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Mark Betteridge is a highly experienced family law solicitor with over 36 years in practice, including nearly three decades as founder and managing director of a successful Hertfordshire based firm. He specialises in divorce, financial settlements, and contentious probate, with particular expertise in high-net-worth, multi-asset and business-focused cases.
Mark has acted in complex financial remedy proceedings involving matrimonial assets of over £250 million, alongside substantial inheritance disputes including will challenges, proprietary estoppel claims and applications under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. His extensive background in litigation and negotiation enables him to navigate cases where family dynamics, wealth structures and strategic planning are central. Mark has a niche farming background which he drew on when advising many farmers during their complex divorces. Mark also has expertise in expat divorce and separation.
Clients value Mark for his calm, direct manner, and his ability to bring clarity to even the most demanding situations. He is known for balancing robust representation with a pragmatic, solution-focused approach, helping clients understand their options from the outset and guiding them towards outcomes that are fair, realistic, and aligned with their long-term priorities.
Mark is a strong supporter of non-court dispute resolution wherever appropriate, and helps clients explore constructive, cost-effective alternatives before resorting to litigation.
He qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and quickly established and led his own practice for over 30 years, developing a strong reputation in family and probate litigation and becoming an early adopter of innovative online legal services.
In recent years, Mark has continued to apply his expertise in consultancy roles supporting complex family and inheritance cases.
Outside work, Mark is a keen music lover, an enthusiastic skier and golfer, and enjoys spending time cooking with his wife whenever he can.
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Mark Betteridge
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Hertford Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Sanjay is an experienced family law solicitor, and trained family mediator, with a strong track record advising clients on divorce, financial settlements, and children matters. Before joining Woolley & Co, Sanjay worked in family law roles at several respected regional firms. This breadth of experience gives him a deep understanding of the different routes available to clients, whether through negotiation, mediation, or, where necessary, court proceedings.
Sanjay’s approach is professional, calm, and constructive. He focuses on helping separating couples reach practical, fair outcomes while minimising conflict and unnecessary costs. His goal is to empower clients by ensuring they understand their position and options. Drawing on his knowledge and experience, Sanjay helps clients feel supported and listened to, and where appropriate, he encourages non-court solutions, making use of his mediation training through Resolution.
Sanjay is committed to providing clear, supportive advice and helping clients resolve often complex and emotionally charged issues with clarity and care.
He completed his studies at the University of Wolverhampton and went on to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from The University of Law. Sanjay qualified as a solicitor in January 2018. He has also contributed to the wider legal community through his involvement with the Law Society’s Disabled Solicitors Network and the Birmingham Law Society’s Health and Disability Sub-Committee.
Outside of work, Sanjay enjoys travelling, theatre, and spending time with family and friends. He is also an advocate for mental health and, in his spare time, helps to support and run a private group for individuals who have a stammer.
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Sanjay Solanki
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Solihull Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Based in Buckingham, Rachel is an experienced divorce and family law solicitor with Woolley & Co. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Rachel brings a pragmatic, approachable, and solutions-focused approach to every case. She qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and has since held senior roles across several prominent firms, including a Legal 500 practice in Staffordshire, where she led the family law department, a commercial law firm in Liverpool as a partner, and a well-regarded niche family law practice in Milton Keynes.
Rachel offers extensive experience in all areas of family law, including complex, high-asset divorces, with a dedicated focus on securing the most beneficial financial arrangements for her clients, children matters, working to achieve child-centred solutions that respect each family’s unique dynamics, and cohabitation disputes, providing knowledgeable advice and advocacy.
Rachel is committed to resolving family disputes with a constructive and sensitive approach. She is highly skilled in a wide range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, from direct negotiation, roundtable meetings, and mediation to collaborative law, private Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR), and arbitration. Her work as a trained mediator has equipped her with unique skills to help clients avoid court proceedings whenever possible, minimising stress.
“I will always look at alternative dispute resolution away from the court if possible. My past work as a mediator has provided me with a wealth of skills that in turn assist me in providing a personal and compassionate approach at what is so often a traumatic time. I will explore with you the different ways to reach a negotiation-based agreement and am happy to pick up the phone for an explorative conversation with the other solicitors to try to cut to the nub of an issue.
