Rhonda Bradshaw

Family Law Executive (Head of Matrimonial Finance & Collaborative Law Dept)

01543 414 100

rbradshaw@moseleys.co.uk

Moseleys Solicitors, Compton House, Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LL

BIO

With significant experience in dealing with divorce and what can often be complex financial and property issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship, Rhonda has chosen to focus on this area of law and has carved out an excellent reputation amongst her peers in this specialised field. Rhonda achieves excellent results for her clients and is regarded as a high profile practitioner renowned for the energy and passion she employs on behalf of her clients. Specialising in this area of law means that Rhonda regularly deals with challenging issues arising from a marital breakdown to include complex business structures, property/land disputes and trust elements, as well as pensions and maintenance. Having established a good network of professional contacts to include family mediators, financial advisors, accountants, therapists and barristers, Rhonda is able to call on and work along with such other professionals to the benefit of her clients as required.

When dealing with what is often an emotional time for her clients, Rhonda’s working ethos is to ease her client through the necessary process, employing a pragmatic and realistic approach to the effort of finding a resolution to the issues as swiftly and as cost effectively as possible, doing so in a conciliatory yet focused manner. Rhonda is passionate about delivering the best service possible to all of her clients and works hard to ensure that she and her team continue to deliver a beneficial outcome to her clients. Working in a collaborative process means Rhonda can ensure that parties deal with difficult and emotive issues in a dignified manner, giving control to the parties, and not the lawyers to make sure that parties can make decisions that are best for them and their family. Employing her wealth of skills and knowledge in this particular field of matrimonial finance Rhonda is very well placed to serve her client well throughout.

Kelly Pougher

Director

07930 499778

kelly@pougher-round.co.uk

PO Box 17846, Solihull, B90 9LP

BIO

I am a qualified collaborative practitioner with specialist expertise in providing support and assistance to both families who are supporting children on the autistic spectrum as well as individuals supporting an autism diagnosis. I am able to carefully guide my client’s through the collaborative process whilst drawing on my in depth knowledge and understanding of this unique and complex condition. I adopt a bespoke approach to each case which is congruent with the individuals needs of my clients and their family.

Louise Dewell

Chartered Legal Executive

01543 253000

louise.dewell@gloverpriest.com

Glover Priest, Cathedral House, 5 Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AA

BIO

I am a Resolution Accredited Financial Planner and also a Pension on Divorce Expert. I have been providing support to clients and professionals with regard to divorce for over 20 years. I adopt a can-do approach and am always inventive in seeking solutions.

I am passionate about finding solutions using collaborative law and I am co-chair of the Collaborative Working party within Resolution.

I will always say if I don't believe my advice or support is required as I do not believe that clients money should be spent unless it needs to be..

Beverley Morris

Partner & Head of Family Law Team

0121 200 0890

beverley.morris@lodders.co.uk

Lodders Solicitors LLP, 14 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1RB

BIO

Beverley has particular strength in financial remedy work, with a focus on high net worth individuals and cases involving a high degree of complexity.
Beverley has experience in the Court of Appeal dating back to Nicholls v Nicholls (1997) WLR 314 and more recently Aly v Aly (2015) EWCA Civ 947, MT v OT (2018) EWHC 8686 and Mills v Mills [2017] EWCA Civ 129.
In July 2018 Beverley represented Graham Mills in the Supreme Court – Mills v Mills (2018) UKSC 38.
Beverley continues to represent the mother in the long-running proceedings before the High Court in Moses Taiga v Taiga (2005) EWCA Civ 1013, NMMT v MOT (2006) EWHC 2494, Taiga v Ogbedo (2009) EWCA Civ 707, MT v T (2013) EWHC 2061 and MT v OT (2018) EWHC 868.
Beverley continues in her role as Treasurer for Resolution West Midlands.

Ian Hawkins

Financial Advisor / Pensions on Divorce Expert

07926 883721

ihawkins@oculuswealth.co.uk

Oculus Wealth Management (Wombourne) Ltd / Southdown Consultants Ltd, Southdown House, Poolhouse Road, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV5 8AZ

BIO

I am passionate about finding solutions using collaborative law and I am co-chair of the Collaborative Working party within Resolution.

I will always say if I don’t believe my advice or support is required as I do not believe that clients money should be spent unless it needs to be.

