According to clients, ‘it is not possible to have a better team' than the group at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, which regularly handles both complex international work and ultra-high-value domestic work. The practice's international reach is bolstered by its team members' skills, with James Freeman a go-to for Anglo-French cases, James Riby for Anglo-Italian, and Miranda Fisher also a specialist in this area. Team head William Longrigg is sought after for high-value divorce and prenuptial matters, often acting for high-profile clients; family businesses and their treatment on separation are a particular focus for Sarah Higgins. Cases involving cryptocurrency assets are also an area of expertise for the team, with Sarah Jane Boon a key name here. Sarah Anticoni heads up the firm’s family mediation offering, with ‘star of the future‘ Jamie Kennaugh also a mediator. Joshua Green is recommended as ‘wise beyond his years’, regularly acting for clients in the sports industry and handling cases involving publicity and media law issues, while Emily Borrowdale often advises start-up entrepreneurs.

‘Probably the best specialist family law team in London‘, Dawson Cornwell LLP has ‘an exceptional breadth of talent and skills’, handling international matters, high-value financial disputes, and public children law issues. Russell Bywater heads up the matrimonial department, with particular expertise in international trust matters, while Carolina Marín Pedreño leverages her ‘huge depth of expertise and experience’ to lead the children department. The ‘impossibly clever‘ Simon Bruce combines high-value international finance work with child custody expertise and experience as a mediator, while Sarah Jane Lenihan is sought after for private law children matters, including those which involve safeguarding concerns. Jessica Reid, also a trained mediator, regularly handles financial cases involving nondisclosure of assets, which is also an area of strength for former commercial litigator Charlotte Conner. International enforcement matters are often handled by Anna Shadbolt, and international children matters are an area of specialism for Forum Shah. Charlotte Image-Flower deals with a range of sensitive public children matters, particularly care proceedings; for adoption, surrogacy and fertility matters, Hilka Hollmann is the go-to name.

‘A fabulous boutique family law practice with a broad range of expertise‘, Family Law in Partnership Ltd combines legal advice with mediation services and access to counselling for its clients throughout their divorce, financial remedy, and children matters. Within the team, David Allison ‘isn’t afraid to fight‘ difficult matrimonial finance claims, and Elizabeth Hicks is a go-to for both financial and children matters which have cross-jurisdictional aspects, while Pamela Collis’ particular focus is on surrogacy and international relocation cases, which is also an area of strength for Mariko Wilson. As ‘one of the doyens in the field of family law’, James Pirrie is noted for his expertise regarding child support, and complex children matters are also an area of particular experience for Daniel Coombes. Bradley Williams ‘is a true warrior of family law litigation’, often working internationally. Elizabeth Fletcher’s practice emphasises non-court dispute resolution options promoted by the firm, while Helen Greenfield specialises in assisting clients who have been affected by domestic abuse or coercive control. Charlotte Symes and Grace Lawrence regularly handle nuptial agreements. Selena Arbe Barnes, Nicole Phillips and Kara Swift are also recommended.

Retaining an ‘an old world feel’ while approaching cases in ‘an entirely modern way’, Farrer & Co regularly handles international matters for a range of high and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Department head William Massey is noted for his expertise regarding complex financial situations including trusts, tax issues, and multiple jurisdictions. Claire Gordon has particular experience in cases across Hong Kong, New York and Switzerland; international matters are also an area of expertise for Edward Floyd. Combining ‘fantastic strategic vision and a real mastery of the law‘, Caroline Holley is sought after by clients in the entertainment industry. The team’s financial remedy expertise is combined with strength in children matters: Sarah Hutchinson regularly works at this intersection, including in Hague Convention proceedings, along with Amy Radnor and Flora Harragin. Frederick Tatham, ‘a ferociously good lawyer who will go very far’, has notable experience in Hong Kong, while John Davies ‘is technical with a strong international focus’. Alexander Woolley is recommended as ‘diligent, technical and thoughtful‘.

Clients ‘greatly appreciate’ the ‘user friendly’ style at boutique firm Hughes Fowler Carruthers, which offers the full range of domestic and international finance and children expertise. Frances Hughes heads up the practice, specialising in complex divorce cases which involve high-value assets and multiple jurisdictions. Alex Carruthers ‘is a powerhouse of a lawyer’, sought after for complex legal issues involved in matrimonial finance cases, while Pauline Fowler is recommended for her ability to find ‘creative solutions that work for real families‘. For pre-nuptial and pre-civil partnership agreements, Mark Harper is a go-to, and Renato Labi ‘negotiates as well as he litigates‘ in high-stakes divorce matters. ‘A brilliant lawyer and a clever tactician‘, Caroline Park handles long-running and often cross-border cases; such international matters are also an area of expertise for Kate Brett. The team’s children practice handles international relocation, abduction, adoption and surrogacy matters, along with sensitive issues of domestic abuse and coercive control.

The ‘high-powered, well-respected’ family team at Kingsley Napley LLP has a ‘first-class reputation’, and is ‘often at the cutting edge of new developments’. The team often undertakes international work, with particular experience relating to France and the US. Sital Fontenelle took over as head of the family team in March 2024 from Charlotte Bradley, who now spearheads the team’s mediation offering. Fontenelle offers extensive experience in both financial and children cases, including leave to remove. ‘Superstar’ Jane Keir is the go-to in the team for wealth protection both pre- and post-divorce, while Connie Atkinson, ‘a shining light‘, is skilled in complex surrogacy cases. Atkinson, Lauren Evans and Stacey Nevin also practice as mediators; Evans regularly handles international issues and Nevin is particularly sought after for matters involving complex trust structures. Abby Buckland‘s practice focuses on high-net-worth financial and children cases. Rachel Freeman departed the team to Burgess Mee in January 2024.