Family law is about so much more than the legal issues themselves. For each of my clients, it is a personal journey, and I am there to support you in whatever way I can. I will refer to other professionals when necessary, so you have the full team around you.”
Rachel takes a hands-on approach to client communication, ensuring that all voices are heard and that a constructive resolution is pursued, whether through ADR methods or the courts if required. Her expertise as a collaborative lawyer allows her to facilitate roundtable meetings and negotiations with an emphasis on client-led outcomes. This collaborative focus not only fosters quicker, more amicable resolutions but also supports positive co-parenting relationships for families with children.
Rachel’s blend of compassion, expertise, and dedication makes her an exceptional advocate in family law, helping clients navigate their legal journey with confidence and reassurance.
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Rachel Lander
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Buckingham Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Gemma Scourfield is a highly experienced divorce and family law solicitor with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Since qualifying in 2007, Gemma acts on behalf of clients across Wales, the UK and internationally, particularly in matters involving divorce, financial settlements for married and unmarried couples and arrangements for children.
Gemma was previously accredited as an Advanced Family Law Panel Member by the Law Society, recognising her expertise in cases involving domestic abuse and financial relief. Gemma specialises in complex financial cases acting on behalf of professionals, skilled workers and farmers, in cases involving pensions, property portfolios or businesses and trusts. Gemma frequently works alongside accountants and other experts to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients.
Gemma is known for her calm, focused and practical approach. She understands the emotional toll a separation can take and works hard to reduce the stress for her clients. Her advice is always tailored, clear, and solution-focused, drawing on years of experience to guide clients through what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives.
A member of Resolution, Gemma actively promotes non-court dispute resolution where appropriate. She believes this offers clients more control, in a less formal and adversarial setting. She has extensive experience reaching settlements outside the courtroom, including through solicitor-led negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Gemma is committed to finding practical solutions that focus on the client’s future and avoids a lengthy and costly legal battle.
That said, when court proceedings are necessary, clients can rely on Gemma’s strong negotiation skills and consistent representation — she conducts much of her own advocacy to provide continuity and reassurance throughout.
Gemma qualified as a family law solicitor in 2007 and joined Woolley & Co from a regional firm in Wales in August 2021.
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Gemma Scourfield
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Haverfordwest Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Fiona is a highly experienced family law solicitor with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Duxford, South Cambridgeshire. She qualified as a solicitor in 1999 and advises on all areas of family law, including divorce, separation, financial matters, and arrangements for children.
Before joining Woolley & Co in 2020, Fiona built her expertise across a range of legal environments. She has worked in regional law firms across London, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk – where she was a Partner in a busy family law team – as well as holding in-house legal roles at The Law Society, the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, and Peterborough City Council. In addition, Fiona is a qualified Notary Public and has experience preparing legal documents for use overseas.
Fiona’s clients describe her as warm, intuitive and thorough. She is particularly skilled at helping people understand complex legal concepts and focuses on achieving the best outcomes for her clients through clear, practical advice. She has been named as a Recommended Lawyer for Family Law in East Anglia in The Legal 500, with the team recognised for providing “outstanding service and timely, appropriate, knowledgeable and supportive advice.”
Fiona strongly supports non-court dispute resolution wherever appropriate, believing it leads to better long-term outcomes, particularly when children are involved.
“More than ever, I encourage clients to resolve things in a straightforward, cost-effective and amicable way. Finding agreement isn’t about giving in; it’s about understanding your priorities and reaching a workable solution that protects what matters most.”
Fiona empowers her clients to reach agreement directly wherever possible. She offers clear advice and ongoing support throughout the process – including preparing and lodging consent orders – and is skilled at managing negotiations in a way that promotes resolution while robustly protecting her client’s position.
Fiona believes strongly in keeping the focus on the future and helping clients find solutions that avoid unnecessary confrontation:
“Especially when there are children, I remind clients that they will always be a family. If you can find common ground now, that lays the foundation for resolving future issues too. My job is to make sure you are well-informed, so if you do make compromises, you understand why – and have no regrets.”
Fiona qualified as a solicitor in 1999 and joined Woolley & Co in February 2020.
Outside of work, Fiona is kept busy by her children and family pets. School holidays are often spent exploring North Wales.
