Jane Tenquist

Partner · Family Law

With expertise in complex financial and international family law, Jane specialises in high-net-worth cases, trusts and children matters.

⚖️ 37+ years qualified 🤝 Accredited Mediator 🧩 Member of Resolution

Biography

Jane Tenquist is listed as a Leading Partner in the North West by the Legal 500 Directory. Jane is a Partner and Head of the Family Law Team at Myerson, where she leads a team which competes with larger, City centre firms to great success. Her workload has a particular emphasis on HNW financial remedy cases, including complex business structures, extensive property portfolios and trust structures, and clients with complex needs. Jane has acted for some of the most prominent families in the North West and beyond, and she competes at the forefront of family law with city centre, national and overseas family lawyers.

Jane is also known for advising on, drafting and negotiating nuptial agreements, often where couples own assets in multiple jurisdictions. She has expertise in tracing hidden assets, obtaining orders to freeze assets, and acts in cases where there are trust issues or inherited wealth. Jane has considerable experience in advising in high value international divorces, and has handled many cases involving issues where parties have off shore assets held in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Australia, France, Germany, Austria, Israel, the UAE, the Channel Islands, Africa, the USA, and Canada.

Jane works closely with Myerson’s nationally recognised Corporate Team (recommended in the Top 200 UK Law Firms by the Times), particularly in relation to shareholder disputes involving separating couples, corporate demergers and liquidations, share transfers and family investment companies.

Myerson’s Family Team also has a formidable reputation for acting in contested Private Children Act proceedings involving finding of fact hearings and/or the appointment of a Guardian, national and internal child relocation cases, and advising families in relation to alternative routes to parenthood following fertility treatment or surrogacy. The Team has built strong links with other support professionals to ensure clients receive the best advice to achieve a positive outcome.

Jane is an active member of Resolution and is an accredited mediator and Collaborative Lawyer. She is known for her constructive, pragmatic advice, her down to earth approach, and her technical excellence. Jane is a firm believer in focusing on the main issues, providing sound advice, and is an excellent communicator.

The Legal 500 Directory and clients have described her as highly intelligent, personable, accessible and someone who you want on your side rather than working against you. She is described by clients as “unbelievably good, extremely knowledgeable and unflappable.” Clients are taken by her warmth and client care, which goes beyond the industry standard.



Client Feedback

Personal Testimonial

Mr Scanlon, Manchester

I was introduced to Jane Tenquist who I found to be both very knowledgeable and professional whilst at the same time very easy to relate to. Following our initial conference she gave me the confidence to pursue the case once again. It was therefore extremely gratifying that we managed to conclude matters to my complete satisfaction with a court judgement in my favour. As such I would have no hesitation in recommending Myerson.

Personal Testimonial

Ms Woods

Jane Tenquist was my solicitor at Myerson. Jane was very professional and highly competent. She dealt with some very difficult issues on my behalf and was also supportive to my emotional needs which was important to me. There were times when I also felt she went beyond my expectations to try and achieve a secure future for myself.

Personal Testimonial

Mr R. Hale

This is just a brief thank you for your actions….Whilst your role in the joint discussions was necessarily neutral and independent, the kindness you showed me before, and especially after the session, at a terribly upsetting time is something that I remember and appreciate. …My ex wife was bullying and coercive….. and your even handedness enabled me to stand up to that behaviour.

Personal Testimonial

Mr A

Jane Tenquist provided helpful, professional advice and guidance throughout the children’s divorce proceedings, for which I am grateful.

Personal Testimonial

Mr R

Jane and her team provided a very high level of support, professionalism and thoroughness throughout the 12-month period of my divorce.

Personal Testimonial

Miss H

I found your counsel very helpful when we last spoke and appreciated your caring and professional demeanor.

Personal Testimonial

Mrs A. Salisbury

A very prompt, considerate and professional service.

Personal Testimonial

Mr J. Altrincham

Just a quick message to you and Jane to say thanks for your hard work and also representing me at court which was a tough day. We got a good outcome of a bad situation.