‘Quite simply the best HNW divorce team in London‘, the family offering at Payne Hicks Beach LLP provides ‘a top-rate level of service to clients and achieves fantastic results’. Nick Manners took over as head of the practice in May 2024, noted for his work on complicated financial remedy litigation and jurisdictional disputes. Fiona Shackleton is a standout figure in the team; ‘brilliant with clients and brilliant with the case‘, she is sought after by high-profile individuals for complex divorce proceedings. The team regularly handles wealth protection matters, including pre- and post-nuptial agreements; Philip McGuirk is a go-to for this work, which is also a focus of mediator Matthew Booth’s practice. ‘Big money’ cases, requiring expert valuations and complex budgets, are an area of strength for Ben Parry-Smith, while Simon Beccle is noted for work with an international element. Sarah Williams heads up the team’s modern family law offering, with extensive expertise regarding fertility, surrogacy, and adoption law. Katie Parkes is experienced in dealing with international children matters. Isabella Savill is also recommended. Catherine Costley and Joshua Moger departed the team in November 2023 to Fladgate LLP, and Harriet Errington was a ‘brilliant addition‘ from Boodle Hatfield LLP, joining the team in April 2024.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s family team is ‘amongst the strongest in London‘, led ‘extremely well‘ by Anna Worwood, ‘an international relocation expert’, and arbitrator and head of strategy for the team James Stewart, who is ‘a first choice for cases involving prenuptial agreements or cross-border matters‘. A number of team members have specialist experience of international matters, including Anglo-US experienced Elizabeth Carson and Rebecca Carlyon, whose client base includes high-profile figures in entertainment, politics and finance. Jane Craig is particularly engaged in the law around cohabitees, and Linzi Bull is specialised in LGBTQ+ family issues including international surrogacy, and innovative use of pre-conception agreements. For complex financial matters, including those involving trust structures, family offices and offshore assets, Amanda Andrews is a go-to, while international child abduction work is regularly handled by Tammy Knox. In October 2024, the team was joined by Tom Amlot, Lucy Brown, and Kate Williams, all previously at AFP Bloom.

Praised as ‘the strongest matrimonial team in London – and indeed the UK’, Stewarts Law LLP‘s family team boasts ‘several big hitting partners and strength in depth at all levels‘. Department head and ‘master strategist‘ Stephen Foster is recommended as a go-to for ‘high value, multi jurisdictional and complicated matters‘. ‘Excellent negotiator’ Debbie Chism is highlighted for her collaborative practice, while Matthew Humphries‘ litigation experience stands out. For international matters, in particular those in the US, Emma Hatley is a go-to; Toby Atkinson also sought after for these issues. Richard Hogwood is ‘the mastermind of pre and post nups’, valued for his ‘thoughtful and empathetic approach‘. Carly Kinch often handles matters involving trusts, family businesses and inherited wealth, while Lucy Stewart-Gould spearheads the team’s links with Hong Kong and the Middle East. Lewis Powers is also recommended, and Helen Ward remains a key figure in the team.

‘Without doubt one of the top London firms‘, Withers LLP fields a family team with ‘a strength in depth, from the most junior trainee to the most senior partner, which is unparalleled‘. The group’s non-court dispute resolution offering, including the firm’s Uncouple model, is a standout element: Claire Blakemore and Diana Parker are key to the model’s development, and Adele Pledger is also noted for her mediation work. ‘Superb‘ team head Suzanne Todd has notable experience in Anglo-Italian matters and multijurisdictional pre-nups, while Michael Gouriet regularly acts for entrepreneurs and land owners. Katharine Landells is recommended as ‘a cut above‘ in financially and emotionally complex cases, and Brett Frankle‘s practice spans financial disputes and private law children work, including international relocations. Julian Lipson‘s work often features tax and trust concerns, which are also a strength for the ‘bright and effective’ Jennifer Dickson. Alexander Breedon has a growing practice in jurisdiction/forum disputes, and Sarfraz Ali is praised for his ‘keen eye for detail‘.

AFP Bloom was created from the merger of Alexiou Fisher Phillips and BloomBudd in February 2024, pairing the former’s longstanding experience in the market with the latter’s innovative approaches. Franco-British cross-qualified William Healing and Zoë Bloom, ‘a force of nature‘ who specialises in complex financial remedies litigation, are key names to note. The firm’s children unit is headed up by Victoria Toy , ‘an exceptional talent‘ whose practice involves Family Law Act proceedings and social services issues, and is often international. Trained mediator Nicole Derham ‘provides excellent support for the vulnerable client’. Previous team head Tom Amlot joined Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in October 2024 alongside Lucy Brown and Kate Williams, and Katie Longmate departed to Russell-Cooke LLP in January 2024.

Emily Brand heads up the family team at Boodle Hatfield LLP, providing a ‘Rolls Royce service for clients, with talented lawyers at every level‘. Brand is a go-to for cases involving private equity, hedge funds and family businesses, acting for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. International work is often handled by James Ferguson, whose expertise spans intricate tax and trust issues, while Katie O’Callaghan is recommended for her ability to handle ‘eye wateringly complex work’, regularly involving high-value family businesses. Alexandra Hirst is sought after for proceedings involving onshore and offshore trust assets, and Katie Male has experience of cross-jurisdictional matters. Harriet Errington departed the team in April 2024 to Payne Hicks Beach LLP.

Fladgate LLP’s ‘strong family team’ was bolstered in November 2023 by the addition of Catherine Costley and Joshua Moger from Payne Hicks Beach LLP. The practice draws on the firm’s private capital focus, often advising those with family businesses and passion asset collectors. Teresa Cullen is noted for her ‘formidable’ knowledge of finance cases, while Hetty Gleave’s art and cultural property expertise supports her work with high-net-worth divorces. Pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and financial provisions for unmarried parents are both areas in which Costley is particularly experienced, and Moger is ‘tenacious and enthusiastic’ in both finance and children matters. Rebecca Christie has notable experience working with victims of domestic abuse. The practice also saw a notable boost in September 2024 with the additional recruitment of the highly regarded Rebecca Cockcroft from Payne Hicks Beach LLP; Cockcroft now heads up the practice.