Fiona Spinks is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw
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Fiona Spinks
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Cambridge Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Karen Willis is an experienced divorce and family law solicitor with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in King’s Lynn and advising clients across East Anglia and the wider UK. With over 25 years in family law, she helps individuals navigate divorce, financial settlements, cohabitee disputes, prenuptial agreements and arrangements for children. Karen has been named as a Recommended Lawyer for family law in East Anglia in Legal 500.
Known for her friendly, pragmatic approach, Karen is passionate about delivering a service that is both highly professional and genuinely supportive. She quickly identifies the key issues in a case, gives clear advice, and works collaboratively with clients to reach solutions as cost-effectively as possible.
Karen has a particular interest in resolving matters without the need to go to court. She is committed to using non-court dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, solicitor-led negotiation, and private Financial Dispute Resolution, to give her clients more certainty, control, and quicker outcomes – without the stress, cost and delay of litigation. She has significant experience guiding clients through these processes and sees real value in approaches that focus on resolving issues constructively. Karen is committed to helping clients find solutions without always having to rely on the court process.
Karen trained and qualified in London in 1997, gaining valuable experience in complex and business-related divorces. Before joining Woolley & Co in November 2019, she was a partner at a Norfolk law firm. This background enables her to advise a wide range of clients, from business owners to stay-at-home parents, tailoring her advice to suit each individual’s circumstances.
She is a member of Resolution and adheres to its Code of Practice, promoting a non-confrontational approach to family law.
Outside of work, Karen enjoys running, supporting her children in their sporting activities, and spending time with family along the beautiful North Norfolk coast.
Karen Willis is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw
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Karen Willis
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
King’s Lynn Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Kate Butler is a highly experienced chartered legal executive with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Northamptonshire. With over 30 years in the profession, she advises on all aspects of relationship breakdown, including divorce and separation, financial settlements, arrangements for children, and disputes involving cohabiting couples. Kate also assists couples at the start of their relationship, preparing prenuptial and cohabitation agreements to prevent future disagreements.
Kate is recommended for Family Law in the East Midlands in the Legal 500 UK 2020, where she is recognised as “extremely hard working… knowledgeable and pragmatic,” and praised for her robust and determined approach. She is described as someone who “aims to reach a settlement if that is in her client’s interest but [is] prepared to fight hard within the court process if necessary.”
Kate supports clients through what can be a highly emotional and uncertain time, guiding them through both legal and practical issues. Her experience includes resolving complex financial matters on separation — whether arising from marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation — and she is often instructed in urgent cases requiring emergency remedies. She also regularly represents parents and wider family members, including grandparents, in matters relating to children.
Kate is committed to helping clients avoid unnecessary conflict. She believes strongly in the value of non-court dispute resolution methods, which she sees as a way of giving clients more control over the cost and timeframe of resolving disputes — particularly important given the pressures on the family court system. She has experience of round table meetings and private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings and continues to explore ways to help clients resolve matters constructively, without recourse to contested proceedings.
Kate believes the best outcomes are those that allow both parties to move forward with dignity and respect, particularly where children are involved. Clients value her friendly, approachable manner, her ability to listen carefully, and her firm but fair guidance in navigating challenging situations.
Kate qualified as a legal executive in September 1999 and joined Woolley & Co in April 2007 from a Coventry-based firm. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting — often creating post-box toppers for her village — and spending time with her family, including her three sons and two grandchildren.
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Kate Butler
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Northampton Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Luci Larkin is an experienced and approachable divorce and family solicitor with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Barnet, Greater London. She works with clients across London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Kent, as well as further afield. Luci advises on all aspects of relationship breakdown, including divorce, financial settlements, separation agreements and arrangements for children.
Luci has a particular interest and expertise in complex financial matters, especially those involving business assets, inherited wealth or trust interests. She also has extensive experience advising cohabiting couples on financial issues following separation, and is regularly instructed to prepare pre-relationship agreements. Having practised family law since 1999, she spent ten years as a partner and head of the family law department at a central London firm before joining Woolley & Co in 2010.
Luci is a long-standing member of Resolution and is committed to a constructive and solutions-focused approach to family law. She has considerable experience of settling matters by negotiation, helping many clients resolve issues without the need for court proceedings. She recognises that non-court dispute resolution options such as negotiation often lead to faster, more cost-effective outcomes, giving clients greater control over the process and future arrangements. Luci’s approach is designed to ensure that her clients reach tailormade, constructive and efficient resolutions.
