Overview
I’m a Partner in Michelmores’ Family team.
My client base is diverse and includes high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, high-profile people and farming families based both in the UK and internationally.
Family legal issues cover a broad spectrum of life events, and I recognise the benefit and value of tailored legal advice at all stages of a relationship, in particular to ensure the protection of family wealth wherever possible.
My approach is constructive and collaborative. Where possible, I always try to resolve issues without litigation.
I regularly advise in relation to complex financial arrangements on divorce and cohabitation breakdown, to wealth protection, pre and post marital agreements and arrangements for children. My cases often involve complex assets, businesses and international elements.
Recently, I have seen an increase in cases involving coercive and controlling behaviour, narcissistic traits and personality disorders, and my approach is tailored to ensure these cases are handled sensitively and carefully.
I have extensive experience in complex children cases, including allegations of sexual abuse and parental alienation.
I have experience of advising and representing in cases where capacity is an issue.
I am a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Complex Financial Remedies and Children Law. I am listed as a “Next Generation Partner” in the Legal 500 and an “Up and Coming” in Chambers UK. I was named Outstanding Returner of the Year at the inaugural Women in Law Awards 2020 and was shortlisted for Associate Solicitor of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2018.
An active member of Resolution (the national organisation of family justice professionals), I sit on the Bristol Resolution Committee, having been an elected board member of the National Committee and chair of the National YRes Committee, for a number of years. I enjoy strong links with the local business and legal communities and was a Bristol Law Society council member for five years.
Outside of work, I enjoy country walks with my family and Saba the black Labrador, yoga and getting lost in a good novel. I am fluent in Spanish and before becoming a family lawyer, I volunteered for a disaster relief NGO in Peru following an earthquake.
Recent experience
Representing a client in combined TOLATA and Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 proceedings where ownership of family home was disputed and allegations raised regarding hidden wealth, misrepresentation and duress
Representing a Middle East-based client in financial remedy proceedings where a significant QROP was the main financial resource of the parties
Preparing and advising a medical consultant in relation to a premarital agreement where client was seeking to protect business interest valued at £100m
Advising in relation to an international premarital agreement with significant business and property assets in the UK and Ireland
Representing the Wife in the case of S v S [2014] EWHC 4732 (Fam) which considered the issues of pre-marital wealth, length of cohabitation and needs/sharing arguments on divorce