Marc Saunderson

Partner

(W) 0344 327 6255 (ext 8390) / (M) 07423 458185

marc.saunderson@mills-reeve.com

Mills & Reeve LLP, 78-84 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2AB

BIO

I specialise in larger money cases, but am happy to assist anybody in the collaborative process, regardless of their net worth, on the basis that I believe that the collaborative process is an effective way of couples resolving their differences, but more importantly remaining on as amicable terms as possible going forward, in particular for the benefit of any children.

Sian Kenkre

Family lawyer

07539 997 424 / 0121 733 8000

skenkre@wilkes.co.uk

The Wilkes Partnership, Stanton House, Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3LS

BIO

Sian uses her skills and expertise to help people going through divorce or separation, including dealing with their finances and the arrangements for their children. She assists clients who are married or not married but living together and works with them to find the right solution.

Sian will always provide clear, realistic advice to enable clients to plan for the best possible outcome to suit their circumstances. She is recommended in the Legal 500 Directory 2020 as being a ‘clever, popular and kind lawyer who provides realistic advice to her clients and really looks after them.’

Nicholas Allen QC

Barrister, Recorder, and Arbitrator

020 7404 1044 and 0121 236 0863

nallen@29br.co.uk and nicholas.allen@stiveschambers.co.uk

29 Bedford Row, 29 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4HE / St. Ives, 1-3 Whittall Street, Birmingham B4 6DH

BIO

Barrister (Joint Head of Chambers at 29 Bedford Row and Door Tenant at St. Ives) specialising in financial remedy work with a particular interest in non-court dispute resolution. I was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2108.

I am qualified IFLA arbitrator and to date have been appointed as arbitrator in 20 cases and written 16 awards. My role as an arbitrator complements my fee-paid position sitting as a Recorder of the Family Court (equivalent to Circuit Judge level). I have also lectured and written widely on arbitration.

I was one of the first barristers to be collaboratively trained and have been jointly instructed in several collaborative cases.

Dipika Mistry

Legal Director

0121 705 8151 | 0330 024 0333 | 07976 412 667

dipika.mistry@shma.co.uk

Shakespeare Martineau, 2nd Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA

BIO

Experienced family law solicitor dealing with all aspects of relationship and marriage breakdown concerning divorce, financial assets and child arrangements. Able to understand the needs and objectives of clients and advise clearly from the outset to resolve matters proactively and effectively to give individuals confidence and dignity to move forwards financially and emotionally.

Caroline Dresden

Legal Director

0121 200 0890

caroline.dresden@lodders.co.uk

Lodders Solicitors LLP, 14 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1RB

BIO

Caroline has 30 years of experience in family law and specialises in high net-worth cases, regularly acting for clients with very substantial assets, with a particular interest in pensions on divorce. Having qualified in London in 1990, Caroline moved to live and work in Birmingham, with her family, in 2003. Caroline is a collaborative lawyer committed to resolving family disputes in a non confrontational way. She provides effective, proportionate advice, helping clients to focus on the real issues.

Carla Hull

Director

0121 704 9876 / 07767 333311

carlahull@carlahull.com

Carla Hull Solicitors Ltd, 33 Hampton Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2QD

BIO

Carla advises upon divorce, civil partnerships, cohabitation, property / financial disputes, injunctions, financial / contact / residence applications for and by children, pre-marital agreements.

Calm but tenacious approach to resolving disputes, Carla understands each family is different so her approach is tailored accordingly. Significant experience and acute focus on efficient, highly professional service.

Awarded Higher Rights of Audience (All Proceedings). Former Chair of Birmingham Law Society’s International Committee, Wesleyan Legal Advisory Board. Active Member of Resolution, Collaborative Family Law Group, Birmingham Law Society, Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates, Association of Women Solicitors and Law Society of England and Wales.

Carla Devereux

Relationship & Family Psychotherapist

0121 745 9044

carla@carladevereux.com

Carla Devereux, Three Acres Lane, Dickens Heath, Solihull, B90 1NZ

BIO

Carla is a relationship and family therapist with over 20 years experience in supporting couples and families through the emotional transition of separation and divorce. She works with individuals, couples and their children to help them cope with the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that surface when a couple are separating. Issues of abandonment and rejection, loss of stability, communication breakdown and change of structure can have a major impact on all parties, in particular the children. Carla helps create a platform to communicate more effectively, cope with the stresses of the situation and find ways to move forward more effectively.

