An exceptionally well regarded figure in the field of family law, Joanne offers clear-sighted, shrewd, and carefully considered advice on all aspects of divorce and family law. She is consistently hailed by clients for her exceptional care, wisdom, and staunch dedication to serving their best interests. Founder and Managing Director of this specialist family law firm that was shortlisted for Family Law Firm of the Year 2023, Joanne offers innovative approaches to successfully resolving relationship disputes, bringing to bear her 27 years’ experience to every case, particularly family matters that involve family finances and financial settlements, regularly handling complex cases that include property, pensions, assets, businesses, and inheritances. For yet another year running, Joanne has been awarded the highly coveted Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” accolade for 2024 – the highest ranking possible by the publication – for her superior work and reputation nationally as a leading divorce and family solicitor. She is widely known for her tenacious approach, priding herself on her persistence to go the extra mile to ensure that her clients’ needs are met and that her team are operating at the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency. Joanne’s ability to negotiate outstanding strategic solutions on behalf of her clients is reflected in the wealth of 5 star reviews she has amassed from past clients. She is a very popular choice, often through recommendation from happy clients, their families, as well as other professionals in the legal sector. Joanne also takes very seriously her role of mentoring her thriving team, developing and guiding like-minded family solicitors who have the same high expectations and absolute dedication to achieving the best possible results for their clients.

With a successful track record in his family cases combined with confidence, expertise and a sincere understanding of his clients’ circumstances, Sam is an acclaimed family law expert and advocate at this Legal 500 ‘Top Tier’ specialist family law firm. Demonstrating a wealth of knowledge in all areas of family law including divorce, separation, financial relief and cases of domestic abuse, his real skill and passion lies in children law matters. Much of his caseload involves advising and representing parents and extended family members on child arrangements regarding where a child lives and whom they spend time with, but he is also sought after for his ability to deal with complex children cases. Sam’s work involves dealing with urgent matters which may require an immediate court application to protect a child, for example, where that child has been placed at risk of harm or to prevent an unlawful abduction outside the jurisdiction. He also advises on international disputes regarding which country a child should live in or visit, as well as representing same sex parents on surrogacy law arrangements. Providing consistent and specialist representation is important to Sam and he offers exceptional advocacy in court, wherever possible, recognising the need for his clients to be represented by somebody they know and trust. With a first-class reputation in the field of family law, Sam is listed in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Recommended Lawyer’. Sam is not able to assist with Legal Aid matters.

Founder and Principal of this specialist family law firm which builds confidence and trust with its clients, Michelle is a skilled family law expert with over 30 years of experience and knowledge to call upon. She handles a range of matters including divorce, financial disputes, including high-net-worth matters, child care, domestic violence and all issues relating to children. As a member of Resolution and a qualified counsellor, Michelle believes her skill set assists her clients to resolve many issues without the need for court proceedings and she promotes a constructive approach to family issues that consider the needs of all family members. Clients appreciate Michelle’s ability to quickly help her clients understand their legal options and the best route forward.

An extremely experienced family mediator, collaborative family lawyer and the firm’s founder, Mary is committed to using alternative dispute resolution options for solving family and matrimonial disputes. She has mediated thousands of cases during the course of her career and has a reputation for supporting clients through emotionally challenging times. Mary’s practical, solution-based approach ensures a high resolution rate for individuals working with her and she has campaigned for changes to the court-based litigation system which would embed mediation at appropriate points and benefit litigants with earlier settlement opportunities.

Described as a formidable advocate with a keen eye for detail, Martin is a Director and Head of the Family Department. With almost 20 years’ experience working in all aspects of family law, he has advised hundreds of clients going through the breakdown of a relationship on issues such as divorce, financial proceedings, arrangements for children, and domestic abuse. Known for his approachable, sympathetic manner and jargon-free advice, Martin is committed to resolving family disputes in a constructive and cost-effective way in order to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients and their families.

Since qualifying as a barrister in 1994, Lisa has specialised in family law and has represented clients in all aspects of matrimonial matters including divorce and separation, cohabitation disputes, child related issues, financial disputes, and pre-nuptial arrangements. She has worked locally for many years and also in national law firms and specialist family law Chambers in London. In addition to advising clients as a family lawyer, Lisa’s extensive experience as a barrister allows her to expertly represent clients in court proceedings and fighting hard for them if this is the best course of action. In many cases, Lisa can resolve issues through negotiation and discussion with the aim of reaching a fair and just resolution as painlessly and as cost effectively as possible. Lisa is a member of Resolution and the Family Law Bar Association and, as such, is committed to dealing with matters in a constructive and conciliatory way.

Julia is a compassionate and determined family law solicitor who strongly believes that access to justice should be available to all. With a legal career spanning over 30 years, she acts on behalf of clients in cases involving divorce proceedings, financial disputes and children matters. A member of Resolution, Julia promotes a constructive approach to resolving family disputes and her aim is to resolve the legal issues relating to relationship breakdown as painlessly as possible. Clients appreciate her determination, patience and passion in securing the best outcome for themselves and their families.

Valued for his professional guidance and positive, prompt approach, John has over 30 years’ experience as a family lawyer and divorce solicitor in Bedford. He represents clients from all walks of life, with a wealth of knowledge in all areas of family work, including divorce, financial matters, disputes over child arrangements, and care proceedings. A member of Resolution and an accredited specialist in financial cases and children matters, John is an expert at providing a non-confrontational approach to solving the problems faced by his clients during this difficult period in their lives.

Noted for her instinctive ability to resolve family disputes constructively and amicably, Claire is a senior solicitor and Head of Family Law. Specialising in family law for over 25 years, she provides advice and support on a variety of issues including divorce, separation, financial disputes, private law children issues, and injunctions. Claire is a member of Resolution, as well as an accredited specialist and a trained collaborative lawyer, and looks to secure the most sensible and cost-effective solutions and agreements for her clients in a non-confrontational way. Claire is highly valued by her clients and colleagues for her patience and calm manner and she is committed to providing the highest level of client care and working towards a positive resolution.