Personal Testimonial

Mr C. Hale

It has been a long journey since my first call to you and it was a difficult time for me. I am now happy not just for the actual financial outcome but for the opportunity that I have now to rebuild my new life. None of this would have been possible without your help and professional support.

Awards testimonials

Legal 500, 2021

I was extremely lucky to have Jane Tenquist represent me, she is calm and has a quiet demeanour and is incredibly knowledgeable and thorough. She will investigate every avenue and get results. A true professional and very comforting to know you are in safe hands.

Personal Testimonial

Mr B. Liverpool

I have always found Myersons to be ethical, professional and competent over a variety matters ranging from business advice to personal advice.

Awards testimonials

Legl 500, 2021

Jane Tenquist was fantastic. Her decisive and supportive manner provided clarity and instilled confidence during a turbulent period in my life. Later on, Nichola Bright took up my case and provided an equally high standard of service. Dilligent, helpful and understanding. I have finally obtained a good financial settlement in spite of the respondents non co-operative attitude.

Personal Testimonial

Anonymous

I would like to thank you for all your hard work Jane, it hasn’t been easy for me. I finally got the court outcome both parties agreed to, which was a great relief. Thanks again Jane.

Personal Testimonial

Legal 500, 2017

Jane Tenquist is very ‘pragmatic, experienced, calm, bright and measured’. Jane is through and persistent in seeking to always get the full picture and to know the full extent of financial disclosure so that she can fully assist her clients in the most complex financial cases.

Personal Testimonial

Mr C

Thank you so much – Jane and her team's support, professionalism and thoroughness throughout the last year has been superb.

Personal Testimonial

Mrs G

I can't express in words how much Jane, Nichola and the Myerson team have done for me, 'thank you' seems inadequate. I will always be grateful for your help and support during a very difficult time in my life. Thank you for listening and acting upon my concerns. Naturally, I will not hesitate in recommending Myerson whether it be to family/friends or to former clients.

Personal Testimonial

Mrs. R Northwich

Jane Tenquist remained calm and determined throughout, her professionalism and knowledge of divorce law is beyond reproach. Jane gave me support at a time when I needed it most and from that the strength and confidence to fight for what was rightfully mine. I am very grateful to Jane and would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone who is in need of a Divorce Lawyer.

Personal Testimonial

Irfan

Ms Jane Tenquist is not only a brilliant legal mind but also an incredibly compassionate and understanding individual. She approached my divorce and financial settlement case with a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach, ensuring I received the best possible outcome. Her ability to navigate complex legal matters with ease and clarity was truly impressive.

Personal Testimonial

Mr Ahmad

I want to express my sincere thanks to Jane for her outstanding legal representation and unwavering support throughout my divorce and financial settlement case. Her expertise, diligence, and dedication were instrumental in achieving a favourable outcome.

Awards testimonials

Legal 500, 2021

I have worked with Jane Tenquist on two difficult matters, in both cases she has shown the steely aggression required to challenge reported accounts and looked beyond the detail and the obvious to find the right and a better settlement for her clients. She demonstrated great foresight in looking beyond the here and now in taking the necessary actions to get to the right solution later on.

Personal Testimonial

Mrs A, Hampshire

All divorces are horrid and you come across letters that have been worded in another language and only Solicitors and Barristers understand. At Myerson they explain all the jargon and are completely professional and caring. I highly recommend this company.

Awards testimonials

Legal 500, 2021

Jane Tenquist is very capable, calm and level headed. The nature of the work is very emotive and from a client’s perspective it has been really helpful that she is able to show strength on my behalf at times when emotions made it difficult for me to do so on my own. She has given excellent advise and prevented me from making mistakes I may otherwise have made if she did not have my back. She also cares about the clients as people and shows person-to-person concern that you are OK.

Personal Testimonial

Legal 500, 2022

Jane Tenquist and Nichola Bright have forged an excellent practice within a multi-disciplinary firm.

