Firms To Watch: Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

The Sevenoaks-based Birketts LLP team is headed up by Vanda James, regularly taking on financial disputes involving trust and business assets.
Irwin Mitchell opened its Brighton office in February 2024, headed up by national family lead and international specialist Clare Wiseman.

Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex in South East

Adler Family Law Solicitors LLP

Based in Kingston upon Thames, Adler Family Law Solicitors LLP is ‘a very niche law firm that can deal with the most complex, UHNW individuals’. Its expertise spans work for such high-net-worth individuals, often taking on cases involving family businesses, and international matters including jurisdictional cases across the US, the UAE, and Australia. Founder and team head Charlotte Adler ‘is at the top of her game’, advising on both high-value financial disputes and complex children matters. For cross-jurisdictional disputes, the ‘incredibly down to earth and intelligent’ Conrad Adam is a go-to, Sophia Raja is the key name from children and domestic abuse cases, and Ronnie Mortimer advises on both cohabitation agreements and separation agreements.

Praxisleiter:

Charlotte Adler


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Conrad Adam; Sophia Raja; Ronnie Mortimer


Referenzen

‘Charlotte Adler has exceptional knowledge and experience, and delivered exactly what she told me to expect.‘

‚Charlotte Adler is not only a brilliant lawyer, but also a kind, compassionate and caring person to work with.’

‘As a family law only firm, they are focused on getting the best outcome for their clients. The firm stands up to leading city family law teams and has a wide ranging client base.’

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

The Guildford Charles Russell Speechlys LLP team is ‘exceptional and incredibly efficient’, working closely with colleagues in London and offering notable strength in cases involving trust structures and significant pensions. Shona Alexander, team head, ‘is outstanding in every respect’, and is particularly recommended for her proactive work handling pre- and post-marital agreements and advising on wealth preservation. Sophia Leeder joined the team from the firm’s London office in September 2024, bringing experience handling international work regarding both finances and children, and close links with firms in Switzerland and France. Karen Wilsher has retired from practice, and William Rollin  departed the team to Boodle Hatfield LLP in July 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Shona Alexander


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sophia Leeder


Referenzen

‘The CRS team in Guildford are a fabulous firm. Their client care and attention to detail is unmatched outside of London. The obtain top results for clients.’

‘Every member of the team is exceptional and incredibly efficient. The service provided is flawless and every associate and partner has incredible legal knowledge. They also offer incredible kindness and understanding to clients – empathy is a skill that cannot be taught but is essential in family law and CRS have it in abundance.‘

‘Shona Alexander is outstanding in every respect: both a practical and intellectual lawyer who supports her clients in an exemplary way. She is tenacious when necessary but also ready to settle if that is in her client’s best interests.‘

Jones Nickolds

‘A busy practice with a cohesive and talented team’, Jones Nickolds offers the full range of divorce, financial remedy, and private children expertise across Beckenham and Chislehurst. Lisa Jones heads up the Beckenham team and is ‘highly intelligent’ and ‘tenacious’ in her work, often handling cases with an international element. Head of the Chislehurst team Claire Nickolds handles both complex financial disputes and private law children work including relocation matters. Gemma Irving is particularly noted for her work in financial provision and child arrangements on divorce. For mediation, Rachel Woodd is the key name: she is ‘able to successfully mediate the most intractable cases’.

Praxisleiter:

Lisa Jones; Claire Nickolds; Gemma Irving


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rachel Woodd; Alexandra Gray; Mai-Ling Ho; James Patrick


Referenzen

‘Jones Nickolds is a small firm of very dedicated lawyers. Lisa Jones was very involved and interested in each case, and very hands on. The firm obviously chooses the very best, high calibre employees!‘

‚Jones Nickolds has a very good and trusted reputation in the area, and I have met people who travel from far afield to benefit from their help and advice.’

‘Rachel Woodd is a complete star of the mediation world. She is increasingly sought after for mediation work and is able to successfully mediate the most intractable cases.’

Moore Barlow

With a ‘wide range of solicitors that can cover almost any aspect of family law’, Moore Barlow‘s Guildford and Richmond offices are noted for strength in high-net-worth financial remedy and wealth protection work in addition to dealing with complex children issues. Joanna Farrands leads the team, with a focus on complex issues concerning child abduction. Karen Barham is recommended for her mediation work: the firm places an emphasis on non-court dispute resolution options, with Victoria Walker qualified as a hybrid mediator and team members able to offer the ‘Accord’ model of one lawyer, two clients. Erin Lyon is a key name for disputes involving trust assets and complex business structures, and Beverley Cullis has experience advising on surrogacy matters.

Praxisleiter:

Joanna Farrands; Victoria Walker


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Beverley Cullis; Erin Lyon; Natalie Dunn; Karen Barham


Referenzen

‘They have a very wide range of solicitors that can cover almost any aspect of family law, both expertise and background wise.’

‘Victoria Walker has a brilliant legal mind. Technically gifted with a very down to earth approach.‘

‚Natalie Dunn is a star for the future!’