Sitting within ‘one of the best private client teams in the country‘, the Forsters LLP family team applies a ‘rigorous and realistic approach’ to its cases including high-value nuptial agreements and international child arrangements. Team head Joanne Edwards is ‘one of the leading family lawyers of her generation‘, a mediator often dealing with international children and finance matters. Rosie Schumm, ‘a charismatic and dynamic stand out individual‘, is a go-to for strategic advice in complex matters. Simon Blain regularly handles child relocation matters and provides advice on international surrogacy arrangements, while Dickon Ceadel specialises in the negotiation of international nuptial agreements. Amanda Sandys is recommended for her ‘great judgment‘, and is regularly sought out by unmarried families.

‘One of the go to firms for children work‘, Freemans Solicitors combines expertise in public and private children law with a specialist matrimonial finance team. Team head Nina Hansen is ‘second to none‘ in her work for vulnerable children engaged with local authorities and high-profile, often aristocratic, clients alike. For international matters Laura Coyle is a go-to: ‘her technical expertise is second to none and she is a tactical genius’. Mark Kosmin heads up the matrimonial team, supported by Georgina Stavrou, specialising in matters involving complex asset structures. Marianna Michaelides joined the team from Bindmans LLP in November 2023, with particular expertise in international parental child abduction work. Andriana Syrimis is also recommended.

‘A heavyweight firm’, Goodman Ray is ‘always instructed for one of the parties in the most interesting and high-profile cases‘, with particular expertise in public law children matters alongside its private children and matrimonial work. Its deep bench of leaders includes Peggy Ray, a complex children work specialist; Trudi Featherstone, who is head of matrimonial finance; Jemma Dally, who is an adoption, surrogacy, and international childcare expert; Kevin Skinner, a go-to for alternative families matters; and mediator solicitor Thomas Brownrigg. Catriona Allan was made partner in October 2023, specialising in care proceedings and often conducting her own advocacy. The ‘hugely experienced’ Emma Sherrington is another key member of the care team, representing parents dealing with allegations of harm. Janet Broadley and Ann Thompson are also recommended. Hannah Perry joined the team from TV Edwards Solicitors LLP in March 2024.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP ‘is the perfect example of what a boutique specialist London family law firm can offer’, often dealing with high-profile individuals and offering expertise across complex financial arrangements and vulnerable children cases. Department head Catherine Bedford is recommended for her approach to high-value, reputationally sensitive matters, working regularly with the firm’s reputation protection and media team. Multijurisdictional matters are an area of expertise for Nicholas Westley, while Mark Irving ‘fiercely‘ represents his clients in both children and financial cases. Lidia Cantele is noted for her ‘sophisticated and subtle insight‘ on large, long-running matters, while Polly Broad has particular experience with vulnerable clients, including those experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour.

‘Commercially savvy but with high levels of emotional intelligence‘, the Hunters Law LLP team has recently grown with the addition of Alex Brereton from Mishcon de Reya LLP and Maria Wright from Children and Families Across Borders in February 2024; Brereton ‘brings a sure-footed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable approach‘ to complex financial proceedings. ‘Indomitable’ team head Henry Hood has a particular specialism in cases involving landed estates and farms, while Richard Kershaw offers ‘unparalleled’ expertise in private equity cases. Jo Carr-West is recommended for her mediation work, Olivia Piercy‘s domestic abuse work is particularly noted, and Amy Scollan is experienced in finance cases involving complex trust structures. The practice also gained the expertise of Amy Rowe in 2024, who added notable international children law expertise.

Levison Meltzer Pigott is ‘a small but perfectly formed boutique firm in central London’, which is ‘known for the quality of its partners and associates and punching above its weight‘. The group's work includes complex financial matters, including international assets, trust structures, and jurisdictional disputes. Co-founder and team head Simon Pigott has a notable mediation practice; along with Jeremy Levison , the pair are praised as ‘titans of family law’. Kate Stovold specialises in financial claims, including those with international elements, and is experienced in nuptial agreements. International work is also an area of expertise for Benjamin Stowe, who is ‘tenacious, hungry and unafraid to give the right advice’.

The family team at Mills & Reeve LLP has experience across both finance and children work, drawing on the expertise of its teams across the country and practice groups including the agriculture, personal tax, and immigration teams. Joanna Grandfield heads up the practice, combining experience as a barrister with a mediation practice and a collaborative approach, and specialising in complex financial matters. Children law specialist Zoe Fleetwood heads up the firm’s national children team, and is particularly strong in high conflict cases, often representing children. Colin Rogerson is also a member of the children law team, focusing his practice on surrogacy and assisted reproduction work.

Mishcon de Reya LLP is ‘one of the best and leading firms in the country for family law work‘. The family team is headed up by Kate Clark, ‘a complete star’ whose practice focuses on complex financial remedy cases, often international in nature. Claire Yorke heads up the team’s non-court dispute resolution group; she is a mediator and ‘one of the very best and brightest partners working in family law’. The ‘wickedly intelligent and strategically minded‘ Barbara Reeves is noted for her work with the department’s addiction specialist team, which is also an area of strength for Clare Radcliffe. Sandra Davis, who is ‘frankly leagues ahead of her competitors‘, specialises in ultra-high-net-worth cases with media elements. Antonia Felix leads the team’s surrogacy and modern families group, while James Rees is a go-to for cases with a Middle East element.

Newton Kearns LLP ‘brings all the benefits of a boutique practice to the table‘ and clients praise the team as ‘dedicated, engaged, agile and flexible’; it is led by co-founders Patrick Kearns, ‘a hugely talented lawyer‘, and the ‘super bright, sensible and trustworthy’ Paul Newton. The team’s focus is on complex and high-value financial disputes, as well as nuptial agreements and resolutions after the breakdown of cohabiting relationships. Frances Petterson is ‘head and shoulders above her peers‘, experienced in both complex finance and domestic and international children matters, including adoptions. Victoria Francis rounds out the partnership, and Ali Granville is recommended as ‘superbly talented‘. All partners in the team are trained mediators.

