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.

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.

Standing out in the field of family law with a career spanning over two decades, Vicki is an exceptional family solicitor and Partner at this widely regarded multidisciplinary law firm. Renowned for her expertise in complex cases, she provides advice and representation on divorce, separation, children matters, issues of domestic abuse and concerns around drugs and alcohol within families. Vicki is also extremely well-versed in negotiating financial settlements, often involving substantial assets and complex financial relationships, always striving to reach the best settlements for her clients. Often representing and protecting prominent clients and their children from media attention, she prides herself on her excellent level of service, offering empathy, sensitivity, and discretion alongside expert legal advice. Vicki is recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500 and noted in Chambers & Partners and City Wealth as a leading matrimonial and family lawyer. She is also a regular contributor to print and broadcast media on topical family law issues.

Described as “insightful, resolute and with exceptional client-care skills”, Charlotte is an accomplished family law solicitor, recognised in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 as a ‘Next Generation Partner’. A Director in the firm’s Family team, she stands out for her tough negotiation skills in a wide spectrum of family and matrimonial matters including divorce, associated financial and property disputes, children cases, and cohabitation issues. Charlotte has particular strengths in cases involving significant or complex assets, including those involving off-shore trusts, tax and foreign property, as well as complex and challenging children matters. As an experienced collaborative law practitioner and a dedicated member of Resolution, Charlotte always works to resolve issues in a swift and constructive manner with the client’s best interests in mind. For cases where the opposition requires a firmer hand, Charlotte can be a tenacious and robust advocate in order to reach a fair outcome. Her professionalism and counsel are deemed exemplary and at the forefront of Charlotte’s approach is a focus on providing her clients with the help and support they need to navigate an emotional time in their lives whilst guiding them to a successful conclusion.

Bringing a common sense, intelligent and focused approach to all types of family dispute, Kim is an accomplished and experienced family law expert and mediator. With an enviable reputation at this multidisciplinary law firm, she is respected for her calm and pragmatic manner when dealing with family law cases, with clients welcoming her constructive approach to the resolution of disputes. Her caseload has led her to develop significant expertise in family finance issues relating to property, investments, pensions and businesses as well as negotiating and drafting pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements where there are substantial UK and international assets. Kim also frequently provides advice and assistance in children matters and works sensitively with parents to ensure the children are protected, and affected as little as possible by the changes they are facing. Kim has been recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in The Legal 500 and her team was a finalist in the 2023 LexisNexis Family Law Awards for ‘Family Team of the Year’. She is also a former Chair of the local Law Society Family Committee.

Praised by clients for her ability to be pragmatic, calmly assertive and able to make a balanced judgement, Hayley is an experienced and well respected child law solicitor. A member of The Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme, she is able to provide advice and representation to parents and other family members in proceedings which have been brought by a Local Authority. Her cases, regularly complex and challenging in nature, often involve substance misuse, domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, sexual abuse, inflicted injuries and FII (Fabricated Induced Illness). Hayley has unparalleled drive and expertise with a fierce determination to achieve the right outcome for all her clients.

Treating each client as an individual and advising on their specific needs, Kirsty is a highly capable and approachable family lawyer and divorce solicitor. Partner and Head of the Family Team, she has an enviable depth of experience in family law, with particular expertise in the financial aspects arising from relationship breakdown, including dividing pensions on divorce, and regularly dealing with cases involving high value assets. Kirsty is a trained collaborative lawyer and gives her clients the option to try and resolve matters without going to court. However, if this is not possible, she can represent clients in court proceedings in a firm and strong manner. Clients comment on her calm, considered and sensible approach which gives them the confidence that they are in expert hands.

Recognised as a first-class advocate and family law expert, Rebecca brings over 20 years’ experience and extensive knowledge to her role as Managing Partner at this highly regarded family law firm. Successfully handling a wide ranging caseload, she is regularly instructed on matters arising from a relationship breakdown, including divorce, separation, cohabitation, financial settlements, disputes relating to children, and cases with an international element. Her expertise in children law matters is second-to-none, often involving complex and challenging issues, including parental alienation, allegations of psychological and physical abuse and disputes on child arrangements, relocation, and child maintenance. With a strong background in litigation, Rebecca has an excellent track record in securing favourable outcomes for her clients through the court process but is equally skilled in negotiating settlements directly with the other party’s solicitor using long-term, swift and cost-effective alternatives to the traditional court route. Her compassion and understanding of the difficulties faced by families during relationship breakdown enables her to build trusted relationships with her clients, offering outstanding legal and practical advice in a constructive and pragmatic way.

Widely regarded for his strong negotiation skills and ability to achieve prompt solutions, Andy is a highly accomplished divorce and family law specialist with a career spanning 27 years. With an enviable reputation in the Derby area, he deals with all aspects of matrimonial law, including divorce, children matters, financial settlements as well as civil partnerships, separation, cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements. He has been a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives since 1996 and is recognised as a Resolution accredited specialist in domestic violence, private children law and cohabitation. Andy is also a member of Resolution and promotes the settling of issues in a non-confrontational and amicable manner.

Client-focused and keen to support individuals through difficult times, Paul has been providing family law and matrimonial advice for over 30 years. A Director at this well-respected firm serving the Glossop community, he handles a diverse mix of cases involving divorce and separation, children issues and financial settlements, including property disputes. Paul is a member of The Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme and a dedicated member of Resolution. In addition to his family law cases, he deals with general court litigation, especially in civil claims and employment disputes and has responsibility for all of the firm’s litigation.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with over 28 years’ experience, Claire is a highly regarded expert in the area of children law. She has been a member of The Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme since 2000 and provides advice and representation to parents, grandparents, extended family members and the child/children, either directly when they have capacity to provide instructions or through their Guardian. Her caseload involves care proceedings where the Local Authority are involved with the family, often involving allegations of physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, domestic abuse and mental health issues. Claire is also able to assist in private law proceedings involving arrangements for children. She prides herself on offering sensitive, practical advice and offers assistance prior to any court proceedings being commenced, within the pre-proceedings process.

A highly skilled solicitor with over 45 years’ experience, Stuart is a specialist in the field of matrimonial and family law. He advises on a range of matters including divorce, separation, financial proceedings, children matters, cohabitee disputes, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and domestic violence. Stuart is a member of The Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme and an assessor, demonstrating his expertise in the area of children law. He is also a published author, having written four books on the law, and frequently delivers training to solicitors and practitioners around the country.