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

The Guildford-based team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP offers a breath of knowledge which is ‘deeply embedded and very reassuring to clients’, from complex financial expertise to experience in a range of disputes over children, and notable strength in surrogacy matters. Veronica Gilmour heads the team, ‘combining empathy and great tactical thinking’ while handling complex, often sensitive, finance and children matters. Gilmour leads the firm’s non-court dispute resolution offering, including its one lawyer two clients practice. Emma Willing is a ‘technically brilliant lawyer’, taking on cases involving complex corporate and trust structures, and working closely with Bethan Carr on surrogacy and modern families matters. Laura Naser is particularly noted for her work representing fathers and high-earning City professionals. Rachel Donald departed the team in May 2024 to Russell-Cooke LLP.

Praxisleiter:

Veronica Gilmour


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Emma Willing; Laura Naser; Sarah Duckworth; Bethan Carr; Laura Hughes; Beth Bell; Arjun Sreedaran


Referenzen

‘Pennington Manches Cooper are one of the leading family law firms both nationally and specifically in the Surrey area. The team has built its profile hugely over recent years and has established itself as the ‚go to‘ firm in the area. The strength in depth is impressive and given the size of the firm nationally, the knowledge base is deeply embedded and very reassuring to clients.’

‘Veronica Gilmour is the grand dame of family law in the local area. Clients flock to her for her experience, expertise, strategic approach and sensitive understanding of how to approach family cases.’

‘Laura Hughes has exceptional attention to detail. Clients are confident she is all over the detail.‘

Russell-Cooke LLP

The ‘exceptional’ team at Russell-Cooke LLP in Kingston upon Thames works closely with colleagues in trusts, tax, company and commercial law to support clients in cross-practice matters: notably, its children team regularly collaborates with the education law practice. Practice head Hannah Field regularly handles international matters. For children work, Amy Chapman is particularly recommended, and Jade Quirke is a key name for the team’s growing surrogacy and fertility law work. Helena French is the go-to for matters involving cohabiting couples, such as declarations of trust and TOLATA matters. Rachel Donald joined the team in May 2024, bolstering the team’s non-court dispute resolution practice as a mediator.

Praxisleiter:

Hannah Field


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rachel Donald; Jade Quirke; Helena French; Amy Chapman


Referenzen

‘Hannah Field is an impressive family lawyer and personable with clients.’

‘All the aspects of Russell-Cooke LLP firm have been innovative to ensure first class service for me, as their client. I feel that all the team dealing with me has been most knowledgeable, experienced in this field, especially as there are international laws and implications to be considered in my case. Nothing was left unanswered.‘

‚Jade Quirke is a strong and technical lawyer who has a solid reputation in dealing with complex modern family cases. She is unfailingly hardworking with an excellent eye for detail.’

Thomson Snell & Passmore

The family practice at Thomson Snell & Passmore in Tunbridge Wells goes ‘above and beyond’, with expertise ranging from high-value financial cases to complex Children Act matters. Practice head Joanna Pratt specialises in such financial matters, and additionally handles pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Both Kirstie Law and Desmond O’Donnell are trained mediators: Law is qualified to directly consult with children as part of the mediation process, and O’Donnell is able to advise and mediate in both the UK and California. Sarah Keily is recommended as both ‘highly experienced’ and ‘extremely sensible’.

Praxisleiter:

Joanna Pratt


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kirstie Law; Desmond O’Donnell; Sarah Keily; Helen Waite


Referenzen

‘Joanna Pratt, who heads up the team, leads from the front, exhibiting and distilling the values you want and need from a family practice. Client focused, Joanna gets results but is also pragmatic and realistic. In this approach, some of the emotional sting is taken out of situations and issues and more focus placed on outcomes as well as personal wellbeing.’

‘Nothing is too much for Thomson Snell and Passmore. Their service goes above and beyond with all members of the team helping when required and with superb response times.’

‘Kirstie Law handled my whole divorce, through multiple hearings and all the way to final hearing superbly. She has a way of not sugar coating things whilst still remaining very empathetic – the perfect blend for a lawyer. Her knowledge and experience shines through and I would without hesitation recommend her as a family solicitor to anyone in need of one.’

Blackfords LLP

The team at Blackfords LLP in Woking ‘combines empathy and client care with an unparalleled work ethic’, regularly handling public law care cases where there are parallel criminal proceedings in conjunction with the firm’s criminal team. Practice head Nicola Chamberlain is a qualified mediator; Helen Worden heads up the public law team and is ‘simply brilliant’ in the most complex care proceedings; and Kim Wintle is recommended as an ‘astute tactician’. For high-net-worth divorce and private children matters, often with international elements, Linda Lusingu is the go-to.

Praxisleiter:

Nicola Chamberlain


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Helen Worden; Kim Wintle; Linda Lusingu; Terri-Anne Taylor


Referenzen

‘Blackfords LPP provide clients with realistic advice with compassion and understanding.‘

‘I have previously worked with Terri-Anne Taylor and I have found her professional and approachable to work with. She is always able to identify the key issue in a case and suggest practical and pragmatic solutions, even in the most difficult of cases.‘

‘This is a team which combines empathy and client care with an unparalleled work ethic and strength and depth of litigation experience. They fight fiercely for their clients but also give realistic advice that enables the client to make informed decisions at all stages in the litigation.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing a client who is dual nationality Canadian-British and whose wife is American-British in divorce and finance proceedings, involving substantial assets (c. £5m) in the UK, the US and Canada.
  • Representing a grandmother as an intervener in a case concerning her grandchild, in relation to a local authority application for a care order – the child having been admitted to hospital with non-accidental injuries.
  • Acted for a mother in relation to an application by a father pursuant to Article 21 Hague Convention 1980 for contact with their two children in Ukraine; both parents are Ukrainian nationals and the father remains in Ukraine while the mother and children are in the UK.