‘A market leader’ across ‘public law, international cases, financial and children work’, Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and ‘fighter who will get the job done‘ on both complex financial matters and international children cases. Lisa Pepper is a go-to for non-court dispute resolution, and Andrew Watson is a cohabitation specialist, while Joanne Wescott specialises in divorce and finance matters. The firm’s alternative parenting team is headed up by Naomi Angell, handling domestic and international adoption, surrogacy, and fertility issues including experience working with the LGBTQ+ community. Lauren Hall leads the international children team, while Maria Kitsiou heads up the domestic children offering. Yael Selig joined the team in September 2023 from legacy firm Ince & Co, leading the Hampstead office. Diana Bastow is also recommended.

As ‘a truly excellent firm‘, Russell-Cooke LLP‘s family team is ‘always at the forefront of developments’ from a range of non-court dispute resolution options, including mediation and arbitration, to international surrogacy arrangements. James Carroll, managing partner, is ‘a brilliant strategist‘ with experience of complex financial disputes, leading the central London team alongside Kate Hamilton, who is ‘second to none‘; Katie Longmate, who joined the team in January 2024 from AFP Bloom; and Jemma Pollock, who is a go-to for cohabitation disputes. Arbitrator Fiona Read and financial specialist Hannah Minty co-head the Putney team. Sarah Richardson leads the children team, handling serious child protection matters and with a growing practice in alternative family law, where Jade Quirke, a fertility law specialist, is a particularly experienced. Samantha Little and Rachel Donald are also recommended.

The International Family Law Group LLP ‘really is second to none’ as a specialist firm for international families and children with connections to England and Wales. Managing partner Lucy Loizou is particularly sought after by Greek and Cypriot clients, with expertise in trust and corporate assets. For nuptial agreements, Lucy Greenwood is the key name to note, while overseas pensions are an area of expertise for Michael Allum. Helen Blackburn is ‘exceptional‘ in cross-border child law, notably abduction work, which is also an area of strength for James Netto, who has a growing practice in modern family and surrogacy work. Rosa Schofield joined the team in October 2023 from Family Law Partners, experienced in matters involving allegations of domestic abuse. Firm co-founder David Hodson OBE KC(Hons) MCIArb remains a key part of the practice.

‘Both the Rolls Royce and the Ferrari of the family law world‘, Vardags stands out for its handling of ‘the most complex and difficult of cases‘. Firm founder and team head Ayesha Vardag, an ‘extremely intelligent lawyer’ valued for her ‘wise insights and clever strategies‘, often supports ultra-high-net-worth clients in complex financial disputes. Simon McKirgan is a go-to for difficult cases, including jurisdiction disputes. The children team is headed up by Caroline Korah, who is ‘the perfect balance of empathetic and tough’ and experienced in both domestic and international matters. David Lister joined the team from Rayden Solicitors in July 2023, and is ‘a stalwart and legend in the field‘, while the group gained Robert Hines in November 2023, who is ‘a brilliant and gifted lawyer’, from Mishcon de Reya LLP. Antonia Barker and Lois Rogers departed the team in August 2023 to Hamblin Family Law LLP and Ribet Myles, respectively.

The Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP family team offers a ‘holistic service‘, providing advice across matrimonial finance issues, cohabitation disputes, complex children work, and wealth protection team members are praised as ‘not only brilliant lawyers, but amazing with clients’. Kim Beatson co-heads the family team, bringing ‘vast experience’ to high-value financial matters. Fellow co-head Sarah Hughes often handles family-owned business assets relating to divorces, nuptial agreements, and private children law matters. International surrogacy matters are an area of strength for Fiona Snowdon, while David Emmerson is a go-to for jurisdiction issues.

Leveraging its ‘long-standing tradition of excellence‘, Bindmans LLP works on ‘important and complex‘ cases with standout experience in public children law cases. Alison Leivesley heads up the team, and is a specialist in children law with a growing international practice including FGM, domestic abuse, and forced marriage cases. Maud Davis is recommended as ‘extremely experienced, knowledgeable and hardworking‘ in the most complex public children cases. Melissa Arnold is the go-to for matrimonial finance work, and is a trained mediator with ‘a keen eye for detail’. Maeve Lucey is also recommended.

‘Exceptional’ boutique Bross Bennett is co-headed by founders Sharon Bennett and Ruth Bross. Bennett is ‘one of the best family solicitors in the country’, and Bross is praised for fighting ‘harder than anyone for her clients‘. The team’s expertise spans complex financial disputes, nuptial agreements, and cohabitation breakdowns, alongside children work; it also offers non-court dispute resolution advice, with Anna Wagstaff a trained mediator. The ‘incredibly hardworking and very diligent’ Eleanor Hoare was promoted to partner in September 2023.

Praised for its ‘unwavering commitment to excellence‘, boutique firm Burgess Mee fields a team of experts across finance issues, child arrangements, modern families and wealth protection work. Peter Burgess, joint founder of the firm, combines a mediation practice, children work, and financial disputes expertise, while fellow co-founder Antonia Mee is praised for her ‘unparalleled’ knowledge in child relocation cases. ‘Exceptional partner‘ David Lillywhite, also a mediator, is a go-to for nuptial agreements. Natalie Sutherland heads up the firm’s modern family department, with an established practice in surrogacy and fertility law. Rachel Freeman joined the team in January 2024 from Kingsley Napley LLP.

Hanne & Co‘s longstanding reputation in public law children work is paired with experience of both private children matters, including abductions, and high-value financial disputes. Emma Baillie joined the team from TV Edwards Solicitors LLP in January 2024 to head up the firm’s finance and private law children work, with the childcare practice led by Michele Brown. Rokeya Dangor is a key member of the childcare team, focusing on non-accidental and fatal injury cases, and matters involving allegations of abuse. Elinor Feeny is also recommended.