Susan Davies

Solicitor

01827 317070

sdavies@pickerings-solicitors.com

Pickerings, Etchell House, Etchell Court, Bonehill Road, Tamworth B78 3HQ

BIO

Susan is an expert Divorce solicitor who has practised family law in Staffordshire for over 26 years. Susan has a sound understanding of the emotional impact of separation and the need for clear, friendly and practical advice.

Susan has assisted many clients with their collaborative cases over the years and recognises the enormous benefits to her clients who have been able to use the collaborative process to resolve their issues. Working alongside other collaboratively trained professionals during the process really does give a holistic approach to what is understandable a very difficult time for separating people.

Ruth Hare

Counselling Psychologist / Family Consultant

07967 452355

ruth@reachpsychology.co.uk

Reach Psychology Ltd, Kings House, St John’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV2 4DT

BIO

I’m a Chartered and Registered Psychologist, passionate about making psychological thinking easy to access and stigma-free. I’m known as a ‘family consultant’ in legal speak where divorce is concerned.

I’m a divorcee and utilised the collaborative process myself, so I have both personal and professional experience of the challenges you may be facing.

Clients tend to use me to navigate the difficult feelings separation and divorce evoke, to understand the grief process and to sound out options for their child arrangements. I usually see people at their solicitors office, their home or online and part of legal meetings if helpful.

Julie Slater-Williams

Associate Partner and Collaborative Solicitor

01543 420011

jslater-williams@keelys.co.uk

Keelys LLP, 28 Dam Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6AA

BIO

Julie has been qualified for over 15 years. She has specialised in family law throughout that time. Julie qualified as a Collaborative practitioner in 2018 and really enjoys this way of working.

Judi Wood

Collaborative Lawyer & Senior Solicitor

01217 001400

J.wood@sydneymitchell.co.uk

Sydney Mitchell LLP, 2233, Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3NL

BIO

I came into the profession to work alongside individuals who needed a reassuring, guiding hand at an emotional and financially vulnerable time in their life. This may not be the end but also the beginning of a relationship when you want some pre-nuptial guidance. As an experienced family solicitor and collaborative lawyer, I have had the privilege of helping many clients to address and resolve challenges in their lives. It may be a family business, specific health needs, involving children or countless other facts specific to your family. In person or with the use of digital platforms, the focus for me is to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
For me it’s not just a job, it’s a passion, as for over 12 years I have run a course, outside of work that helps with the practical and emotional challenges that individuals can face following a separation.

Farhat Akbar

Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer and Mediator

07815 055 784 / 0121 746 3002

farhat@ehsolicitors.co.uk

Ellis Hass & Co Solicitors, Avon House, 435 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 4AA

BIO

Farhat is a specialist family solicitor, a Resolution trained Collaborative Lawyer and Mediator.
Farhat has over 22 years of experience in family law issues including divorce and separation, financial disputes between married couples and cohabitees, children’s arrangements, separation agreements. She has experience of dealing with complex cases for financial remedies between married couples, cases where matrimonial assets have been transferred to third parties, requiring these dispositions to be set aside to ensure a fair settlement for both parties, and experience of cases in the Court of Appeal.
She has assisted couples to reach settlements using the collaborative process and has also assisted couples as a mediator.

Helen Hancock

Principal – Forensic Accounting Services

0121 3526238

helen.hancock@bdo.co.uk

BDO LLP , Two Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6GA

BIO

I am a forensic accountant based at BDO LLP’s Birmingham office with over twenty years’ experience in business valuations across a wide range of sectors. I regularly work with couples and their lawyers where there is a business or shares in a private limited company to be valued as part as part of divorce proceedings and the collaborative process. I can help to explain the financial position to all parties and identify and arrive at an independent view of the value of the shares or business. I also work closely with our in-house tax specialists at BDO on the tax consequences of all the different courses of action open to you.

Karen Beevers

Partner

0121 770 1721

karenbeevers@evansderry.com

Evans Derry Solicitors, 5, Church Hill, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AD / Island House, Station Road, Marston Green, Birmingham, B37 7AU

BIO

Having practised exclusively in family law for over 20 years, Karen is empathetic and sensitive in her work as a leading local family solicitor, collaborative lawyer and accredited mediator, and able to offer child inclusive mediation. Karen employs a constructive approach, to help and support clients in reducing conflict, and finding solutions to all issues arising on separation.