Brachers (Part of Lawfront)

‘A very professional outfit’ with experience in high-value nuptial agreements and matrimonial financial cases, the team at Brachers (Part of Lawfront) regularly supports business-owning clients in matters involving complex asset structures, pensions, and tax issues. In addition, the team is experienced in children cases, including relocation and private law cases involving allegations of harm. Practice co-heads Mei-Ling McNab and Mark Leeson work across Maidstone and Canterbury: McNab is recommended for private wealth matters, and offers the one lawyer two client method, and Leeson is a trained mediator.

Praxisleiter:

Mei-Ling McNab; Mark Leeson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sophie Read; Abigail Eriksson-Lee


Referenzen

‘The family team at Brachers have been so kind and considerate with my on-going divorce settlement in the face of a very difficult opposition.‘

‘Sophie Read is friendly in her approach, kind, thoughtful and professional at all times. I would recommend her.‘

‘One of the top firms in Kent.’

Cripps

Based in Tunbridge Wells, the family team at Cripps ‘has strength from juniors to seniors’. Team members handle the full range of financial and children matters, including disputes for unmarried couples, and work closely with the firm's private wealth, property, and corporate teams to advise on wealth preservation through pre and post-nuptial agreements, an area of strength for team head Helen Fisher. The team grew in October 2024 with the arrival of Gail Brooks, formerly of Knights, whose expertise spans complex financial matters and hostile Children Act matters, as well as offering the one lawyer one couple service. Alex Davies departed the team to Wedlake Bell LLP in October 2024, and Katy-Louise Allen made the move to Family Law Partners in November 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Helen Fisher


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gail Brooks; Mairi Woodward; Camilla Hooper; Emma Snowdon


Referenzen

‘The team are excellent. This is a really strong team headed by Gail Brooks and Helen Fisher. The team is well known for providing high-quality family law advice.’

‘Gail Brooks is outstanding. I have worked with her for many years and she handles some extremely complex cases without breaking a sweat. Clients love her.‘

‘First-class service from a well-respected team.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for a high-profile actor to resolve financial remedy claims through the collaborative process.
  • Acting on behalf of a client to prepare a pre-nuptial agreement to protect family company assets and trusts with a value of approximately £52m.
  • Representing a mother in Children Act proceedings including serious allegations of harm made against her by her ex-husband.

Edward Cooke Family Law

‘A rapidly growing firm, providing absolutely top-end family law advice’, Edward Cooke Family Law has bases in Chichester, Brighton, and Farnham, and offers a notable commitment to non-court dispute resolution including four qualified mediators within the team. Founder and team head Edward Cooke is an accredited hybrid and child inclusive mediator, also regularly handling complex financial remedy litigation. Lauren Guy and Victoria Maxwell are noted for their expertise in surrogacy and fertility law, both based in Brighton, and in January 2025, the firm gained Grace Parker-White, formerly of Stevens & Bolton LLP, to head up its Farnham team.

Praxisleiter:

Edward Cooke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lauren Guy; Michelle Lewis; Victoria Maxwell; Grace Parker-White; Jelena Korobkova


Referenzen

‘The firm’s emphasis on ADR and mediation is rare and valuable, alongside expertise in representing clients if the matter ends up in court.’

‘Edward Cooke is excellent. He is pragmatic and gives realistic advice. He is an excellent mediator and works hard to ensure that parents and children can move forwards in a positive way.’

‘A rapidly growing firm, providing absolutely top-end Family Law advice in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Really spearheading the provision of local and knowledgeable Family Law advice.’

Family Law Partners

With offices across Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, and Horsham, Family Law Partners draws on a deep bench of experts with particular commitment to non-court dispute resolution methods. Founder and ‘doyen of family law’ Robert Williams works from the Brighton office alongside team head Lisa Burton-Durham, who is ‘at ease’ handling complex matters from spousal maintenance to child relocation. Also in Brighton, Gemma Hope regularly handles cases involving property and business assets, Christopher Maulkin is the go-to for TOLATA cases, and Sarah-Jane Riddell is a key name for mediation. Kate Elliott heads up the Horsham office, and is ‘a force to be reckoned with’, qualified as both a hybrid and child inclusive mediator. The Horsham office also includes Hannah Viet, Rachel Nicholl, Polly Dallyn and Charlotte Plowman: Plowman is particularly noted for modern families work. Alice Scambler heads the Tunbridge Wells team, joined in November 2024 by Katy-Louise Allen, formerly of Cripps.