She is praised by clients for her problem-solving mindset, clear communication and ability to simplify complex legal issues.
Luci was named a Recommended Lawyer for Family Law in Legal 500 UK (2018–19), where she was described as “very conciliatory and approachable” and “clearly an experienced family lawyer”.
Luci qualified as a solicitor in June 1999. She joined Woolley & Co from a London firm in October 2010.
Outside of work, Luci enjoys keeping fit with plenty of walking, swimming and gardening.
Luci Larkin is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw
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Luci Larkin
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
London Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Claudette Jaggard is an experienced chartered legal executive with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Claverley near Wolverhampton. She qualified in 1998 and has specialised in family law ever since, joining Woolley & Co in June 2007.
Claudette advises on a full range of family law issues, including divorce, financial settlements, cohabitation disputes, living together agreements, separation agreements, and the care and contact arrangements for children and grandchildren. She also acts swiftly in domestic abuse matters and supports clients with pre-nuptial agreements, legal separation, and civil partnership dissolution.
Known for her approachable and empathetic style, Claudette helps clients navigate emotionally difficult times with clarity and confidence. She is committed to achieving fair outcomes and is praised for her straightforward advice and strong advocacy skills. Her background includes representing individuals from the police, fire service, armed forces and local businesses. Much of her work comes through personal recommendation.
“I know how overwhelming family breakdowns can be. My aim is to guide clients through each step with care, clear advice, and a focus on finding solutions that work in the real world. I actively encourage a constructive approach, working to the principles set out by Resolution.”
Claudette has a deep understanding of non-court dispute resolution methods and regularly supports clients through mediation, private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, and arbitration. She sees the value in helping clients retain control over the process and the outcome — often saving time, money, and emotional strain.
“NCDR puts the client in the driving seat. With private FDR or arbitration, you know you’re working with an experienced family law specialist — not relying on which judge you happen to get at court. It’s a less stressful, more focused way to find agreement.”
Claudette regularly prepares clients for mediation, ensuring they enter with a clear understanding of their legal position and the right questions to ask. She also advocates for arbitration and private FDR where appropriate to the case.
“Each case is unique. My job is to understand your situation and help you get to the best possible outcome — whether through negotiation or, if needed, court proceedings.”
Claudette qualified as a legal executive in October 1998, and joined Woolley & Co in June 2007.
Outside of work, Claudette is happiest outdoors. A country girl at heart, her passion is horses, and she enjoys regular rides with her own.
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Claudette Jaggard
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Wolverhampton Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Michelle is a highly experienced chartered legal executive based in Melbourne, Derbyshire. With over 25 years in practice, she is known for providing clear, supportive and solution-focused advice to clients across the East and West Midlands and beyond.
Her clients include homemakers, professionals, business owners, farmers and high-net-worth individuals. Calm and pragmatic, Michelle is skilled at helping people navigate emotionally challenging situations with clarity and confidence.
Recognised by both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a Recommended Lawyer, Michelle has been praised by clients for her depth of knowledge, professionalism and unwavering focus on their best interests.
Michelle advises on all areas of family law, including divorce, separation, financial settlements, and arrangements for children or grandchildren. She is a strong advocate of non-court dispute resolution, regularly guiding clients through solicitor-led negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings.
With a background in collaborative law, Michelle continues to apply those values of cooperation and respect in her day-to-day practice. She firmly believes that non-court options often lead to more constructive, cost-effective and family-focused outcomes, helping clients avoid unnecessary stress and delay.
Clients value her honest, no-nonsense approach and her ability to simplify complex legal issues. Much of her work comes through personal recommendations – something she considers the greatest compliment.
Michelle qualified as a legal executive in 1997 and joined Woolley & Co in 2016 after many years at a respected Staffordshire firm.
Outside of work, she enjoys walking in the Peak District and Eryri National Park with her dogs, visiting family in North Wales, and relaxing over pub lunches or picnics. A keen rugby fan, things get lively at home when England and Wales go head-to-head.