‘Modern in outlook‘ and ‘commercial in approach’, the Howard Kennedy LLP family team is ‘full of really smart, highly capable lawyers‘. According to clients, ‘you can’t get much better than’ team head Lois Langton, whose practice regularly involves international elements and clients from the sports sector. Nina Lake is ‘beyond brilliant‘ in both matrimonial and child disputes, while Katherine Res Pritchard is ‘a total star and a leading figure in the field‘ as a children law specialist with particular strength in international relocation. Iona Nicolson joined the team in September 2023 from Vardags.

‘A large cohesive specialist family law team‘ operating nationwide, Irwin Mitchell‘s family department is ‘strong at all levels‘. National head of team Ros Bever is based in Manchester, while in London, Toby Hales is a key name. Claire Filer focuses on matters for high-net-worth clients, including internationally, alongside mediation work. Alongside Filer and Hales, Fran Hipperson and Carmel Brown round out the London-based team. Hipperson is ‘a fantastic lawyer with an eye for detail', while Brown provides ‘tactical, pragmatic and realistic’ advice in children matters.

Keystone Law‘s range of family law specialists are noted for their capabilites in both financial and children’s law, working remotely through its consultancy model. Experts include Susan Apthorp, who is a go-to for international relocation matters and issues involving provisions for children with complex medical needs, and Claire O’Flinn, who regularly handles reputationally sensitive matters for high-profile clients. Carolyn Bottomley is dual-qualified in England and Wales as well as Australia, while Richard Collins has specialist experience advising on the impact of addiction, bipolar disorder and behaviour difficulties on divorces.

The ‘extremely knowledgeable and professional’ family team at Miles & Partners LLP is headed up by Kate Hammond and Ritu Sood; both are recommended for their work in care proceedings alongside private law children work. Hammond is also experienced in children matters involving local authorities, and Sood often advises guardians. Harriet Brame handles a range of complex children cases, including those involving allegations of non-accidental injury, while Linda Pope is ‘an excellent strategist’ and a go-to for matrimonial finance matters. Gemma Hodder is also recommended.

With ‘quality at all levels and taking a personal yet professional approach to all its cases‘, the family team at Simons Muirhead Burton is led by Jane McDonagh, ‘a brilliant family lawyer‘ who often works with business owners, individuals in the entertainment industry, and internationally, with particular experience in the Middle East. Tom Farley-Hills is ‘an outstanding lawyer‘ with notable experience advising on nuptial agreements and financial disputes, often with offshore elements, while Sarah Harding is praised as ‘a standout performer‘ with specialist expertise regarding intervenor disputes and child arrangement disputes.

TV Edwards Solicitors LLP fields ‘a wide team offering expertise in all areas of family law‘, noted for its public law children practice alongside strength in high-value matrimonial finance. Paul Read co-heads the team, often dealing with complicated business and international assets in divorces. Children law specialist Sarah Inchley co-heads the team with Read, with particular strength in international children law. Anest Mathias is ‘a star‘ in surrogacy and fertility matters. Emma Baillie departed the team in December 2023 to Hanne & Co, and Hannah Perry moved to Goodman Ray in January 2024.

Vaitilingam Kay is ‘an undeniably exceptional law firm‘, led and co-founded by Joe Vaitilingam and Anne Kay. As ‘one of the very best and most intelligent lawyers in London’, Vaitilingam is a go-to for work relating to nuptial agreements and trust assets. Kay is ‘absolutely second-to-none‘ in both complex children and financial matters, with additional mediation expertise. The firm has standout experience in cases involving domestic abuse, a key area of expertise for Sara Wychrij, and the ‘magnificent‘ Kate Barnett has particular strength in jurisdictional disputes.

Weightmans LLP‘s London family team offers ‘a boutique service from a large full-service firm’, headed up by Manchester-based Emma Collins. Caroline Penfold in the London team has a ‘wealth of experience’ in nuptial agreements, financial disputes, and private children matters. The ‘client-focused and committed‘ Carina Smith is particularly experienced in cohabitation agreements and financial relief for unmarried parents, while Robert Emmett pairs ‘an eye for detail and accountancy brain‘ to tackle high-value, often international, disputes. Lottie Tyler offers mediation expertise alongside other methods of non-court dispute resolution.

The ‘large and talented family law team’ of ‘first-rate lawyers’ at Burges Salmon LLP in London sits alongside its established team in Bristol, led by ‘force of nature‘ Sarah Hoskinson. Hoskinson handles complex financial disputes and nuptial agreements, including internationally, and is noted for her ‘unsurpassed’ expertise regarding pensions in divorces. ‘Exceptional lawyer‘ Richard Handel specialises in advising high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on divorce and child relocation matters.

The family team at Burke Niazi Solicitors & Advocates has longstanding experience representing vulnerable clients, often handling care proceedings, and is able to assist clients in a range of languages. Team head David Marcus specialises in care and financial relief proceedings, including acting for children’s guardians. Matters impacted by mental health concerns, domestic abuse, and substance misuse are all areas of experience for the team.

Family law boutique Camilla Baldwin is ‘brimming with expertise and experience to the point it almost seems unfair on opponents‘. Founder and head Camilla Baldwin ‘is one of the giants of family law‘, advising high and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Louise Walker joined the team from Harrison Clark Rickerbys in August 2023; she ‘brings a wealth of experience‘ acting for high-profile clients and those with generational wealth. Luned Rees Williams is also recommended.

The ‘dynamic‘ family team at Clintons is ‘streamlined and efficient’, often supporting clients in the sport and entertainment industries. Daniel Chalmers is a ‘future leader of the profession‘, specialising in matrimonial finance matters including multi-jurisdictional and Schedule 1 Children Act matters. As ‘one of the best of the best‘, Liz Vernon regularly advises on nuptial agreements and represents clients involved in mediation, arbitration, and non-court dispute resolution more widely.

