Geldards LLP has ‘an exceptional team of lawyers, who can deliver excellent advice on a wide range of family issues’, focusing on medium to high net worth financial remedy cases, particularly those involving businesses, inherited assets, pre-nuptial deeds and same sex marriage and civil partnership breakdowns. Based in Derby, Fiona Apthorpe chairs the family law practice, which is strengthened by Claire Dean’s expertise in financial remedy cases, children’s cases and those involving agricultural estates. For high net worth cases, Jane Cowley is the lead counsel. Highly recommended senior associates Natalie Haydon-Yeung, Janine Hobday and Kate Keenan are the other key figures.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I would really like to mention Kate Keenan, Claire Dean and Jane Cowley who are my team. They are all very skilled family solicitors who balance the legal situation with the needs of their client.’
‘Very capable team with extensive knowledge across all areas covered with their expertise.’
‘Geldards have an exceptional team of lawyers, who can deliver excellent advice on a wide range of family issues. They assist mid-high net worth individuals in complex financial and children cases’
‘Fiona Apthorpe has an excellent approach and manner, also she can crack even the most difficult cases as a mediator. She is so knowledgeable Claire Dean is an excellent specialist in private children matters, Natalie Hayden Yeung also deserves recognition’
‘Jane Cowley has looked after our clients extremely well. All of our mutual clients very happy with the quality and speedy service received and advice provided’
‘Geldards family team are the go to family law specialists in the East Midlands. The team has a strength in depth that is comparable to no other family law team in the region. From partners to associates, the quality and level of service provided is second to none.'
'Claire Dean, a partner in the family law team is a ferocious advocate, who will protect her client's interests until the end. At the start of proceedings, Claire will identify a strategy and lead the client through matters so that they have a clear view as to the way forward.'
‘Geldards have an exceptional family department, with highly competent lawyers at every level from the most junior up to partner level. Excellent legal advice at very reasonable prices.’

Lawyers

Rising stars

Natalie Haydon-Yeung

Geldards LLP

Natalie advises clients on a full range of family matters. She regularly represents married clients in divorce and financial remedy cases. She advises unmarried couples on the separation of assets following a relationship breakdown, including incorporation of any agreements into legally binding documents. Natalie also acts for parents and grandparents in relation to arrangements concerning their children and grandchildren. This includes day to day arrangements along with cases of relocation both domestically and internationally. Natalie is regularly involved in complex financial remedy cases involving large property portfolios, trust assets and business interests. In respect of children matters, Natalie represents clients in high conflict and protracted proceedings involving sensitive issues such as domestic violence, substance misuse, mental health and parental conflict. Natalie has represented clients at various Finding of Fact Hearings.

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