A kinder way
through divorce
Practical guidance from a former family lawyer,
focused on fairness, clarity and outcomes.
Practical guidance from a former family lawyer, focused on fairness, clarity and outcomes.
Experienced guidance for difficult times
If you’re facing separation or divorce and want to handle it sensibly, without escalating conflict, rushing into court or losing control of the process, you’re in the right place.
I work with people who want clear, realistic guidance, whether you’re coming to me as an individual or a couple, still deciding what to do or already inside the legal or mediation framework.
Why choose me?
Former family lawyer – without the law firm approach
I have a deep understanding of family law but I’m not tied to adversarial processes or billable-unit thinking.
Save time, stress and legal costs
Early clarity prevents unnecessary escalation and prolonged disputes.
Realistic, not theoretical advice
You’ll get an honest view of what’s likely and achievable – not what sounds good in principle.
Human, calm and informal
No intimidating offices. Just clear, practical support at my kitchen table or a chat on the phone.
Focused on agreement
My role is to help you move forward and complete the divorce process as quickly and calmly as possible – not keep you locked in conflict.
How I help
Divorce and separation guidance
Clear, calm support from someone who understands the law and the reality around divorce
Agreement-focused resolution
Realistic, transparent conversations and agreements that avoid court proceedings
Communication and emotional practicalities
Practical and emotional support in navigating conversations, coparenting, and minimising conflict
Signposting
and guidance
Real-life guidance on dealing with therapists, IFAs, pension advisers and courts
How I work
I’m based in Thames Ditton, Surrey and offer in-person consultations where possible, in a calm, private home setting. Many people find this more comfortable than a formal office, especially during a difficult period. If meeting in person isn’t practical, working with clients remotely is just as effective.
In our first meeting we will talk through your situation, work out what support you’re likely to need, and together we will make a plan for you
Frequently asked questions
How do you conduct meetings?
Very informally from my kitchen table in my home in Thames Ditton, Surrey. Or, if that is logistically challenging, a phone call or virtual meeting can work equally well.
How do you charge?
I charge an hourly rate of £215+VAT for work with individuals and £230+VAT for couples. There are no hidden extras and I only charge for the exact time taken. For example, if we have a meeting that lasts 57 minutes, I will charge £204 plus VAT. I do not limit our meetings to an hour, nor do they have to take up a full hour.
What will I get from you that I won't get from a legal professional in a law firm?
My charging policy is different to solicitors who charge in 6 minute units. I charge very conservatively, and only for work done, not a voicemail or telephone call setting up a meeting.
However, if you do need to instruct a solicitor further down the line, I can give you the tools to keep your legal fees to a minimum.
I am a qualified solicitor and, although I am no longer practising, still have the experience, expertise and connections to advise you and help you through the process. I help my clients move swiftly to a fair outcome with as little stress and financial outlay as possible. Most of my clients never need to instruct a solicitor.
It is crucial to be able to talk about what you are going through but doing this with your solicitor can become very expensive. While it can feel important to get your side of the story across, your solicitor needs to know very little about the details of your marriage breakdown. I can give you emotional support and an outlet for your emotions at a far less aggressive rate.
What if I am not local to you?
I am happy to conduct meetings virtually or over the phone and have worked with many clients who I have never met face to face for geographical or logistical reasons. After the first meeting or phone conversation, I find clients communicate with me in the way that suits them best, whether that is phone, email, WhatsApp or text. I will always respond swiftly to any communication.
Can I use you instead of a solicitor?
Yes, absolutely, and most of my clients do exactly that, however, it depends on the complexity of the circumstances of your case. I have had several clients who have gone through the entire process with me in the background helping to advise at each stage, finesse communications, complete forms and draft statements. The ‘other side’ was unaware of my involvement. With others, I have communicated directly with the other party or their solicitor.
If your case goes to court I am unable to represent you or speak on your behalf, but I can help you feel prepared and confident for your hearing and can even attend court with you to offer moral support and advise you in negotiations.
I often work with both parties together, working through the disclosure and negotiation stages around my kitchen table. I’m not a mediator, but have had a high success rate with this approach. If you reach an agreement with your husband or wife, I can help draw up all the paperwork documents before passing you on to a colleague of mine who will draft your consent order (which will become your legally binding document).
Thinking about separation?
Start with clarity.
Divorce doesn’t need to go hand in hand with conflict or court. I can give informed, practical guidance to help you keep hostility and costs to a minimum.