Praxisleiter:

Robert Williams; Lisa Burton-Durham; Kate Elliott; Alice Scambler


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Christopher Maulkin; Gemma Hope; Rachel Nicholl; Hannah Viet; Hannah Gumbrill-Ward; Eleanor Pollard; Polly Dallyn; Charlotte Plowman; Zoe Summers; Katy-Louise Allen; Sarah-Jane Riddell


Referenzen

‘The team at FLP are second to none. They are all engaging, exceptional, client focused lawyers. They are technically minded, but solution focused. They simply rival the biggest London firms. Their innovative approach to gathering initial information from clients about their matters unlock the important goals early on, and they remain laser focused on them.’

‘Hannah Viet is a phenomenal lawyer – a straight talker who will achieve for her client against all odds.‘

‚Christopher Maulkin is a technical wizard, well renowned for dealing with complex matters. Rachel Nicholl is a powerhouse of efficiency.’

Stevens & Bolton LLP

‘Technical excellence is a given’ in the Stevens & Bolton LLP Guildford family team, which regularly acts for clients with business assets, those in the medical profession, and other lawyers. Its expertise spans the most complex financial matters and an increasing amount of wealth protection work, including pre- and post-nuptial agreement. Team head Nicola Harries ‘inspires confidence with her calm and professional manner’, increasingly advising unmarried families on both separation and protective measures. Sean Hilton has a standout focus on advising third party intervenors in matrimonial disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Nicola Harries


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sean Hilton; Victoria Batstone


Referenzen

‘Nicola Harries is an excellent family lawyer. She has excellent judgement, combined with great client care skills and is highly experienced.’

‘Technical excellence is a given and they have a progressive, open-minded culture to problem solving.’

‘Nicola Harries is always empathetic, supportive and patient with her clients. She inspires confidence with her calm and professional manner, while her ability and depth of experience are clearly demonstrated in her focused approach.‘

TWM Solicitors LLP

TWM Solicitors LLP fields a team of ‘savvy and sensible individuals who work in a collegiate and cooperative manner’ in its family practice. Its wealth protection offering is strengthened by the team’s collaboration with its colleagues in private client, business law, and residential property. Practice head Caroline Keeley, in Guildford, leads on this work, and is in addition a qualified mediator. In Reigate, Demelza Patricio is a noted expert in sperm donor agreements. Jacky Butt is a key name for pension division on divorce, and Sarah Archibald leads the Epsom team, with a particular specialty in work for unmarried couples.

Praxisleiter:

Caroline Keeley


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Demelza Patricio; Sarah Archibald; Rebecca Cozens; Jacky Butt


Referenzen

‘They understood my situation with care, understanding, empathy & compassion.

‘I worked with Caroline Keeley, she explained in layman’s terms what was going to happen, and when it came to robust challenging, she was exceptional.’

‘I have been more than happy with TWM acting on my behalf regarding a cohabitation dispute. I have always felt listened to with concerns I may have and given advice when needed. They act on my instructions promptly and efficiently.‘

Boys & Maughan

The ‘highly experienced, capable’ family team at Boys & Maughan handles an increasing amount of international work from its bases in Margate and Canterbury. Practice head Jonathan da Costa has notable experience in the Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model, and longstanding experience of collaborative work. The team handles the full range of financial remedy disputes and Children Act proceedings, often involving pensions, investments, and assets with cross-border considerations.

Praxisleiter:

Jonathan da Costa


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Andrea Huckstepp; Joanna Illingworth


Referenzen

‘They are highly experienced, capable and very well led by Jon da Costa who is a top-drawer family lawyer of the higher calibre.’

‘Jonathan da Costa is very experienced, energetic and has excellent judgment.‘

‘They are an extremely efficient and well run team who combine brilliant legal knowledge with a down to earth approach.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted a couple with assets including a £2m UK property, a €1.5m overseas property, and complex investments, using the Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model.
  • Represented the wife in a divorce after a 51-year marriage, in a £5.7m asset case involving 11 mortgage-free properties.
  • Represented the husband in a needs-based financial remedy case involving £700,000 in assets, including two UK properties and inherited Malaysian properties.

Coole Bevis LLP

The Brighton-based team at Coole Bevis LLP takes a ‘professional and empathetic approach’, drawing on its corporate and commercial, real estate, and private client teams to support clients in wealth management matters. Practice head Julia Dyson is a mediator, specialising in both matrimonial and Children Act cases. The ‘exceptional’ Susan Knight is also a mediator, with particular experience handling matters where there are issues of capacity. James Leach has notable expertise in cohabitee disputes involving property.

Praxisleiter:

Julia Dyson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Susan Knight; James Leach


Referenzen

‘An exceptional practice that have the capacity to cover every area of legal guidance and support, the communication throughout my entire engagement with the team was exemplary.’

‘A broad range of skills and expertise, with a professional and empathetic approach.’

‘Susan Knight and Julia Dyson are very capable lawyers offering a range of process options.’

DMH Stallard LLP

The DMH Stallard LLP team is ‘a force to be reckoned with’, providing advice across the full range of financial remedy, children, and asset protection matters. Mark Rennie and Nigel Winter co-head the practice in Horsham: Rennie is a go to for complex financial remedies matters, while Winter’s practice spans finances and children matters. In Guildford, Samantha Jago assists clients with matters involving trusts, pensions, and cross-border assets. For international matters, Gemma Garrett is recommended.