Awards testimonials

Legal 500, 2021

The team is headed by Jane Tenquist; her ability to listen, knowledge of this area of law, deciphering relevant key information critical to the matter and progression is highly commendable. Jane’s team are equally strong in these skills and together they work excellently. As a client I have felt to be in a very safe set of hands and I say thank you for your hard work.

Personal Testimonial

Anonymous

Thank you for your assistance Jane, I will be using you if I ever need legal representation in the future! You really are a credit to genuine honest people.

Personal Testimonial

Mrs C.

Jane has done an amazing job in handling a complex divorce case with such dedication. I found her to be both approachable and sympathetic during an extremely difficult time. Jane handled my case in a professional manner and I would highly recommend her as a family solicitor. Thank you so much!

Recent Experience

£85M Cross-Border Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Acting for a Husband in negotiating and drafting a Pre-Nuptial Agreement where the assets amounted to £85M and were located in England & overseas. Jane then subsequently negotiated a  Post Nuptial Agreement and liaised with overseas lawyers regarding Mirror Agreements

£23M Contested Financial Remedy with Urgent Freezing Order

Acting for a Wife in contested financial remedy proceedings where the assets amounted to £23M. The Husband acted as a litigant in person and attempted to transfer the net proceeds of sale of land amounting to several million to his sole bank account in an attempt to frustrate the Wife’s financial remedy claim. Jane was successful in obtaining an urgent freezing order injunction against the Husband. Jane also worked closely with Andrew Chapman in the Commercial Property Team to locate undisclosed property in the Husband’s sole name and was able to secure an advantageous settlement at final hearing for the Wife due to the Husband’s misconduct in failing to provide full and frank disclosure of his assets.

£4M Company Shareholder Dispute Concluding at Final Hearing

Acting for the Husband who was a Company Director and 50% shareholder in a company with his Wife. The assets of the marriage amounted to circa £4M. The COVID pandemic had adversely affected the value of the parties’ company. The case concluded after a three-day final hearing based on the proposals Jane had put forward prior to trial. The Wife had to transfer her interest in the Company to the Husband in return for a substantially reduced maintenance order. The Husband was also able to secure a percentage of the net proceeds of sale of the family home.

High-Value London Property Dispute Securing Clean Break

Acting for a London Banker in relation to contested financial remedy proceedings in the Central Family Court. There was a significant dispute between the parties over three properties in London, one of which was owned in the sole name of the Husband but was occupied by his parents. The Husband’s parents applied to intervene within the proceedings which concluded at FDR hearing. The Husband secured a clean break order upon the basis that he retained the family home and the property occupied by his parents. The Husband also secured an equal shared care arrangement of the children with their mother following child inclusive mediation.

Contested Children Act and Schedule 1 Proceedings for Father

Acting for an unmarried Father in relation to contested Private Children Act proceedings and contested Schedule 1 Children Act proceedings. After the mother initially obstructed the father from seeing the baby, the father was successful in securing an order to spend time with the child at weekends and in the holidays. Jane then negotiated a financial settlement on behalf of the Father which involved funding a property for the child during the child’s minority.

Successful Termination of Spousal Maintenance Order

Acting for a Company Director in relation to a variation application to terminate a spousal maintenance order. Jane was successful in negotiating a termination of payments. The client was extremely happy to achieve this result after previous attempts to resolve matters had failed.

High-Value Trust and Company Case Securing 70% Settlement

Acting for a Wife in relation to contested financial remedy proceedings and contested Children Act proceedings. The Husband was a successful Company Director, shareholder and entrepreneur. He was also a beneficiary under a substantial Family Trust which had supported the parties’ lifestyle during the marriage. The Husband had been able to purchase a large country property with extensive land attached pursuant to a loan advanced by the Trust. Jane was successful in obtaining an order for maintenance pending suit and a legal services provision order pending conclusion of the proceedings. Jane was also successful in arguing that the Husband’s assets owned by the company should be valued ahead of the company valuation. The Wife secured an order that she receive 70% of the net proceeds of sale of the family home together with a generous spousal maintenance order, child maintenance order and school fees order. The Husband also sought an equal shared care order in contested Children Act proceedings. The Wife was able to secure a live with order in her favour and an order which meant the child remained living with her most of the time.

