Fiona has worked in family law in Newcastle for her whole career building up a strong network with other professionals who regularly refer work to her. She is one of only a few solicitors in the area able to work with both parties together. She also supports clients under the collaborative model in addition to traditional court proceedings and arbitration.
Specialises in:
The majority of Fiona's work involves financial issues arising from divorce.
She tries to keep matters out of court and advise clients of alternative options such as hybrid mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements.
She is one of only a few solicitors in the area trained to assist both parties under Resolution Together.
Expertise
- All aspects of family law including divorce and separation
- Financial settlements including complex assets
- Businesses and pensions
- Proceedings relating to children including relocation within England and abroad
- Representing grandparents and intervenors in existing cases
- Pre and post nuptial agreements; cohabitation agreements
Key experience
- Fiona has undertaken numerous cases working with parties together to reach a financial settlement following separation. These have often involved businesses and pensions with assets of substantial value.
- She has acted for many intervenors in both financial and children proceedings.
- Regularly advises clients on pre and post nuptial agreements both preparing them and advising the party being asked to accept the terms.
- Undertaken numerous collaborative cases representing a client in the collaborative process with another collaboratively trained solicitor to achieve an appropriate financial settlement for both.
Relevant experience
- Divorce
- Finance
- Children
- Resolution Together
- Collaborative family law
- Pre and post nuptial agreements
- Cohabitation agreements
Date of qualification
Fiona qualified in 1992.
Interests
Fiona enjoys walking on our beautiful Northumbrian beaches with her dog, running and keeping fit, gardening and travelling.
Client
Client
Client
Client
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Client
“From my first call with Fiona I felt confident I was in safe hands. She is excellent at what she does and handled matters for me and my family in a highly professional and efficient way. Our divorce was concluded in only eight months which allowed me, my former husband, and our children, to move forward positively with our lives as soon as possible. Fiona was recommended to me and, after the service she provided, I would certainly recommend her.
“Fiona recently assisted me in the matter of applying for Specific Issue Order in relation to one of my children. Fiona was excellent and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending her to anyone who finds themselves in need of similar support
“First class and highly recommended. Fiona guided me through a very tough divorce, I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer to help me navigate through to a final satisfactory conclusion.
“Thank you once again for everything you have done over the past year. I can't thank you enough for being so friendly and approachable during our meetings and making me feel more at ease during a difficult year. You are a special person.
“I cannot thank you enough for the way you have handled this matter for me and my family and I would certainly recommend you if asked. In fact, I have already recommended you to an acquaintance of mine. I feel sure that you will handle their matter with care.
“Fiona was extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly and efficient. She provided me with direction and a clear route forward and left me feeling reassured. Fiona's communication was excellent and she explained everything to me very clearly. I am happy with the service provided. I would highly recommend Fiona to others.
Professional memberships & accolades
Legal 500
Wiselaw
Resolution
Expert commentary & updates
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Louisa Bestford, from our Divorce & Family Team, explains Cohabitation Agreements, helping couples understand their legal rights and responsibilities under UK law.
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