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Michelle Brammer
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Derby Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Alison is an experienced chartered legal executive based in Warwick, supporting clients across the Midlands as well as further afield. With over 30 years in family law, Alison has earned a reputation for her pragmatic, steady advice and her ability to keep clients grounded, even during the most difficult times.
Alison specialises in divorce and separation, with particular expertise in resolving financial matters, including complex assets and pensions, as well as arrangements for children. She is also highly experienced in helping clients with prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and living together agreements. Alison works with a broad range of clients, from professionals and business owners to retirees and parents, tailoring her advice to their specific priorities and concerns. She has a particular expertise in representing clients living abroad, drawing on her own experience of working and living overseas to offer practical, empathetic support to international families navigating the legal system from afar.
A strong advocate of non-court dispute resolution, Alison believes that alternative processes give couples greater control over their outcome, timescales and costs — especially at a time when the court system is struggling to meet demand. Alison is highly experienced in private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, having used them extensively since 2019, and will raise the option of a private FDR as early as practicable with clients and other solicitors. She also supports other methods such as solicitor-led negotiation to achieve fair outcomes without the uncertainty of contested court proceedings.
Alison explains: “My aim is to give clients firm, clear advice from the outset, to help manage expectations and encourage early, sensible settlements wherever possible.”
Clients value Alison’s honest, level-headed style and her focus on realistic outcomes, often recommending her to family and friends.
Alison qualified as a legal executive in November 2000 and joined Woolley & Co in October 2007 from a firm in the West Midlands and after a short break returned in 2016.
Outside of work, Alison enjoys ballroom dancing and regularly competes in events across the country, including in Blackpool. She also loves spending time with her family and travelling whenever she can. A keen baker, Alison has a particular talent for creating novelty cakes and enjoys experimenting with creative designs.
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Alison Ratchford
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Warwick Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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Sian Winter is an experienced divorce and family law solicitor with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She qualified in 2006 and has worked exclusively in family law ever since, advising on everything from straightforward divorces and amicable separations to complex financial and child-related disputes.
Sian has acted for a wide variety of clients, including those with modest resources and high net worth individuals, and understands the different pressures and priorities each case can bring. She takes a calm, considered and solutions-focused approach, helping her clients navigate challenging circumstances with confidence and clarity.
In addition to her broad family law practice, Sian has a particular specialism in Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TLATA) applications — property disputes between unmarried couples. This includes advising on ownership disagreements, financial contributions and securing fair outcomes where the legal position may be unclear or contested.
As a Resolution-trained mediator, Sian brings additional skills to her work, particularly when supporting couples who want to resolve matters amicably and keep the best interests of their children front and centre. She is also experienced in a wide range of non-court dispute resolution methods, including arbitration, private Financial Dispute Resolution, early neutral evaluations, round table meetings and mediation.
Sian believes strongly in using NCDR to resolve family disputes wherever possible:
“Non-court options provide a far more bespoke, cost-effective and often quicker solution than going to court. We can focus on the specific issues that need to be resolved, rather than being forced into a rigid, one-size-fits-all process. Combining different methods allows us to tailor the route that best suits the individuals involved.”
Sian is known for her ability to explain legal options clearly, her practical problem-solving mindset and her transparent approach to costs. She ensures clients fully understand the pros and cons of each potential route and are supported to make informed decisions that reflect their priorities.
“Every family is different, and so is every case. I work hard to identify the outcome that really matters to my client and then explore the most cost-effective way to achieve it. I’ll present the options clearly and support you to make the right decisions for your particular situation.”
Sian joined Woolley & Co in February 2015, having previously worked at a well-known Oxfordshire firm. She continues to be drawn to the people-focused nature of family law and values the opportunity to make a real difference at a pivotal point in someone’s life.
“Family law isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about understanding people – their families, their priorities, their emotions – and helping them find practical, workable outcomes that feel right for them.”
Outside of work, life for Sian revolves around being a roadie for son and his drum kit — organising band practices and travelling around the country for robotics and car racing events. When she does get a moment to herself, Sian enjoys swimming and unwinding with a variety of craft projects.
Sian Winter is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw
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Sian Winter
Woolley & Co, Solicitors
Bicester Office
Silverstone House
Kineton Road
Gaydon
Warwick
CV35 0EP
All correspondence is handled by Woolley & Co head office.
The firm has been recognised as a Leading Firm for Family Law by Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms.
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