Partner and Head of the Family Law Department, John has a successful track record in family law over nearly three decades. He is highly sought after for his expertise in all matters relating to relationship breakdown and family disputes, with a specialism in complex financial disputes involving pensions, foreign property, companies and trusts, and child-related cases involving IVF, child arrangements, and same-sex couple disputes. A renowned collaborative practitioner, having been quoted in the national press and delivering training on collaborative law, John is committed to achieving amicable, fair settlements for his clients, avoiding court and saving stress and expense.

An expert strategist who prides herself on offering an exceptional level of client care and extensive experience in family law matters, Emma has been supporting clients in the Barrow-in-Furness area for over 30 years. Partner and Head of the firm’s Family Department, she is instructed in a range of cases involving divorce, cohabitation disputes, separation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements and child arrangement issues. Emma is particularly skilled in advising on high net value and complex financial matters, farming partnerships and professionals. Collaboratively trained and a member of Resolution, Emma works closely with her clients in a sensitive and timely manner, offering support and practical advice with an aim to reaching an amicable conclusion without the need for court proceedings, wherever possible. She is highly recommended by her clients who have praised her composure, focus and understanding approach.

Co-owner, Director and Head of the Family Law Department, John has been providing a first class service to his clients for over 18 years. With keen negotiating skills as well as expertise in litigation, he handles a varied caseload involving divorce, separation, matrimonial finances, private children proceedings, and cohabitee disputes. John is also able to provide advice and representation on other private client matters including wills, probate, contentious probate, and professional/clinical negligence. As a member of Resolution, John’s approach to family matters is conciliatory rather than litigious, meaning that he attempts to encourage parties to consider constructive solutions to their issues. However, he is also a keen advocate and when matters cannot be amicably negotiated, he is able to represent clients in the family courts if required, as well as working closely with barristers who specialise in their respective areas of legal practice.

With exceptional knowledge, excellent negotiation skills and a constructive approach to her work, Barbara is a highly capable divorce solicitor and family lawyer who brings over 25 years’ experience to her family law cases. Heading up the Divorce and Finance team, she handles a range of matters including divorce, separation and their associated financial implications, cohabitee disputes, children matters and pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements. Barbara is also a member of Resolution and chairs the Lancashire and Cumbria Resolution Committee, as well as holding a specialist accreditation in complex financial property and pensions on divorce – she is the only Resolution accredited pensions specialist lawyer in Lancashire. She has also held membership of The Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme since 1999, demonstrating her knowledge and capabilities in the family law arena.

Representing clients in the Lancaster community, Liza is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive in this well respected Family Department. She undertakes all forms of family law work including divorce, separation, financial disputes and children matters. Liza is a member of Resolution and encourages her clients to maintain a constructive dialogue using mediation, collaborative law and negotiation in order to avoid costly and stressful court proceedings.

Known for her honest, compassionate approach and having an excellent understanding of the complexities of a relationship breakdown, Judith brings over 26 years of experience and knowledge to her role as a family law solicitor. She provides expert advice on divorce and dissolution, separation, pre-nuptial agreements and children issues. She also has expertise in complex financial cases, regularly acting on behalf of clients of high net-worth, including business owners. Judith is a member of The Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme, as well as Resolution, and always aims to support her clients in resolving matters as constructively – and with as little animosity – as possible.

Playing a significant role in the Family Department at this Legal 500 ‘Leading Firm’, Chris is recognised as one of the most highly regarded family law specialists in the Lancaster area. He has provided expert advice over a 20+ year career, specialising in complex financial arrangements in separation and divorce, both nationally and internationally and often involving high value cases. He is also instructed in complex cases relating to children, including child arrangements, national and international relocation cases, as well as advising on prohibited steps and specific issues orders. Chris’ aim is to be firm but fair, always offering support and empathy, clear guidance and advice, and encouraging solutions that consider the needs of the whole family, and in particular the best interests of children.

Representing clients in the Barrow-in-Furness community, Liza is an experienced Chartered Legal Executive in this well respected Family Department. She undertakes all forms of family law work including divorce, separation, financial disputes and children matters. Liza is a member of Resolution and encourages her clients to maintain a constructive dialogue using mediation, collaborative law and negotiation in order to avoid costly and stressful court proceedings.