Collyer Bristow LLP‘s ‘first-rate‘ family law offering focuses on high-value matrimonial finance matters, including nuptial agreements, and private law children disputes. It is experienced in culturally complex matters involving the Jewish, Muslim, Catholic and Greek Orthodox faiths. Team head Toby Yerburgh is a ‘first-class tactician’ with notable experience in international matters. For mediation, Philippa Dolan is a go-to, and Tanya Roberts is recommended for complex children matters.

‘A go-to firm‘ for family law matters, Duncan Lewis Solicitors is experienced in both public and private children matters, with a specialism in care proceedings and emergency safeguarding situations. The firm's autism and ADHD specialist unit is particular noted, led by Alia Lewis and supporting neurodivergent children and families. The practice is also recognised for its work with victims of domestic violence, substance abuse, and FGM cases. The team established a new mediation offering in January 2024.

Hamblin Family Law LLP, which launched in May 2023, is ‘fast becoming a go-to firm given its fresh approach‘. Founder and head Georgina Hamblin, former head of family at Vardags, is ‘superbly accomplished’ in high-value, multi-jurisdictional divorce cases. The team gained Hannah Budd from legacy firm Bloom Budd, along with Charlotte Lee from Vardags and Tim Carpenter from Stewarts Law LLP, in January 2024, followed in March by Antonia Barker, also from Vardags. The practice handles the full range of family matters, including financial disputes relating to divorce, cohabitation and nuptial agreements, and jurisdictional disputes.

With ‘a powerhouse of a team’, JMW Solicitors LLP‘s London family offering expands on its Manchester-based strength, headed up by Michael Rowlands. ‘One of the best in the business’, Rowlands supports clients in the Gulf States, Saudi Arabia, and Monaco from London, while Philip Cooper is a ‘stand-out’ for nuptial agreements. Clients from the ex-patriate Middle East community seek out Mark Gilmartin, who also heads up the modern families team, which handles surrogacy and adoption issues.

Boutique firm Ketley Miller Joels Ltd, which is ‘a small but expert firm which always goes the extra mile for clients‘, is headed up by dual-qualified Anglo-Australian lawyer Clayton Miller, who is particularly adept at cases involving trusts and complex questions of jurisdiction. Margaret Kelly-Edwards, also Anglo-Australian trained, is both a mediator and arbitrator. The team has notable experience in child abduction and relocation matters, and international nuptial agreements. For cohabitation disputes, Sarah Basso is a key name.

Ribet Myles is ‘going from strength to strength‘, fielding ‘an incredibly formidable team’ headed up by co-founders Julian Ribet and Alistair Myles. Myles is ‘tenacious‘ in complex financial disputes, which is also an area of strength for Ribet, who is an arbitrator, mediator and ‘ruthless litigator’. Lois Rogers is a go-to for ultra-high-net-worth clients, while Dom Christophers ‘is the go-to guy for musicians‘, leveraging his experience in the music industry. The team gained Lucy Hitchen from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP and Rebecca Pierce from Vardags in January 2024.

Louise Barretto heads up the family team at Russells Solicitors, regularly acting for high-profile clients in the media industry and the arts more broadly. Barretto’s particular expertise lies in cases involving narcissistic behaviour and coercive control, and connected parental alienation. Carol Ellinas is ‘a star to have in your corner‘, and David Hodgson‘s ‘legal knowledge is second to none‘. The team is also noted for its work advising on nuptial agreements for same-sex couples.

‘A real top-end firm in the family law market‘, RWK Goodman‘s London team has grown with the addition of Kim Lehal from Brethertons LLP in September 2023, and Keeley Lengthorn from Taylor Rose in June 2024. Lehal now heads up the international children department, with Lengthorn at the helm of the public law children team. Simon Bassett leads the team nationally from Oxford, while Natalie Lemonides heads up the London international divorce and finance team.

The ‘wonderful’ family team at Seddons offers ‘a boutique service’ dealing with ‘large-scale litigation‘. ‘Immensely experienced’ team head Neil Russell is a go-to for divorce cases, nuptial agreements, and cohabitation matters. The ‘superb‘ Catherine Hancock joined the team in September 2023 from legacy firm Axiom DWFM; she is a mediator with notable experience in complex children law matters. In January 2024, David Thompson moved over from JMW Solicitors LLP, and Kate Ryan joined the team from IBB Law in February 2024.

Sinclair Gibson LLP‘s family department combines the ‘advantages of a specialist boutique firm‘ with ‘the advantage of being part of a larger firm offering useful, cross-over expertise’. Kathryn Peat co-heads the team, and stands out for her ‘experience and judgment‘ practicing across children and finance matters as both a lawyer and arbitrator. Co-head James Copson ‘is the go-to lawyer for complicated cases‘ involving international elements and pensions advice.

‘A fantastic law firm‘ which is particularly noted for its ‘ability to deal with more complex and vulnerable clients’, Wilson Solicitors LLP’s family team is headed up by ‘standout solicitor’ Aysen Soyer. The group's work with vulnerable clients includes representing clients with severe mental health or learning difficulties; Patricia Beckett is particularly recommended for this work. Amna Khaliq handles international child abduction matters, and Baljit Bains specialises in both private and public children law applications.

‘A unique London boutique, with quality practitioners’, Allard Bailey Family Law is co-headed by founders Louise Allard and Sabrina Bailey. Allard, who is ‘clever and pragmatic‘, often handles financial disputes involving international elements and company assets, while Bailey has particular experience in children matters such as international relocations. Louise Poulton is ‘a star individual‘, taking on complex matters across high-net-worth financial relief and private children law.

