt heads the team, achieving ‘brilliant results for her clients’, often utilising alternative forms of dispute resolution.

Responsables de la pratique:

Petrova Caldecourt


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Ball; Rebecca Pykett; Lawrence Napier


Les références

‘Lightfoots is an old family firm and it is the personal touch that sets them apart.’

‘I appreciate the attention to detail, and the fact that they always consult on a personal level.’

‘Petrova Caldecourt provided me with legal advice/services through my divorce. What I really valued about Petrova was how pragmatic she was, helping me take the emotion out of the situation and manage the divorce in a way which protected my future but equally, did not drag things out. Petrova did not drag out consultations, she was quick and to the point.’

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Stowe Family Law LLP

Hailed as an ‘excellent firm which provides a full range of expertise across the board’, Stowe Family Law LLP operates out of Reading and Oxford, regularly representing clients in complex cases involving alleged abuse, financial settlements with complex assets, and cohabitation. Amanda Phillips-Wylds heads the Reading team as a qualified mediator with particular expertise regarding nuptial agreements. In Oxford, the team is headed by fertility and surrogacy specialist Gemma Davison, who is also a mediator.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amanda Phillips-Wylds; Gemma Davison


Autres avocats clés:

Hannah Mugleston; Sobiah Hussain


Les références

‘An excellent firm which provides a full range of expertise across the board. They have great attention to detail, are always incredibly professional & responsive.’

‘Sobiah Hussain is super bright, knowledgeable and a great strategist. She is really passionate about her work and works tirelessly on behalf of her clients.’

‘Gemma Davison is a very pragmatic and collaborative family lawyer. She is a pleasure to deal. She has a niche in surrogacy and also mediation. Gemma is always focused on trying to resolve matters something I feel is important when dealing with children matters. ’

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K J Smith Solicitors

‘A strong family team, with wide-ranging expertise’, K J Smith Solicitors offers specialist family teams in Ascot, headed by Kulbir Rahi; in Newbury, headed by Edward Morton; in Oxford, headed by Sofie Corbin; in Woodley, headed by Beth Pettifer; and in Henley-on-Thames under the guidance of Samantha Archer. The team's workload includes both financial and children matters arising from divorce.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kulbir Rahi; Samantha Archer; Edward Morton; Sofie Corbin; Beth Pettifer


Les références

‘A strong family team, with wide-ranging expertise.’

‘Kulbir Rahi stands out for her empathetic professionalism, attention to detail and client-focused approach.’

‘The team at K J Smith are very professional. I did not feel daunted or pressured during exchanges. I was always treated with courtesy and nothing was too much trouble.’

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