Kids Come First® is dedicated to upholding the needs and rights of children and supporting parents at every stage of their separation to help minimise the conflict which has the greatest impact on children.
We strive to help separating parents resolve their issues in the most practical and mindful way so we may signpost you to other services. Please mention us when contacting the organisations featured here.
1KBW has a strong team of skilled advocates who are experienced in representing a diverse range of clients, including those of very high public profile, those with international lifestyles and living arrangements, and those with addiction or mental health issues. Separation can affect all aspects of parenting and our private children law barristers are highly skilled at guiding clients through a wide range of disputes, achieving positive outcomes for them. We also deal with cases involving allegations of domestic abuse between parents and those which require fact-finding hearings where allegations of abuse have been made. Visit www.1kbw.co.uk
Esther Lewis is the founder of Aletheia Wealth and originally trained as a Chartered Accountant with PWC over 20 years ago. Esther runs her own financial planning practice as a Chartered Financial Planner specialising in working with clients to ensure that their finances are set up in the most tax efficient way to support them and help them achieve what they want in their lives. For clients going through separation or divorce, Esther will work with them to restructure their finances and build a comprehensive financial plan that gives clients the peace of mind they need in moving forward. She examines all areas of finances including protection, investments, pensions and inheritance tax to make sure your money is working in the best way possible to provide for you & your family’s futures. Visit: www.aletheiawealth.co.uk
BloomBudd LLP are specialists not only in the area of family law, but in our chosen aspects of family law. We believe this gives our clients the best advice for the minimum cost. People going through divorce need clarity. They need clarity of process, options and outcome. They need to be at the centre of their case, advised and assisted by solicitors who listen. We want to put the client back in control of their life and that starts with controlling the transformative process of divorce. For those with less confidence, we will guide, protect and nurture. We will build and empower. For those more used to dealing with lawyers we will listen, advise and take action. BloomBudd LLP is determined to bring a fresh approach to clients seeking advice in relation to their separation or divorce. We are proud to have successfully developed a practice away from established and traditional firms. That freedom has enabled us to appraise the needs of clients without the burden of custom and conformality and we strive to meet those needs. We want to give clients a better experience. We will answer questions, listen and be honest about costs. Visit: www.bloombudd.co.uk
Burgess Mee are a specialist London family law team that provide a magic circle service while remaining cost effective They have specialist experience in all aspects of divorce and separation, living together, disputes over money, parenting issues, pre and postnuptial agreements. Visit www.burgessmee.com
To practise family law at the highest level takes more than mastery of the law itself. It needs judgement, empathy, discretion and common sense. It involves a commitment to putting the welfare of children above all, as well as an understanding of the most complex financial arrangements. It demands a deep understanding of how to build an agreement, and how to succeed in court when there is no agreement to be found. Our approach is humane, sophisticated and pragmatic. We have pioneered a cross-disciplinary approach to family law to deliver a smart, bespoke service to our clients. With a leading family mediation practice as well as arbitrators and collaboratively trained lawyers, we are not afraid to recommend innovative ways to resolve disputes. Litigation should usually be the last resort, but we protect our clients’ interests fiercely when court proceedings are required. We will always give you clear, realistic advice and tell you what you need to know – even if it is not what you want to hear. We listen to your concerns and priorities and help you find the solution, however difficult the circumstances. Visit: www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com
Child and Family Solutions specialise in delivering high quality child focused services to families who are separating or who are experiencing difficulties. We primarily offer Independent Social Work Assessment and Mediation services but we are also able to offer other services. We are frequently recommended by Judges at all levels of the family court as well as specialist family law QCs. We enjoy a reputation for providing high quality work and are known for ‘going the extra mile’ for the children and families with whom we work. Visit www.childandfamilysolutions.co.uk
Children In The Middle are barristers with more than 45 years combined experience in family law and the only barristers who practice and specialise solely in this field. Elizabeth McCallum & Sarah Evans offer creative, practical solutions to even the most difficult situations. Wherever possible, they will help you to reach a voluntary agreement with the other parent about arrangements for your children. Wherever court action is required, they provide the experienced representation needed for every stage of the proceedings – from initial advice to drafting an application to the court, to representation at hearings and preparation of witness statements and evidence. Visit: www.childreninthemiddle.co.uk