Praxisleiter:

Mark Rennie; Philip Morton


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nigel Winter; Samantha Jago; Joanna Potbury; Gemma Garrett; Rachael Au


Referenzen

‘One of the best family law teams in Guildford. Has a significant presence in the local area.’

‘Samantha Jago is an outstanding family lawyer. I find her exceptionally good at what she does. She is pragmatic and also compassionate.’

‘Human, approachable, likeable and kind people. They have a genuine passion to help and represent you. Clear, honest and organised.’

Elite Law Solicitors

The team at Elite Law Solicitors in Elstead specialise in a range of areas of family law, including Inheritance Act claims, trusts in divorce, and cryptocurrency assets in divorce. Practice head Victoria Clarke is particularly noted for her work with cryptocurrency assets, and has additional strength advising cohabiting couples. For children matters, Kirsty Bowers is recommended, and Brian Fraser has experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients. The team is additionally experienced in divorce matters which involve assets and individuals in multiple jurisdictions.

Praxisleiter:

Victoria Clarke


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Brian Fraser; Kirsty Bowers


Referenzen

‘The employees work well as a team. The team are professional and clear in their communication.’

‘Victoria Clarke is my solicitor. She has been incredibly supportive with her knowledge of the legal system and with the advice she gave me. I would not wish to be represented by anyone but her!’

‚Good, confident, logical advice.‘

GT Stewart Limited

The ‘strong, dynamic team’ at GT Stewart Limited is noted for its capabilities with the most complex care proceedings, taking on matters involving non accidental injuries, abuse, and those with concurrent criminal proceedings; it has additional experience supporting neurodivergent clients. Team cohead Max Konarek has specialist expertise representing clients in the travelling and Roma communities, and in those cases involving complex medical concerns. Ryan Booth has experience in abuse-related cases.

Praxisleiter:

Max Konarek; Ryan Booth


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kristin Sharp; Holly Evans


Referenzen

‘This team are totally committed to client care. Often going above and beyond for individuals who are facing the toughest time.’

‘Max Konarek, partner and joint head of the family & childcare department, is a star performer, outshining others with his commitment and robust, common sense, approach to litigation.’

‘GT Stewart is a really strong, dynamic team. Led by Ryan Booth and Max Konarek, there is a real emphasis on personal growth and support within the team. They handle all manner of cases, including the most complex and serious. The solicitors really do go above and beyond to ensure their clients‘ cases have been fiercely put.’

Judge & Priestley LLP

Judge & Priestley LLP fields a ‘young, hungry and very ambitious team’ in its family law practice, headed by ‘trailblazer’ Kelly Sharman often handling high-net-worth, complex asset-related financial remedy issues. Maria Conesa Gonzalez is dual qualified in Spain, and regularly takes on international matters including child abduction work, and Yanoulla Kakoulli is recommended for cases involving a confluence of complex financial and children matters.

Praxisleiter:

Kelly Sharman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maria Conesa Gonzalez; Angela Amponsah; Yanoulla Kakoulli; Nadia Khan; Sarah Mortimer


Referenzen

‘Maria Conesa Gonzalez is a real superstar. She is very bright and can analyse complex material quickly and hone in on the relevant points. She is very personable and has endless energy.’

‘A young, hungry and very ambitious team, they can cover everything from basic family finance/children matters, to the most complex international family matters.’

‘Kelly Sharman is a real trailblazer that believes in her work like no other.‘

Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted in a dispute as to the paternity of a child between twin brothers. Due to their identical DNA, the paternity cannot be established by scientific means.

Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP

Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP has an ‘excellent reputation for high-quality family law work’, often taking on financial disputes which involve family businesses, substantial property holdings, share portfolios and pensions. It additionally handles complex private children matters. Team co-head Grant Parker, a trained mediator, is experienced in financial issues arising from both divorce and the separation of cohabiting couples. Emma Van Bunnens co-heads the team, with experience in sensitive children work alongside pre and post-nuptial agreements.

Praxisleiter:

Grant Parker; Emma Van Bunnens


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Charles Le May; Marwa Hadi-Barnes; Karen Jeary


Referenzen

‚The firm has an excellent reputation for high-quality family law work. The team are able to identify the key issues on complex cases and achieve great results for their clients.‘

‚Grant Parker and his team were very efficient, kind, patient and understanding all of which helped me to feel confident and reassured at a very difficult time of my life.‘

‚Everyone I encountered at MWB was extremely professional and provided an exceptional level of service at every juncture.‘

Morr & Co LLP

The family team at Morr & Co LLP guides clients to ‘a solution, not further conflict’, with experience in mediation and collaborative law as part of its commitment to non-court dispute resolution. Practice head Stephanie Calthrop-Owen, in Redhill, primarily assists high-net-worth clients including those in the sports, politics, and media and entertainment industries. In Wimbledon, deputy head Anne McAllister takes on an increasing number of complex private law children disputes. Mandy Spring joined the team in April 2024 from Moore Barlow.