Tania Derrett-Smith

Principal Associate

0121 616 6658

tania.derrett-smith@weightmans.com

Weightmans LLP, St Philips Point, Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5AF

BIO

Tania is a principal associate in the family team based in Birmingham. She has over 20 years’ experience in all areas of family law, providing clients with a tailored, robust and effective approach to resolution whilst never losing sight of the client’s priorities and objectives. Tania’s areas of practice include divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements and arrangements for children with particular specialism in financial consequences arising as a result of a relationship breakdown. Considerable experience in cases involving family businesses, property in the UK and overseas together with pensions.

Amanda Holland

Senior Associate

0121 698 2245

a.holland@sydneymitchell.co.uk

Sydney Mitchell LLP, Apsley House, 35 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5TJ

BIO

Every client is an individual, linked to a family, and so the collaborative process is an ideal way to work together – clients and lawyers – to create a tailored solution for each family. Family lawyer with over 25 years experience in family law. See professional profile and testimonials at www.sydneymitchell.co.uk

Rebecca Franklin

Legal Executive

01216616707

rebecca.franklin@family-lawfirm.co.uk

Woolley & Co, Warwick Enterprise Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF

BIO

Over 25 years experience exclusively in family law. I take a client focused approach to all of my cases with a view to dealing with matters in the most dignified, constructive and cost effective manner possible. Many of my clients will need to co-parent following their separation and my goal is to assist clients in being able to achieve that. I am happy to accommodate meetings virtually or in Birmingham city centre at my client’s preference.

Aaron Keene

Family Law Solicitor

0121 710 5947

abkeene@wilkes.co.uk

The Wilkes Partnership LLP, 41 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2RT

BIO

Aaron is a family and collaborative law solicitor with over 30 years experience of finding solutions for clients with family law problems. He has been a partner at The Wilkes Partnership LLP since 1996, the firm he joined as a trainee solicitor in 1987. He is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law panel. He is a member of the national Family Law organisation Resolution’s regional committee of which he was regional chair from 2013 to 2016. He sits on the Birmingham Family Court sub-committee. He played a key part in setting up the Birmingham Litigants in person scheme for users of the Birmingham Family Court.

Catherine Walker

Solicitor

(O) 0121 704 9876 (M) 07876 552837

catherinewalker@carlahull.com

Carla Hull Solicitors Limited, 33 Hampton Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2QD

BIO

Catherine was previously a Partner in a large Midlands firm before joining Carla Hull Solicitors in January 2018. Catherine has significant experience dealing with all aspects of private family law work including high-value divorce cases and disputes concerning children. She is used to dealing with unusual and complex family situations involving businesses, property portfolios, farms, trusts and inherited wealth.

Catherine acknowledges that each family is unique and that relationship issues understandably have an emotional dimension. She offers no-nonsense, sensible advice and seeks to maintain a constructive and conciliatory approach to promote settlement and to maintain good relations between parties whenever possible.

Catherine is a member of Resolution, Birmingham Law Society and the Law Society of England and Wales.

Teresa Mannion

Senior Solicitor Family & Collaborative Law

0121 746 3316

t.mannion@sydneymitchell.co.uk

Chattock House, 346 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 3DN

BIO

I am a family solicitor with over 25 years experience in all aspects of relationship breakdown relating to both children and financial matters. I have also been a collaborative lawyer since 2010.

I am committed to helping my client’s and their families achieve fair and practical solutions to benefit both them and their families. I genuinely believe that the collaborative process enables my client’s to achieve this in a conciliatory and amicable way.

I have a friendly, calm and down to earth approach which puts my client’s at ease whilst helping them to understand the legal issues easily whilst focusing on the future.

I am also an advanced accredited specialist in both financial and children matters.

Claire Round

Forensic Accountant and Expert Witness, Director at BDO

+44 (0)7583 042 451 | +44 (0)121 352 6200

claire.round@bdo.co.uk

BDO LLP , Two Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6GA

BIO

I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. I am an experienced expert witness skilled in business valuations, with a particular focus on matrimonial disputes.

My work involves assessment of the liquidity of a company and advice on division of assets, including tax-efficient options for settlement. I have advised on the valuation of loan notes, share options and deferred consideration.