Boutique firm Bortoft Bell has ‘unparalleled knowledge of the family court system with empathy’. Founders Arron Bortoft and Charlie Bell co-head the firm. Bell, ‘a genuinely brilliant lawyer‘, is a go-to for nuptial agreements and jurisdictional disputes, while ‘top-class lawyer‘ Bortoft focuses on high-net-worth finance and children proceedings. Catherine Thomas ‘is a truly top-notch solicitor’ with particular experience in international litigation.

Richard Higham heads up the ‘truly exceptional‘ family team at Carlsons Solicitors, and is praised as a ‘knowledgeable family lawyer’ who is experienced in financial disputes, domestic abuse cases, and cross-border issues, with a focus on private Children Act matters. Daniel Russell is recommended for his work with high-profile clients in matters with significant, legally complex assets. Mark Evans KC works as a consultant barrister with the team.

The ‘extremely sharp’ Philip Morton heads up the family team at DMH Stallard LLP, handling international, complex financial disputes involving offshore trusts and family investment companies. Aziz Malik ‘is a remarkable divorce lawyer‘, while Amanda Glass, who joined the team in September 2023 from Knights, has a notable family and private wealth practice. Jennifer Douglas is experienced in Children Act proceedings and surrogacy law.

‘One of the forerunners in the wave of new boutique practices‘, Edwards Family Law acts for high and ultra-high-net-worth clients on family law matters from financial disputes and child arrangements to cohabitation and nuptial agreements. Founder Kelly Edwards ‘is a star’, experienced in international matters including jurisdiction disputes.

The family team at Freeths LLP in London is ‘pragmatic, sensible and outcome-orientated’. Group head Irpreet Kohli is recommended for her tactical analysis of issues, with particular work with clients in the Asian community. Charlotte Coyle is a go-to for international surrogacy matters, as well as work involving grandparents and relatives in child contact arrangements. Judy Bodansky is noted for her work with the Jewish community.

Hall Brown Family Law fields an ‘excellent team at every level’, headed up by Izzy Walsh, who is ‘a tour de force’ whose practice involves international cases with complex corporate and trust structures, as well as nuptial agreements. Catherine Bell, ‘an empathetic and pragmatic lawyer’, has notable experience in domestic and international surrogacy issues alongside high-net-worth financial remedy cases.

‘A stellar firm offering a first-class service‘, Hodge Jones & Allen’s family team is headed up by Jacqueline Major, ‘a highly experienced partner‘ and qualified mediator with expertise regarding all areas of privately funded work. Vanessa Friend joined the team in February 2024 from Stowe Family Law LLP, heading up the mediation and alternative dispute resolution offering. In October 2023, Manisha Raja joined from legacy firm Axiom Ince.

Sheridans fields a ‘dynamic and dedicated’ family team, headed up by Andrea Plum, who is ‘a master of what she does‘, regularly handling high-value, complex financial cases and nuptial agreements. Priya Palanivel ‘is a standout lawyer’ in the team, advising clients on multi-jurisdictional asset structures. The team works closely with the firm’s media department, advising on complex tax, corporate and company structures.

The family team at Wedlake Bell LLP handles complex, international financial disputes, nuptial agreements, and trust assets alongside children law matters. Natasha Kurth is recommended for ultra-high-net-worth matters, and Jennifer Ball is the go-to for children cases, including international relocations, while Sarah Infante is recommended for her expertise in high-value financial claims. Matthew Brunsdon-Tully left in December 2023 to return to practice as a barrister at 1GC | Family Law. Former practice head Charmaine Hast left in September 2024, while Alex Davies joined as practice head from Cripps in November.

The ‘personable, whip smart and thorough‘ Sarah Ingram leads the team at Winckworth Sherwood LLP, with particular expertise in offshore trust companies and trustees in divorce cases. The group's work includes handling high-net-worth financial remedy and nuptial agreements, along with cohabitation disputes and child arrangement proceedings.

Characterised by its ‘exceptional breadth of experience‘, the family team at Broadfield Law UK LLP acts for clients internationally with notable expertise regarding cohabitation and nuptial agreements. Team head Vandana Chitroda joined the firm in September 2023 from RIAA Barker Gillette, followed by William Roberts-Phelps in October. Chitroda is recommended for ‘heavyweight work‘.

Birketts LLP‘s London family team is headed up by Tom Quinn, a ‘smart and assured’ partner whose practice involves multi-jurisdictional cases. Jennifer Headon moved over from the firm’s Chelmsford office in October 2023, and leads the international family law department; she is ‘highly experienced‘ in ‘complex asset structures’ including offshore trusts, family businesses, and significant pensions.

Fielding an ‘excellent team’ which gets ‘great results for clients’, Bishop & Sewell LLP‘s family practice advises on nuptial agreements, financial remedies, and children matters. Team head Philip Rutter is ‘extremely knowledgeable‘, often acting for entrepreneurs and those with inherited wealth. The practice is also able to handle international cases, regularly involving trust aspects.

‘A quality firm with excellent representation‘, Branch Austin McCormick LLP is headed up by ‘experienced litigator‘ Saika Alam, working with Julius Brookman, whose expertise is in international matters. Caroline Ford is noted for her non-court dispute resolution skills, and the team gained solicitor and mediator Robyn Allardice-Bourne in December 2023.

Cripps‘ ‘excellent and experienced’ London family offering is headed up by Alex Davies: ‘robust, and good at the detail of cases’, Davies represents a range of high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Simon Donald provides ‘practical, tactical, reasonable advice’ to clients, including unmarried couples. The group's non-court dispute resolution options include Camilla Hooper, who is a qualified mediator.

Curzon Green Solicitors‘ family team stands out for its ‘strong commitment to client care and getting the job done’. Rob Green and Jeff Thomas co-lead the team, Green is noted for his work with vulnerable clients, while Thomas has a range of matrimonial finance experience. Kelly-Ann Welsh has experience of cases involving domestic violence, and Umar Mirza often handles complex child arrangements.