Praxisleiter:

Stephanie Calthrop-Owen; Anne McAllister


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mandy Spring


Referenzen

‘The team manage complex and sophisticated matters. They have the knowledge insight and skill to combine the required information and knowledge to deliver a complete and fair assessment and proposed solution that covers all necessary jurisdictions. They guide the client to a solution, not further conflict.‘

‘Stephanie Calthrop-Owen is extraordinary and excellent. Stephanie is very effective, efficient, clear thinking, professional, rational and kind. She can be steely when required. Her team follow her lead. Her legal knowledge is wide and profound and she applies it with skill. She is effective. Stephanie and her team guide and support the client professionally and intellectually – empathetic yet professionally distanced. Vital, priceless qualities.’

‘I have been particularly impressed by Mandy Spring, who adopts a sensible, settlement-focused approach. She provides clients with clear and realistic advice, while adopting a hard line when other parties try to push too hard. She and her team are a pleasure to work with.’

Tisshaws Family Law Solicitors

The Hayward Heath-based team at Tisshaws Family Law Solicitors is ‘particularly adept at advising clients in respect of out of court resolutions’, fielding three mediators within the team. The team’s expertise spans complex financial disputes involving pensions and tax issues, and sensitive children matters including those where there are allegations of abuse. Founder and head Gilva Tisshaw is ‘a tremendously experienced divorce solicitor’, and Richard Adams has notable expertise regarding cohabiting couples.

Praxisleiter:

Gilva Tisshaw


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hana Khodabocus; Charlotte DeCecco; Richard Adams


Referenzen

‘Long established Mid-Sussex practice, led by one of the most experienced family law solicitors in the South East. This firm are particularly adept at advising clients in respect of out of court resolutions – involving mediation, arbitration and a collaborative approach.’

‘Gilva Tisshaw is a tremendously experienced divorce solicitor who looks for an early and sensible resolution to her client’s problems. She saves her client’s money by getting straight to the heart of the issue, achieving a better outcome but without excessive costs.’

‚Charlotte DeCecco is excellent with client care and able to manage particularly vulnerable clients.‘

Venters Solicitors

Specialist family law firm Venters Solicitors, in Reigate, combines expertise in publicly funded and private family and children law, also offering mediation. It is well placed to handle the full range of complex, sensitive care proceedings involving mental health issues and allegations of abuse, as well as Children Act matters where criminal behaviour is alleged. Founder and head June Venters KC is both a mediator and arbitrator, and handles the most serious children cases. Reena Patel ‘is a tactically excellent solicitor’ and has experience supporting clients who have additional needs.

Praxisleiter:

June Venters KC


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Reena Patel; Helena Aiyudubia; Kayleigh Thorne; Farzana Khan; Nabila Hill


Referenzen

June Venters KC is extremely experienced as a legal adviser and as an advocate and appears in some of the most complex cases in the Family Courts.‘

‘Strong solicitors across the family department. Excellent client care skills, excellent communication skills.’

Reena Patel is a tactically excellent solicitor and is outstanding with clients. She is a dedicated and hard working solicitor who always goes the extra mile for her clients.’

Warners Solicitors

Warners Solicitors fields a ‘strong team with experience at all levels’ in its Sevenoaks family practice, with a growing practice in wealth protection, including handling pre- and post-nuptial agreements for high-net-worth clients. At the helm of the team, Matthew Aves is a trained mediator with experience representing high-profile clients. Charles Tennant is a qualified arbitrator, and Keith Unger is also recommended. Rebecca Massam is noted for her work with vulnerable clients, often taking on complex child-related cases.

Praxisleiter:

Matthew Aves


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Charles Tennant; Keith Ungar; Rebecca Massam


Referenzen

‘They have the ability to have empathy and understanding of clients who struggle with communication due to abusive nature of the relationships they are trying to leave. They explain every process step by step to make sure each process is truly understood and is transparent.‘

‘Rebecca Massam is by far the best, continuously pushing for my best interest. She gave me my life back and also my confidence.‘

‘High level Family Law team.’

Amphlett Lissimore

Amphlett Lissimore is ‘a respected firm with a good reputation for looking after clients’. Family team head Estella Newbold Brown has specialist experience of cohabitation law, and both Alice Brett, who joined the team in 2024 from Stowe Family Law LLP, and Samantha O’Dwyer are mediators. Tom Airey joined the team from Jones Nickolds in October 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Estella Newbold-Brown


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Tom Airey; Samantha O’Dwyer; Alice Brett; Emily Prince


Referenzen

‘I have known Tom Airey for a number of years. He is extremely conscientious and motivated – clients really like him.’

‘Amphlett is very privileged to have Estella Newbold-Brown at the helm. Estella really is a powerhouse across the board from her excellent client care skills, to her strategy and knowledge of the law. From experience, clients feel supported, understood and that someone is fully on their side striving to achieve the best outcome for them. Estella has an excellent team behind her and I have no doubt it will grow from strength to strength.’

‘A respected firm with a good reputation for looking after clients.’

Clarkson Wright & Jakes

The ‘capable, solid and reliable’ practice at Clarkson Wright & Jakes in Orpington specialises in financial remedy matters with extensive marital assets, including international property holdings. It simultaneously takes on Children Act work, with increasing expertise in parental alienation cases. Claire Schneck, practice head, is experienced in complex financial disputes involving TOLATA, the separation of cohabiting couples, nuptial agreements, and international assets.

