Family & Matrimonial

Every case is different. Our client’s needs are often different. We tailor our advice to the individual client. We are as comfortable advising on complex and highly litigious family law proceedings concerning high value assets including companies, trusts and pension assets, as we are providing advice and representation in delicate and highly emotive cases concerning children.We are also experts in preparing and advising on dispute prevention mechanisms, including pre and post nuptial agreements, separation agreements, declarations of trust and cohabitation agreements.

We also advise on and facilitate non-court dispute resolution methods such as mediation, collaborative law, private financial dispute resolution hearings and arbitration. Sue Baker and Madeleine Young are Resolution trained Collaborative Lawyers and Mediators.

The team is also recommended by the Armed Forces Pension Society for its expertise in dealing with Armed Forces Pensions on divorce. We understand these complex pensions and their significance to the pension holder and their spouse and can advise on the various options available to the parties. We have close working relationships with specialist pensions actuaries who can provide the expert evidence required to ensure a fair outcome.

Our clients are busy individuals seeking excellent service and prompt and effective advice and guidance to assist them in resolving their family law dispute.

Our team comprises lawyers with differing levels of experience from the most qualified with over 30 years of experience, to the newly qualified; and so we can offer our clients the expertise they require for the costs they can afford. For many years the team has been top ranked in the Chambers and Partners Legal Directory.

As part of a full service firm, our team members are able to draw on the expertise of other teams to provide our clients with a wraparound service, should they require a Will, employment advice, the sale of a property or advice in relation to their company, pension or tax issues.

Head of Family & Matrimonial, Bethan Thomas, acted on behalf of the Appellant father in the Court of Appeal in Re A (A Child) (Habitual Residence: 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention)[2023] EWCA Civ 659, successfully appealing a decision of the High Court concerning the jurisdiction of the courts in relation to a child wrongfully retained in Zambia.

The Court of Appeal remitted the case back to the High Court and Bethan was successful in obtaining an order returning the child to England and Wales from Zambia after a period of nearly two years. The case has been reported as J v E (Habitual Residence), [2024] EWHC 196 (Fam)

Family Mediation Service

"A strong family law team with excellent client care and expertise in complex international cases, including in the High Court and Court of Appeal."

“Their replies are quick and prompt, communication is very good and everybody is professional yet compassionate to my case.”

"The team at FSP are always proactive in helping their clients. They look at the big picture."

"The team stands out for its people, knowledge, application of knowledge and retaining humanity through the process."

"The case they presented was prepared and executed perfectly."

"The team was extremely fast to respond and ensured any response was fully thought through and to the point."

"The team was supportive, helpful and professional."

"There was plenty of time for discussion and a fair degree of flexibility to have calls and discussions at a time that suited me. There was lots of clear explanation of the process."

"I felt FSP were a cohesive and well-integrated series of specialist teams who worked well together for my case."

"This strong team was further strengthened by the arrival of Bethan Thomas. They now have really able people at all levels. As a consequence they have the ability to provide a first class service for all types of family work."

"Thorough and experienced matrimonial finance lawyers who are a match for any London firm. FSP are tenacious when they need to be, but also keen to reach a resolution provided it is in the best interests of the client."

"FSP has a formidable team of solicitors dealing with family law. They provide a highly professional, sympathetic and practical approach to all of their cases."

"They are a very reputable team in the Reading area. They are extremely experienced and deliver excellent client care to their clients. They are also lovely people to work with."

"FSP are frequently instructed in complex high-value cases. They quickly grasp key issues and develop strategies accordingly and early on in the management of the case."