Biography
I provide advice on all legal issues arising from relationship breakdown, including divorce, financial settlements and the arrangements for children.
One of my specialisms is resolving disputes about the arrangements for children, including cases involving:
- Relocation of children in the UK and overseas
- Allegations of abuse
- Parental alienation
- Fabricated or induced illness in children
- Children with additional needs such as autism
- Applications by grandparents
- Parents with drug and alcohol dependency.
I also provide advice about surrogacy arrangements (in England and overseas), donor conception and co-parenting agreements, and adoption. I have specialist expertise when it comes to advising LGBT parents and parents-to-be.
I'm also experienced in advising co-habiting couples, both in terms of resolving issues relating to property and securing financial provision for children.
I act for clients with assets of all levels but I have particular expertise in dealing with cases where the family finances are complicated and high value and those with international elements.
My aim is always to try and help my clients come to a swift and fair agreement without going to court, whenever possible.
What inspired you to get into law?
I decided to become a solicitor because I knew that I would enjoy the problem solving and technical elements of the job. When I first studied family law, it struck me that separating couples were often faced with complex and daunting legal proceedings at an already very difficult time in their lives. I became a family lawyer because I believe in helping clients navigate those processes as smoothly and with as much understanding as possible, which is why I try to adopt a down to earth approach.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Helping my clients reach a resolution. A recent highlight was helping a father re-establish contact with his daughter after her mother attempted to remove her from the country without his knowledge, and then made very serious allegations about his behaviour, none of which were found to be true by the court.
I also enjoy the fact that no two days are the same and that family law is constantly evolving. One day I can be helping a client reach a financial settlement and on another I can be giving advice about legal parenthood and fertility law.
What do you do away from the office?
I live with my husband and young son in Manchester.
Publications
I regularly speak on BBC Radio Manchester’s Saturday morning breakfast show and have appeared on television (BBC Breakfast and ITV Granada Reports) discussing the Supreme Court judgement in Sharland v Sharland [2015] UKSC 60.
I've spoken at the LGBT Foundation TransMCR events about a range of legal topics including obtaining Gender Recognition Certificates and fertility law.
Testimonials
"Hannah Saxe is very confident and has good attention to detail... She has a great grasp of the complex areas of law and can really balance the client's needs with the legal outcome." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Associate to Watch)
‘Hannah Saxe is astute and level-headed. She fights hard for her clients whilst maintaining a realistic and pragmatic approach to the strategy of their matter. Her preparation and presentation is meticulous.” - Legal 500 2022 (Rising Star)
‘Hannah Saxe was the stand out star in the whole process. She went the extra mile time and time again. Her assertive diplomacy ensured that the other side (as it were) were held to account at all times. Her advice was accurate and realistic." - Legal 500, 2021 (Rising Star)
Hannah Saxe has "good attention to detail." and "very knowledgeable" - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Associate to Watch)
"I was immediately impressed with the approach of 'my' Manchester based team: Hannah Saxe, Lara Tucker, PA Louise Ward, and the highly recommended and dynamic barrister Sam Hillas. Their passion for family law is apparent by their knowledge, expertise and commitment, but they also had an appreciation of the emotional impact our case had on us. They de-mystified the legal process, enabled our full involvement throughout, were in regular contact and always made themselves available. This week we won our case! The reality of that 'win' is financial security for my family and to bring us closer to closure after 5 difficult years. I shall always be indebted to 'my team' for what they have achieved for us. Thank You." -5* Trustpilot review
"Constance Smith, supported by Hannah Saxe and Zoe Livadeas, provided consistent advice to me throughout the divorce process. Having spoken with Hannah initially I felt empowered through the thorough information she provided about family law and its application to my situation. Constance maintained regular contact replying to every query or anxiety I had with clarity and empathy which was vital at a time of great personal difficulty for me. I had felt the invoicing process was slightly impersonal coming from a large organisation however when I raised this it was met with understanding and acceptance. I was made aware that every intention had been made to keep costs minimal which I really appreciated. I am truly grateful to Constance and her team." - 5* Trustpilot review