The Circle Line offers affordable therapy online with a team of highly trained practitioners to help you. Counselling is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself and your children through a separation. Distance or conflict between parents affects children in ways we may not fully understand, despite our best intentions. As a divorcee and child of divorce herself, founder Pip Richardson, says “separation is one of the hardest, most emotionally complex things we go through as adults – so imagine what it’s like for a child. Wherever parents are in conflict it always deeply impacts on children ‘in the middle’. We owe it to them to do all we can to understand and develop ourselves & our parenting style so that we don’t unconsciously harm them and instead can give them the best possible support and role-modelling.” Visit www.thecircleline.co.uk
Dawson Cornwell have been specialising in family law since 1972. We have experienced partners with over 30 years qualification and a team of young, dedicated lawyers. Our extensive legal knowledge, with specialised financial and children departments, enables us to provide an exceptional service to our clients. Our legal expertise is reflected in the fact that, year after year, we are credited in more reported cases, changing the face of family law, than any other firm in the country. The interests of children require sensitive and expert handling. Dawson Cornwell has extensive experience in acting for parents and children in difficult custody and contact disputes. We have a team dedicated to urgent cases involving children, including child abduction and international custody cases and are accredited by Resolution as specialists in child abduction and private children law. Visit www.dawsoncornwell.com
Divorce Solutions has an approach that is entirely different to that of a firm of solicitors. Their team of experienced lawyers act as consultants to guide people through the divorce process in order to stop them making expensive mistakes. They can do this because they not only consider the established divorce processes like going through court or mediation but also little known, often cheaper and quicker processes – for example Direct Access, Collaborative Law and Arbitration. Divorce Solutions call upon their network of third-party support to help individuals, couples and families through such a difficult time. Visit: www.divorcesolutions.co.uk
The Divorce Surgery helps you cut out the conflict. When couples separate they face a number of complicated decisions about splitting their finances. Most couples need expert legal advice to find tailored solutions which are fair to both of them. What they do not need is an adversarial process which raises further tensions and can also be very costly. The Divorce Surgery short circuits the traditional route. Instead of appointing your own lawyers, one impartial, experienced family law barrister advises you both as to the way a court would view your case. We complete the process swiftly so you are each empowered to come to an agreement which is fair. No lengthy litigation, no acrimony, no delay and most importantly – no disproportionate legal fees. Founded by 2 experienced & specialist family law barristers, The Divorce Surgery is regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Visit: www.thedivorcesurgery.co.uk
Fladgate represent entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals, professional advisers & beneficiaries of both offshore and onshore trusts on financial implications and arrangements for children following a separation or a divorce. Teresa Cullen is a family law specialist dealing with all aspects of family law including issues relating to financial matters, jurisdiction & children. Visit: www.fladgate.com
Harbottle & Lewis have a proven track record of handling complex family law issues with sensitivity and compassion, quietly and efficiently. We will fight your corner but we will do so with respect and consideration for your family. We will listen to you and advise you as to the likely outcome, whatever the issue, at the earliest stage possible. Divorce and relationship breakdown is stressful. It is also a time of huge upheaval and uncertainty for you and those closest to you. We will not lock horns with other lawyers for the sake of it. Similarly, we will not embroil you in stressful court battles or pick fights unless there is no alternative to achieving a fair result. Our family group act for a diverse range of clients from A-list celebrities, start-up entrepreneurs, sole traders to individuals within the world of finance. Whatever the background of the client we are respected within the profession for resolving matters quickly and discreetly. Visit: www.harbottle.com
Howard Kennedy is a London based, full-service law firm, specialising in providing straightforward advice to entrepreneurial businesses and individuals on domestic and international matters. The ‘first-class’ Family Team, led by partner, Lois Langton, ‘excels in representing high-net-worth clients such as entrepreneurs, City workers as well as sports and media personalities’. Lois is supported by partners Katherine Res Pritchard and Nina Lake, who has strong expertise in both financial and children matters. Katherine Res Pritchard specialises exclusively in children matters, both domestic and international, and has done throughout her career. She is known for achieving excellent results for her clients even in the most difficult of circumstances. Her approach is calm, direct and straightforward, ensuring her clients feel supported both legally and emotionally, focusing on achieving the best outcomes for the children concerned. Visit: www.howardkennedy.com