Grayfords‘ family team offers clients an ‘incredibly attentive and tailored service‘ across the full spectrum of private family law matters. The group's experience includes relationship agreements, financial arrangements, children and parenting matters, including international work, and domestic abuse matters. Founder and team head Sheata Karim ‘is a tour de force with exceptional charm‘.

Hopkin Murray Beskine Solicitors provides a ‘no nonsense, client-focused, good old fashioned solicitor’s service‘, headed up by Sarah Beskine, whose particular expertise is in financial remedy and international child abduction issues. Christina Theodorou is a go-to for private children cases, and one of the firm’s domestic violence specialists. Serena Sandhu ‘is a future family law star‘.

ITN Solicitors‘ ‘fantastic family and childcare team‘ is headed up by Mitali Zakaria, ‘a leader in her field‘ with particular emphasis on private and public children law work. Somia Siddiq is recommended for complex care cases, including where there are allegations of non-accidental injury, induced illness, or those matters with parallel criminal proceedings.

Laurus is going from ‘strength to strength’ in its family work, often handling complex and high-value financial disputes. Team head Steven Gasser specialises in complex financial matters, while mediator William Hogg is recommended for his work with children. Jacqueline Fitzgerald joined the team in October 2023 from Grosvenor Law, ‘a real star’ providing ‘frank and tactically astute advice‘.

Lowry Legal‘s London family team has a range of expertise spanning divorces, financial settlements, and cohabitation and nuptial agreements. The group's children work includes child arrangements, surrogacy issues and fertility law. Team head Katie McCann works between Manchester and London, and London-based Michelle Uppal is an accredited mediator with experience in multijurisdictional cases.

Manders Law's founder and head Mary-Ann Wright is a ‘formidable talent‘, specialising in financial remedies, child arrangements, and advice for unmarried parents and cohabitees. The team focuses on high-value, complex matters, often cross-border and involving foreign assets, and is ‘a go-to firm for HNW individuals‘. The ‘diligent and focused’ Emily Kozien-Colyer is also recommended.

Boutique firm Miles Preston takes ‘a resolute, fearless approach to litigation’, and is headed up by ‘titan of family law‘ Marcus Dearle. Dearle is particularly experienced in international matters, recommended as the ‘go to for cases with a connection to Hong Kong‘. Julia Stanczyk is noted for her family finance expertise, and Harriet Wait is praised as ‘bold and resourceful‘.

Peters May LLP‘s ‘integrity is second to none‘, specialising in high-net-worth divorce and prenuptial agreements including those involving disputed property such as offshore assets and trusts. Juliette Peters and Jessica May, co-founders, head up the team; Peters is a ‘formidable’ expert, and May is recommended for her ‘pragmatic’ approach.

Boutique family firm Philcox Gray & Co is particularly recommended for its work with vulnerable clients in challenging circumstances. Beverley King is noted for her work in complex care proceedings, and leads the team alongside Lucy Verity, who is a mediator and international child abduction specialist, and Sephona Isaacs-Polson, who is a stand out for domestic abuse expertise.

Michael Pulford leads the family offering at Pinsent Masons LLP, specialising in jurisdictional disputes. The team has particular expertise in offshore trusts and companies involved in family proceedings, and regularly advises clients with assets in the Middle East. Grace MacDonald is also recommended.

Rayden Solicitors‘ London offering takes a ‘dynamic and collaborative approach‘ with arbitration, mediation, and collaborative law advice offered to clients. Julian Bremner heads up the London office; he conducts financial arbitrations and is a go-to for nuptial agreements. In complex children cases, Anna-Laura Lock stands out, including issues with social services involvement. Stuart Clark is also recommended.

Adam Bowes heads up the family team at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP, and is ‘a great all-around family lawyer‘ with notable expertise in handling nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals. The team also has experience in matters involving allegations of coercive behaviour, and cross-border cases and those with international elements are often handled by Beth Alexander.

Simkins LLP has ‘an excellent niche family law practice‘, with an emphasis on asset protection and preservation work for high-net-worth individuals through nuptial agreements and financial disputes, often advising cohabiting unmarried couples. Team head Deborah Jeff regularly advises clients in the music industry. Flora Grossman joined the firm from Blake Morgan LLP in May 2024.

The family team at Stevens & Bolton LLP is headed up by the ‘first class’ Nicola Harries, regularly handling complex financial proceedings. The practice also covers nuptial agreements and private children proceedings, including international work.

Rosanna Hounslow, praised for her ‘excellent’ knowledge and ‘superb’ approach, co-heads the Stowe Family Law LLP London team with Phoebe Turner, firm managing partner. The firm acquired Crisp & Co in December 2023, gaining Anna Clifton. The practice draws on the firm’s 80 offices nationally to cover all private family law matters, with noted experience in handling adoption, fertility law, and property matters for cohabiting couples.

Teelan & Silwal Family Law Ltd is a boutique firm, recommended as ‘agile and able to react rapidly to any situation‘. Co-founders Catherine Silwal and Rosalyn O’Donnell-Teelan head up the firm; Silwal handles complex financial and children matters with particular experience working with the Nepalese community, and O’Donnell-Teelan is a go to for high-profile clients.

Thomson Snell & Passmore‘s family team is headed up by a ‘stellar, off-the-scale brilliant partner’ Joanna Pratt, whose practice focuses on high-net-worth financial cases and nuptial agreements. Kirstie Law and Desmond O’Donnell are trained mediators; Law qualified to consult with children in the mediation process and O’Donnell offers notable experience in California-related matters.

The team at Venters Solicitors leverages the group’s ‘formidable’ knowledge to support vulnerable clients, specialising in public sector work involving the Children Act, along with private law matrimonial cases. June Venters KC, ‘a real stand out performer‘ in complex children cases, co-heads the team with matrimonial and child care specialist Andrea Dawkins, who is particularly experienced in mandates involving mental health elements.