Praxisleiter:

Claire Schneck


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Keith Doherty


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‘I would say that this practice is very capable, solid and reliable, which is very important if you have a complex case or very aggressive adversaries.‘

‘Claire Schneck listens, absorbs huge amounts of information and acts very quickly. Claire deals with things very quickly, gives you a strong feeling of security and that you are in very capable hands.’

‘I have dealt with Claire Schneck at CWJ and have found her to be extremely knowledgeable and professional. She has always answered my questions clearly (and I had plenty!). She has inspired confidence in my decisions.’

Dawson Hart

Recommended for its ‘client-centered approach’, the family team at Dawson Hart regularly advises on complex matrimonial finance matters. Practice head Mahie Abey is ‘outstanding’, working alongside Caroline Bourn, a ‘go to’ with an emphasis on non-court dispute resolution methods, and the ‘kind, understanding’ Jamie Wood.

Praxisleiter:

Mahie Abey


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Caroline Bourn; Jamie Wood


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‘Jamie Wood was kind, understanding at the same time professional and worth her weight in gold to us.‘

‘Mahie Abey is outstanding. He has a delightfully calm manner and an extremely effective low-key approach. A brilliant tactician – he lulls the other side into a false sense of security.’

‘Caroline Bourn remains a go-to; in fact probably the solicitor I would use if I was ever getting divorced. She is everything one needs as she has: an iron fist in a velvet glove; exceedingly good judgement; a wonderful likability with both her clients, instructing counsel and opponents.‘

Dean Wilson LLP

The team of ‘very dedicated and hard-working solicitors’ at Dean Wilson LLP supports clients including high-net-worth individuals and those in the LGBTQ+ community, with expertise including complex private law Children Act litigation and financial disputes. Julian Hunt heads the team, ‘a hugely experienced solicitor’, working alongside children work go-to names Sarah Phillips and Jennie Aspey.

Praxisleiter:

Julian Hunt


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sarah Phillips; Jennie Aspey


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‚Julian Hunt is a hugely experienced solicitor who is well-respected by opponents and judges. He is great to work with and has impeccable judgement.‘

‚Sarah Phillips is an extremely capable lawyer who is great with clients. She is sympathetic, but able to give the hard-hitting advice some clients need to hear with charm and authority.‘

‚Jennie Apsey is a rising star. Hard working and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. She is on top of the detail of the case and a pleasure to work with.’

Girlings

The ‘exceptionally strong’ family law team at Girlings works across Canterbury, Ashford and Herne Bay. Practice head Gemma Purt is an ‘excellent solicitor’ with particular expertise supporting clients who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health. TOLATA specialist Curtis Wray and Joanna Lawrence, who offers the one lawyer two clients model, are also key members of the team.

Praxisleiter:

Gemma Purt


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Curtis Wray; Joanna Lawrence; Megan Mahesan; Anisha Teelwah


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‘At every case, I was struck by how I was supported as a person first and space was given for my emotions in the situation, especially around the divorce. During my divorce, I was frightened and it was my solicitor at Girlings who held the line for me to make sure I was alright and also gave me wise, impartial advice around my children that was extremely supportive and protected them too.‘

‘I was 100% confident that I wanted Curtis Wray to represent me. His knowledge was impressive and he guided me well through the divorce process. Curtis was an absolute star and Girlings are lucky to have such an intelligent and capable solicitor on their books. He took the stress out of a much stressful situation and helped me secure a fair split when the divorce was finalised.’

‘Gemma Purt has been consistently kind, compassionate and responsive.‘

GoodLaw Solicitors

The family team at GoodLaw Solicitors across Brighton, Hove, Farnham, Hassocks, and Gatwick handles public law care proceedings, private children matters, divorce and finances, and also offers a growing modern families practice. Practice head Emma Taylor specialises in cases involving children, is a trained mediator, and has specialist expertise in TOLATA claims.

Praxisleiter:

Emma Taylor


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jane Wells; Alison Harbour


Referenzen

‚The team at GoodLaw offer clients the full package. The senior partners, solicitors, legal executives and legal assistants all work together to ensure an efficient operation.‘

‚The solicitors at GoodLaw all really care about their clients and work hard to ensure good results for them.‘

‚Emma Taylor really stands out as being exceptional. Emma is dedicated to her work and has built a very strong team around her. She is collaborative and good at making tough decisions and giving difficult advice in a way that clients can appreciate.‘

Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented a mother in complex care proceedings concerning non-accidental injury.
  • Represented a mother in care proceedings which were heard by the High Court, where the Judge gave additional guidance on the use of intermediaries in the Family Court.
  • Represented a client in private law proceedings where judgment was handed down in respect of the necessity to hold a fact finding hearing to test allegations of alienation before a psychological assessment could be ordered and a second judgment following the fact finding hearing in relation to findings of alienating behaviours and domestic abuse.

Howell-Jones LLP

The Walton-on-Thames-based family team at Howell-Jones LLP regularly handles the full range of financial and children disputes, often involving significant assets. Its experience also stretches to pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Katy Osborne heads the practice, specialising in financial disputes, and has experience with cohabitation agreements and disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Katy Osborne


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Liz Whittle; Clare Marion


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‘I have very high praises for Liz Whittle, my solicitor. She has demonstrated her empathy and quick understanding of my case in our first meeting and throughout my case. Her communication has been timely, precise and pinpointing.‘

‘The firm cover a wide range of family matters which appealed so everything is under one roof. Communication overall is very professional and efficient.’