Kepler Wolf have an experienced and well-respected family law expert who specialises in divorce, complex financial disputes arising from relationship breakdown, and matters relating to children. Neil McNab helps an array of people, from young professional families to successful entrepreneurs, particularly those in the sports, media, entertainment, banking and technology sectors. Neil is an accredited specialist under the acclaimed Resolution Accreditation Scheme in two areas of family law. Visit www.keplerwolf.com
Gillian Krajewski has been mediating in the UK since 1999 and is able to offer her clients an affordable, personalised divorce and family mediation service. She works in Wimbledon area of SW London or via Zoom. Krajewski Mediation is focused on you and your unique circumstances. Offering support, direction and resolution, Gillian is the first choice for those who want to divorce, separate and parent amicably. To start things moving in a more helpful direction, Gillian takes you through your dispute resolution options so you can decide on the best possible path. Visit www.krajewskimediation.com
Mediate UK were the 1st service in the UK to offer fixed fee mediation and legal packages – based on client feedback from being charged excessive legal fees for their divorce or consent order. They offer online MIAMs nationally and help with setting up independent barrister reviews – so clients have an alternative to going to court if mediation breaks down. Their divorce & family law solicitors have won awards for their service and are highly experienced in all areas of family law. With 26 offices throughout UK their 5* feedback from clients shows they genuinely care. Visit www.mediateuk.co.uk
MiD Mediation & Counselling is one of the longest-running mediation services in the UK and has been offering mediation to separating and divorcing couples since 1983. The service specialises in the field of family breakdown, with their main focus being on children who are caught up in the middle of family conflict. They offer counselling services for both adults and children. All mediators and counsellors are highly skilled and experienced. MiD is affiliated to National Family Mediation and contracted to the Legal Aid Agency for family mediation. Visit www.midmediation.org.uk
Mishcon de Reya are experts at protecting the interests of families. When dealing with relationship breakdown, we take a strategic approach to the issues and aspirations families have. We appreciate the complexity that wealth brings and we assist our clients and their families through all life stages. We are robust in our advice and our approach to litigation but always seek resolution with minimal acrimony. We handle every matter with the utmost discretion because many of our clients are high-profile and often in the public eye. We encourage parents to put children at the centre of their decision making. We understand how relationship breakdown not only affects a family but also third parties. Beyond our bespoke service for all separation or divorce issues, we anticipate and meet the needs our clients encounter in their personal & business lives. Visit: www.mishcon.com/services/family
Moore Barlow have the expertise and experience to help you deal with whatever family law issues you may be faced with. Whether you are going through a divorce, a separation, need advice regarding children, or need to draft a pre-nuptial or cohabitation agreement during a relationship – they can help. Our experienced and respected family and divorce lawyers are based in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington, and Woking. Victoria Walker is an expert in family and divorce law, providing sensitive, empathetic and experienced advice when relationships end and on all child related matters. Visit: www.moorebarlow.com
Only Mums & Only Dads have a mission to signpost families to the best professional support and accessible, accurate information when separating or divorcing. Following the publication of the ‘What About Me’ report (Family Solutions Group, Nov 2020) and (Almost) Anything But Family Court (2022) with its core messages it’s important for parents to understand the options, avoid family court where possible, and engage with professionals who are working together to best support clients. We recognised the urgent need to do things better. Visit: www.onlymums.org and www.onlydads.org
Payne Hicks Beach are accomplished in dealing with a broad range of issues that relate to children and understand that these are delicate and emotional matters that require sensitive handling. Our priority will be to seek a resolution without recourse to the courts but we are equally well versed in pursuing cases vigorously through the courts when needed. We understand that disputes concerning children can be distressing and de-stabilising. Our advice is designed to minimise upheaval and disruption and will always ensure that the child’s welfare is at the heart of the case. We have good relationships with expert professionals including counsellors, family therapists and psychologists and can bring them into a case where appropriate. We recognise that every family is unique and that a bespoke solution to meet your particular circumstances is essential. We endeavour to conduct matters relating to children with the minimum amount of acrimony, recognising at all times that after proceedings the familial relationships will remain. Visit www.phb.co.uk
