Family Law
We focus on the outcome, not the process. Calm, expert guidance when it matters most.
Family law is unlike any other area of legal practice. It involves people, not just transactions. We provide expert legal advice without losing sight of the human dimension, and without prolonging conflict unnecessarily.
Family Law Services
Every matter within family law has its own nuances. Our work in this area covers the full range of situations our clients face.
Divorce & Separation
From uncontested divorces to complex defended proceedings, we guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.
Financial Settlements
Division of assets, pensions, and property on relationship breakdown. We ensure you understand your rights and achieve a fair outcome.
Child Arrangements
Residence, contact, and parental responsibility matters. We prioritise the welfare of children while protecting your rights as a parent.
Pre & Post-Nuptial Agreements
Properly drafted agreements that set out financial arrangements clearly before or after marriage. Courts give these significant weight.
Domestic Abuse Orders
Non-molestation and occupation orders obtained quickly when needed. We have emergency appointment availability for urgent protective matters.
Adoption & Surrogacy
Legal advice and court applications for stepparent adoption, agency adoption, and parental orders in surrogacy arrangements.
How We Work
We do not believe in vague promises. Every matter follows a clear process from first contact to final resolution and you are kept informed throughout in plain English.
Start with a free callUnderstanding Your Situation
Every family is different. We listen carefully before advising. What matters most to you shapes the strategy we build: the children, the home, the business.
Honest Assessment
We tell you what the court is likely to do, not what you want to hear. Realistic expectations lead to better decisions and better outcomes.
Negotiation First
Wherever possible, we resolve matters without litigation. Mediation, solicitor negotiation, and collaborative law all have their place. Court is a last resort.
Robust Representation if Needed
If the other side will not engage reasonably, we litigate with the same rigour as any of our other practice areas. Catherine Hargreaves has appeared before the Court of Appeal.
Results in This Area
£2.8M
Complex financial remedy proceedings involving business assets, pension rights, and overseas property resolved at full value after 8 months.
£1.4M
Will challenged on grounds of lack of testamentary capacity. After expert psychiatric evidence, the challenge was dismissed and the will upheld.
Shared Care
Contested child arrangements proceedings concluded with a shared care order giving our client substantially equal time with their children.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The Person on Your Case
Catherine Hargreaves
Senior Partner
Catherine is one of London's leading family law practitioners, with particular expertise in high-value financial remedy cases and contested probate. She has appeared before the Court of Appeal and is consistently recognised in Chambers & Partners. Her approach combines legal precision with the kind of practical, human judgement that complex family situations demand.
- ◆ LLB, University of Oxford
- ◆ Chambers & Partners 2018–2024
- ◆ Resolution Accredited Specialist
Common Questions
Questions we hear regularly. If yours isn't listed here, the first call is free.
How does the divorce process work in England and Wales?
Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, England and Wales operates a no-fault divorce system. Either or both parties can apply without alleging conduct or waiting for a separation period. The minimum period from application to final order is approximately six months. Financial arrangements and child matters are dealt with separately and can take longer.
How are assets divided on divorce?
The starting point is equality, but there is no automatic 50/50 split. Courts consider the length of the marriage, contributions by each party, the needs of any children, earning capacity, and the assets each party brought to the marriage. We give you a realistic view of the likely range of outcomes in your specific case.
What happens to pensions on divorce?
Pensions are often the most valuable asset in a marriage and are frequently overlooked. They must be valued and disclosed. The court can make a pension sharing order, an earmarking order, or offset the pension value against other assets. Specialist pension actuaries are sometimes needed to value defined benefit schemes correctly.
What is a non-molestation order and how quickly can I get one?
A non-molestation order prohibits a person from using or threatening violence, harassing, or intimidating you or your children. In urgent cases we can apply without notice to the other party and have a hearing the same day or next day. Breach of the order is a criminal offence carrying up to five years' imprisonment.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone.
Speak to Catherine Hargreaves in confidence. Clear advice, your options explained, at no cost.