‘Clare Marion has been a strong and supportive figure for me during the toughest times of the separation and child arrangements procedures. Her kind manner and very reassuring approach gives me every confidence that I am in good hands.‘

K J Smith Solicitors

K J Smith Solicitors‘ team in Guildford regularly handles the full range of financial disputes arising from divorce and separation, including those with international elements. Eleanor Towsey heads the practice, alongside the ‘exceptionally supportive’ Emily Wood.

Praxisleiter:

Eleanor Towsey


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Aaron O’Malley; Beth Pettifer; Emily Wood


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‘Aaron O’Malley was helpful, responsive and very professional. He made the process as seamless as possible. Highly recommend.’

‘Emily Wood of KJ Smith has been exceptionally supportive with professionalism to match. Her communication with clients is reassuring for its consistency. She demonstrates a genuine air of care.’

‘The team were hugely supportive from start to finish. They always treated me with respect and took the time to ensure I had a good understanding of processes and where I stood. They made everything transparent and easy.’

Pearson Hards Solicitors

Pearson Hards Solicitors fields a team of ‘efficient and effective’ professionals in its family practice, headed by Emma Rothstein, ‘a brilliant lawyer with an unparalleled work ethic’. Rothstein specialises in separation disputes involving complex financial portfolios, including business assets. Chloe Langdon joined the team from Hopkin Murray Beskine Solicitors, in London, in January 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Emma Rothstein


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Chloe Langdon; Elena Mitejko; Robyn Mackay


Referenzen

‘Emma Rothstein is a brilliant lawyer with an unparalleled work ethic, a warm and empathetic manner with clients, equally collaborative with her opponents to achieve excellent results for her clients, but also unafraid of litigation if necessary to secure the right result.‘

‘Emma Rothstein is a star and I have now recommended her to three very satisfied clients.’

‘The team at Pearson Hards is enviably efficient and effective. They are able to navigate often complex cases with ease but, incredibly, at unparalleled value for their clients. They provide an absolutely top-flight service with a level of efficiency unachieved by Magic Circle firms. Clients are, naturally, glad of their decision to have them on side.’

Stowe Family Law LLP

The ‘specialist family lawyers’ at Stowe Family Law LLP have bases across the country including Brighton, Guildford, Esher, Kingston, and Fleet, and offer access to an in-house forensic accountancy team. Managing partner Emma Newman has dual strength across financial and children disputes. Gemma Thew is praised as a ‘talented solicitor’, often advising clients in cases involving allegations of abuse.

Praxisleiter:

Emma Newman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gemma Thew; Kate McCarthy; Niamh McCarthy; Jenine Imms; Samantha Armour; Carol Christofi


Referenzen

‘Very approachable and down to earth firm, despite managing a large number of complex and/or high-value cases.’

‘I would highly recommend Gemma Thew, the team leader partner at the Brighton office. She is an experienced and knowledgeable family lawyer and a skilled negotiator committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each of her clients. Clients warm to her calm and considered approach.’

‘The team is very friendly and very client focused, dealing well with children disputes.‘

Thackray Williams LLP

Praised for its ‘real depth of knowledge’, the family team at Thackray Williams LLP collaborates with the firm’s property and commercial teams as its private wealth offering, advising on pre- and post-nuptial agreements and complex trust structures. Practice co-head Caroline Burstein is the go-to for such matters, while co-head Stuart Ruff specialises in divorce and separation, and Galbraith Gorman is a key name for children work.

Praxisleiter:

Stuart Ruff; Caroline Burstein


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Galbraith Gorman


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‘Galbraith Gorman is wonderful: cool, calm and collected, but all over the detail.’

‘Caroline Burstein is a real powerhouse. Her knowledge and manner in which she approaches a case really sets her apart and is something that she has been able to distil to her team. She is my go to when it comes to referring individuals for advice on pre and post nuptial agreements.‘

‘The family team at Thackray Williams may be small but it packs a big punch. The team is approachable and friendly whilst having a real depth of knowledge. Sensible arguments can be run and conversations had to best assist clients in a collaborative manner.’

Thomas Mansfield Solicitors

The Tunbridge Wells-based family team at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors is ‘technically excellent while also providing great customer focus and care’. Practice head Kate Rayner specialises in complex financial remedy and children proceedings, including cases concerning complex asset structures, and Susi Gillespie is recommended as a mediator, with additional expertise regarding cohabiting couples.

Praxisleiter:

Kate Rayner


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Susi Gillespie


Referenzen

‘Kate Rayner heads up a dynamic team. The structure is boutique enough to offer a really personalised service but with the depth of experience to cover complex cases including those with an international element. They are often pitted against the magic circle elite where they fearlessly punch above their weight.’

‘Susi Gillespie in the team is excellent an experienced family lawyer who promotes ADR when she can and is a mediator and collaborative lawyer.’

‘Kate Rayner is meticulous in her preparation with impressive strategic over view. An elegant class act with an astute brain and empathetic manner.’