Penningtons offer the highest quality of support to their clients, stemming from the experience and talent of outstanding family lawyers who are both nationally and internationally acknowledged as leaders in their field. We provide a comprehensive service which is both solution-based and bespoke. Our team is committed to providing clients with an unparalleled level of service in a compassionate, timely and cost effective manner from offices in London, Oxford, Reading and Guildford. Our solicitors’ skills include constructive negotiation, a full range of family dispute resolution services, including mediation and collaborative law, and robust and rigorous litigation if required. Visit: www.penningtonslaw.com
Stewarts is a law firm like no other. Specialising in high-value and complex disputes, their track record of success has helped them to become the UK’s leading litigation-only law firm. Their focus is on success: achieving the best results for their clients around the world. Stewarts is the pre-eminent UK divorce and family practice, ranked No.1 in both The Legal 500 and Chambers. They act for high net worth individuals based both in the UK and abroad. Their partners are regarded as “the leading lights of the profession, spearheading a department of unrivalled strength and depth advising on all aspects of family law. The Stewarts team takes time to understand the issues their clients face, and help them achieve the best possible outcome, in relation to their children and their finances. Visit www.stewartslaw.com
Stowe Family Law is the largest specialist family law firm in the UK, with over 75 divorce lawyers across 22 offices. We are highly experienced in advising and acting in all areas of family law with a particular focus on resolving complex financial matters and protecting the welfare of children during a divorce or separation. Our domestic and international clients range from high-net-worth individuals with complex financials to local professionals with more straightforward matters. Many have complex businesses, pensions and trust arrangements, inherited or overseas assets. Visit: www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk
Tees Law can help with any aspect of divorce, whether you’re married, in a civil partnership or going through a separation. Our family law solicitors have all the practical expertise and knowledge to get the best result for you and your family. We know that divorce and separation is a stressful event so our expert solicitors are here to support and guide you to a better future, striving to keep things amicable if at all possible. You’ll find us friendly, approachable and very good at what we do! Visit: www.teeslaw.com
Vardags unique Children Team in London and Oxford is led by Caroline Korah. Their Manchester office also has a dedicated Children team, headed by Director, Lucy Williams. They are ranked in Spear’s 500’s Family Lawyers Index, as the best family lawyers and Legal 500 has said of their children and family lawyers: “The team is noted for its sheer intellect”. Vardags high level of expertise covers all areas of family and children law, with their solicitors having an extensive range of specialisms, having been involved in some of the highest profile cases of recent years at all levels up to the Supreme Court. Having a specialist team of Children lawyers means there is a wealth of experience in relation to all aspects of family law. Visit: www.vardags.com
Wedlake Bell has a family department that facilitates settlement and mediation rather than conflict wherever circumstances permit. Our solicitors are experienced and qualified mediators, collaborative solicitors and family law arbitrators. We are also one of the top recommended family lawyers in the Spears 2020 Index. Our experienced Family team can advise you on all matters relating to family law, from the simplest of cases to the more complex, sensitive situations including international law. Visit www.wedlakebell.com
Winckworth Sherwood pride themselves on offering a high-quality service coupled with pragmatic advice to support you through the separation or divorce process. Their family team recognise that when a relationship breaks down it can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience for everyone involved. They are experts in dispute resolution and mediation and committed to constructive negotiation and cost-effective solutions, aimed at achieving the best result possible for clients. If court proceedings prove necessary, our no-nonsense approach will maximise the chance of securing a favourable result. Visit www.wslaw.co.uk
Withers family lawyers will give you clear direction and solutions from the very start whenever you face relationship issues. We know that whatever your circumstances are, you want your situation handled with the utmost sensitivity, discretion and expertise. We are leaders in family law so our experience and skills will deliver the right result for you. We work with clients from around the world; those with cases involving significant financial or emotional complexity; high and ultra-high net worth individuals; professionals from all walks of life; leaders in commerce, entertainment and sporting worlds. Visit: www.withersworldwide.com