I am collaboratively-trained and a member of Resolution. I participate in various collaborative ‘pods’ across the Midlands and I am the long-standing Treasurer of the West Midlands pod.

Kathryn Ferris

Director and Collaborative Lawyer

0121 705 7571

kathrynferris@wallacerobinson.co.uk

Wallace Robinson & Morgan, 4 Drury Lane, Solihull B91 3BD

BIO

Kathryn qualified as a Solicitor in 2000 and as a Collaborative Lawyer in 2011. She believes passionately that the use of the collaborative process means clients avoid acrimony giving themselves the best chance of achieving an amicable resolution. She is the current chair of the Collaborative Family Law Group West Midlands.

Kathryn is experienced in all aspects of financial disputes but has particular expertise working with mid to high net worth clients who are separating after a long marriage.

Kathryn also advises on matters concerning children including arrangements following separation.

Clare Wiseman

Partner

(m) 07525 911737 (office) 0121 214 5278

Clare.Wiseman@IrwinMitchell.com

Irwin Mitchell LLP, The Colmore Building, 9th Floor, 20 Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AH

BIO

Partner leading a large team with 30 years’ experience in domestic and international cases. Also a busy mother of 3.

Divorce, separation and financial specialisms often involving high profile clients, where discretion is essential, sports(wo)men and entrepreneurs. I deal with many cases regarding children’s education, residence and re-location.

Always going the ‘extra mile’, I deliver a bespoke service focusing not only on the ‘legal’ but also the commercial, emotional and practical. My clients frequently become life-long friends or professional contacts.

With a strategic approach and straightforward advice, I’ll work alongside you to achieve the very best outcome for you and your family.

Katherine Kennedy

Principal Associate, Family Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer

0344 327 6250

katherine.kennedy@mills-reeve.com

Mills & Reeve, 78-84 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2AB

BIO

With over 20 years experience as a family law solicitor, I trained as a collaborative lawyer in 2007, to complement my approach of family led solutions. I am used to dealing with complex financial issues including businesses, trusts, international issues and pensions. My practice also encompasses issues relating to children – reaching suitable arrangements for contact and residence and dealing with relocation within the UK and further afield. I encourage a pragmatic approach weighing family impact and legal/commercial reality in the balance.

Helen Jane Arnold

Solicitor

0121 248 4001

helenjanearnold@benussilaw.co.uk

Benussi & Co Limited, 7th Floor, Newater House, 11 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3NY

BIO

Helen Jane Arnold has been a member of Resolution since its early days and trained as a mediator and collaborative lawyer with this specialist organisation for family lawyers. Helen Jane specialises in family finance at a niche family law firm with a particular emphasis on high net worth, complex cases.

Paul Gorman

Chartered Financial Planner

Southdown Consultants for a collaborative divorce lawyer.

07711 016483

paul.gorman@beaufortfinancial.co.uk

Beaufort Financial, Suite 46 Hilton Hall, Hilton Lane, Essington, Staffs WV112 BQ

BIO

I am a Chartered Financial Planner, Resolution Accredited IFA and Pensions on Divorce Expert (PODE) and have been working in the field of financial planning on divorce since 2007.

I am a member of several collaborative law groups and have experience of working within this process, as well as in mediated and lawyer negotiated settlements.

In addition to my financial planning role at Beaufort Financial, I am a director at Southdown Consultants, where our focus is expert witness pension reports for divorce.

With 30 years of experience in financial services and financial planning, I am a strong advocate of delivering advice and planning in a way that clients find it easy to understand.

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Rhonda Bradshaw

Kelly Pougher

Louise Dewell

Beverley Morris

Ian Hawkins

Marc Saunderson

Sian Kenkre

Nicholas Allen QC

Dipika Mistry

Caroline Dresden

Carla Hull

Carla Devereux

Susan Davies

Ruth Hare

Julie Slater-Williams

Judi Wood

Farhat Akbar

Helen Hancock

Karen Beevers

Tania Derrett-Smith

Amanda Holland

Rebecca Franklin

Aaron Keene

Catherine Walker

Teresa Mannion

Claire Round

Kathryn Ferris

Clare Wiseman

Katherine Kennedy

Helen Jane Arnold

Paul Gorman

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Helping You Resolve Family Issues Out of Court.