Reported High Court Declaration of Parentage Case

Jane acted for Manchester Fertility Clinic in Cases C,D & E in the reported case of In the Matter of HFEA 2008 (Cases A,B,C,D,E,F,G & H Declaration of Parentage) [2015] EWHC 2602 (Fam) before Sir James Mumby President of the Family Division in the High Court in London. Several applications for declarations of parentage had been made where children had been born following donor insemination but statutory consent requirements had not been complied with as a result of administrative failures by the relevant clinic. Declarations were granted.

Awards & Rankings

UK Leading partner 2026
Legal 500 — Leading Partner
2026
uk leading individual 2023
Legal 500 — Leading Individual
2023
uk leading individual 2022 v2
Legal 500 — Leading Individual
2022

Memberships

  • Member of Resolution
  • Accredited Family Mediator

Insights & Media

Good Divorce Week: Promoting a Constructive Approach to Separation
Blog

Good Divorce Week: Promoting a Constructive Approach to Separation

Each year, Resolution promotes Good Divorce Week to raise awareness of the importance of managing separation in a constructive way. Too many families going through divorce or separation become involved in avoidable and acrimonious court proceedings. It does not have to be this way - there is a better approach. Resolution is a community of family...

Read Blog
4 minutes reading time
Divorce | 10 November 2025
Family Law Seminar
Webinar
Sept
4

Family Law Seminar

We were delighted to host our Family Law Seminar at Myerson Solicitors in Altrincham on Thursday, 4th September. The event provided valuable insights for family law practitioners. Our speakers included: Sally Harrison KC , who explored the complexities of Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 applications Daniel Currie , who offered commentary on business...

Watch Webinar
4 minutes watch time
In Family Law
Divorce and Special Needs: Jane Tenquist in Conversation with BBC Radio 5 Live
News

Divorce and Special Needs: Jane Tenquist in Conversation with BBC Radio 5 Live

Recent headlines have brought a sensitive and complex issue into the national conversation: the challenges faced by divorcing parents of children with special educational needs. In response to this growing discussion, our Partner and Head of Family Law , Jane Tenquist , was invited to speak with BBC Radio 5 Live to provide expert legal insight...

Read News
3 minutes reading time
Family Law | 04 September 2025
Understanding Narcissism & Coercive Control in Relationships: Insights from Our Latest Podcast
Podcast

Understanding Narcissism & Coercive Control in Relationships: Insights from Our Latest Podcast

When a relationship feels overwhelming, confusing, or even suffocating, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is happening. Many individuals in unhappy relationships describe their partners as narcissistic or controlling, but what do these terms truly mean? Are they simply overused buzzwords, or do they reflect a deeper issue? In the...

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40 minutes
Family Law | 20 March 2025
Bridging the Gender Pension Gap: Key Insights from Our Latest Podcast
Podcast

Bridging the Gender Pension Gap: Key Insights from Our Latest Podcast

The gender pension gap remains a significant issue in the UK, with women retiring on average with far smaller pension pots than men. Our latest episode of MyFamily Pod features Jane Tenquist , Head of Family Law at Myerson Solicitors, and financial planner Sally Beresford from Evelyn Partners discussing why this gap exists and how women can...

Listen to the Podcast
37 minutes
Family Law | 16 January 2025
How Can My Spouse Be Provided for Without Causing Damage to the Farming Enterprise?
Blog

How Can My Spouse Be Provided for Without Causing Damage to the Farming Enterprise?

The division of a farm on divorce can be a highly complex and sensitive matter. The court is often faced with a dilemma in weighing up the need to provide for the non-farming spouse fairly on divorce whilst preventing irreversible damage to the farm.  Why are agricultural divorces so complex?  There is a wide range of reasons why divorces...

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4 minutes reading time
Agriculture | 08 January 2024
How Do The Courts Regard Personal Injury Compensation When Distributing Assets of the Marriage?
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How Do The Courts Regard Personal Injury Compensation When Distributing Assets of the Marriage?

The Court will consider a list of factors under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 when deciding how assets, including any compensation/ damages received, will be decided on divorce. The welfare of any children of the family will be a paramount consideration for the Court. The starting point is that  matrimonial assets  will be shared...

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5 minutes reading time
Family Law | 16 October 2023
Can I Ask My Future Spouse to Sign a Prenup?
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Can I Ask My Future Spouse to Sign a Prenup?

Couples planning to marry or enter a civil partnership may want an agreement to determine what they intend to happen to their money and property if the marriage breaks down. In England and Wales, prenuptial agreements are not strictly binding in the event of a divorce , but the terms of the agreement may be decisive in the event of a subsequent...

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4 minutes reading time
Family Law | 22 August 2023
Agricultural Divorces: A Field of Their Own
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Agricultural Divorces: A Field of Their Own

Agricultural divorces are often complex and require expert attention. Some farms are very successful enterprises: they may comprise valuable properties and land holdings, machinery and stock. The farm may have diversified into several areas, each business producing its own income stream. The farm may also have developed a national or regional...

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4 minutes reading time
Agriculture | 15 August 2023
How are Personal Possessions Dealt with on Divorce?
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How are Personal Possessions Dealt with on Divorce?

Divorce is undoubtedly a very stressful time for couples. During the marriage, spouses will have accrued valuable personal possessions, whether purchased jointly, individually, or obtained as a gift, for example, a special piece of jewellery. Couples often worry about how such items will be distributed on divorce, especially as one or both...

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4 minutes reading time
Family Law | 26 June 2023
How Are Businesses Dealt With On Divorce?
Blog

How Are Businesses Dealt With On Divorce?

The value of a business and its income will be considered an available resource of the marriage on divorce. That is not to say that the family court would order a sale of the business.  The court recognises that the business provides an income, the loss of which may have catastrophic consequences. In family court proceedings, the value of a...

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3 minutes reading time
Family Law | 02 May 2023
Lessons from Olivia Attwood: What Makes a Marriage Legally Valid?
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Lessons from Olivia Attwood: What Makes a Marriage Legally Valid?

Recent headlines surrounding Olivia Attwood’s marriage breakdown and reports that her marriage to Bradley Dack was not in fact a legal marriage , despite having a marriage ceremony, have brought an important area of family law into the spotlight. There is a presumption that hosting a wedding, walking down the aisle and saying “I do” creates a...

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4 minutes reading time
Family Law | 02 April 2026
Family Mediation in the UK: How It Works, Costs and Benefits Explained

Family Mediation in the UK: How It Works, Costs and Benefits Explained

Family breakdown is never easy, and navigating the practical and emotional challenges that follow can feel overwhelming. The family team at Myerson are all members of Resolution, an organisation of family law professionals committed to helping separating couples with matters in a way which is constructive, cost‑effective and child‑focused. Our...

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5 minutes reading time
18 March 2026
Reasonable Expenses or Income? A Landmark Ruling on Surrogacy Payments in the UK
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Reasonable Expenses or Income? A Landmark Ruling on Surrogacy Payments in the UK

Surrogacy law in the UK continues to generate complex legal, financial, and ethical questions. These issues have been brought into sharper focus by a recent ruling, of the Upper Tribunal in  PQ v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions  [2026] UKUT 1 (AAC) , which  clarifies how payments made to surrogates are treated for benefits purposes. Our...

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Family Law | 19 February 2026
Technology-Facilitated Abuse: The Growing Digital Threat in Family Law
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Technology-Facilitated Abuse: The Growing Digital Threat in Family Law

Technology facilitated abuse refers to the misuse of everyday technology to harass, control, stalk, or harm someone.  Abuse is often thought of as being physical or emotional, but tech abuse can be just as damaging and can remain hidden and difficult to prove. Our family lawyers explore what technology-facilitated abuse is, how it can present in...

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Family Law | 21 January 2026
Gifting Shares and Family Wealth: Legal Guidance and Protection
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Gifting Shares and Family Wealth: Legal Guidance and Protection

Many people consider how best to share their success with loved ones, from transferring property or company shares to gifting luxury items or substantial cash sums. While generosity is often well-intentioned, large gifts can have lasting legal, financial and personal consequences. In this blog, our Corporate , Residential Property and Family...

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13 minutes reading time
Family Law | 12 November 2025
Collaborative Divorce and Separation: How Collaborative Law Works
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Collaborative Divorce and Separation: How Collaborative Law Works

At Myerson, we understand that the end of a relationship can be overwhelming, especially when children are involved. Our family team is passionate about helping separating couples resolve matters in a constructive, respectful, and compassionate way. One of the approaches we champion is collaborative law. In this blog, our Collaborative Lawyers...

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Divorce | 03 September 2025
Are Prenups Just for Celebrities?
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Are Prenups Just for Celebrities?

The recent engagement of pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce has attracted worldwide headlines. Alongside the congratulations, one topic has sparked speculation in both the media and legal circles: will they sign a prenuptial agreement? With both Taylor and Travis having considerable success in their respective fields, it is...

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Family Law | 02 September 2025
Exploring Routes To Parenthood For The LGBTQ+ Community
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Exploring Routes To Parenthood For The LGBTQ+ Community

It has become increasingly accessible for members of the LGBTQ+ community to become parents, with some possibilities being available on the NHS. Whilst this is something to be celebrated, it can be overwhelming to determine which pathway to parenthood is the most suitable for you and your relationship. Becoming a parent is a deeply personal...

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Family Law | 09 June 2025
How To Start Divorce Proceedings
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How To Start Divorce Proceedings

Making the decision to get a divorce can be a particularly emotional and stressful time in someone’s life. However, the process of getting a divorce does not need to be complicated, especially with the use of the services of a specialist family lawyer . If you wish to get a divorce but are unsure where to start and what is required, we have put...

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7 minutes reading time
Divorce | 06 May 2025
Can You Divorce Without Sorting Out Finances?
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Can You Divorce Without Sorting Out Finances?

Couples increasingly choose to separate and divorce without having sorted out their finances, which could be attributed to the advent of a more accessible online divorce service, but there are implications for not finalising financial matters by...

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5 minutes reading time
Family Law | 20 January 2025
Navigating Divorce: Insights from Our Latest Podcast
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Navigating Divorce: Insights from Our Latest Podcast

Divorce and separation are among the most challenging experiences anyone can face. They bring not only legal complexities but also significant emotional and psychological hurdles. In our latest episode of MyFamily Pod , Family Lawyer Nichola Bright speaks with Counselling Psychologist Helen Carouzos to explore the psychological side of...

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39 minutes
Family Law | 02 December 2024
How The Autumn Budget Could Impact Divorce
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How The Autumn Budget Could Impact Divorce

The recent budget announcement has raised many questions about its effects on divorce proceedings.    While budget changes do not affect the divorce process itself, consequential matters like financial settlements, property sales, and private school fees could be affected.   Our  Family Lawyers,   Grace Parry and Joe Ferguson, recently appeared...

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4 minutes reading time
Family Law | 19 November 2024

Meet Our Family Solicitors

Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our family lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.

Jane T final

Jane Tenquist

Jane is a Partner and Head of our Family Team

Nichola final

Nichola Bright

Nichola is a Partner in our Family Team

Sarah W

Sarah Whitelegge

Sarah is a Legal Director in our Family Team

Grace

Grace Parry

Grace is an Associate in our Family Team

Joe Ferguson

Joe Ferguson

Joe is an Associate in our Family Team

Brittany Rodwell

Brittany Rodwell

Brittany is a Solicitor in our Family Team

Katie Bartley

Katie Bartley

Katie is a Trainee Solicitor in our Family Team

Pam

Pam Ackerley

Pam is a Senior Legal PA in our Family Law Team