Biography
I am a specialist Family Law solicitor, working across our London and Cambridge offices. I'm also head of our south coast family team, which covers offices in Chichester, Southampton and Gatwick. As part of the south coast team, I regularly see clients based in Brighton, Winchester and Salisbury, as well as other surrounding areas.
The majority of my work is focused on events and arrangements following the breakdown of a family relationship. For example, a lot of my work encompasses divorce and dissolutions, and helping people to deal with the financial issues that come hand in hand with the end of a marriage or civil partnership. I also help people involved in disputes concerning arrangements for their children. Some of my clients are not married, yet the end of their relationship has left property ownership matters that need resolving.
However, some of my work does not involve the end of a relationship, such as the preparation of agreements between couples before or after they marry (widely known as pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements), and dealing with the legal formalities of modern families, such as applying for parental orders following on from the birth of a child to a surrogate.
What inspired you to get into law?
I wanted a career that offered intellectual stimulation and the chance to help people with the problems and issues that life can sometimes throw at them. My career to date has delivered!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
I am driven by trying to support, advise and guide my clients through the legal side of the rollercoaster that is often a relationship breakdown. The reward comes when you see them off into their future, having survived the ups and downs, as unscathed as possible.
What do you do away from the office?
My young daughter takes up most of my time! Socialising and relaxing has definitely taken a different turn over recent years. I still try to travel and see new places, when possible.
Client testimonials
"I've had nothing but positive experiences with Irwin Mitchell and specifically with Kathryn, who has been invaluable in drafting my pre-nup agreement. She has been knowledgeable, conscientious and a great communicator throughout, and I do not hesitate to recommend her.” - Mr H
"Up front and honest advice, prompt service and to a very high quality." - Mrs K
"Your expertise and guidance turned a totally horrific experience into a positive outcome for me and the children." - Ms T
"Thank you so much for all your hard work and reassuring words during the horrible process of my divorce... You were very kind and helpful on my darkest days, always keeping my chin up and it eventually came to an end with, in my opinion, a good outcome... Thank you for all your reasonable words and thought processes in helping me reach a decision. " - Mrs H
"I would like to once again thank you and your company for the great service you provided during a very difficult and sensitive time. Your understanding and knowledge of the law and your guidance through the difficult and good times have made all the difference to our family. I cannot praise your skills enough, words fail me. Many thanks for everything" – Mr G
"My divorce was handled by Kathryn with both compassion and professionalism. I never felt as though I wasn’t in charge or out of the loop, however, at the same time, I was always left feeling confident that my interests were of paramount importance and behind the scenes tough decisions were being made on my behalf. I would not hesitate to recommend Kathryn again should anybody ask me for the name of a quality yet friendly solicitor who always puts the interests of her clients first". - Client
Publications
'Identical Twins? Surrogacy law on either side of Hadrian’s wall', International Family Law Journal 2019 Issue 4
'Are pre-nups a wealth management toll?', International Advisor, November 2019 https://international-adviser.com/are-pre-nups-a-wealth-management-tool/
'Same sec marriage in Northern Ireland... finally?', Family Law LexisNexis, July 2019
'Supreme court acknowledgment of the challenges posed by surrogacy law in the UK?' April 2020 https://imprivateclient.passle.net/post/102g5b9/supreme-court-acknowledgment-of-the-challenges-posed-by-surrogacy-law-in-the-uk
A difficult and tragic surrogacy case June 2020
Brexit means clock is ticking for expat pensions in divorce August 2020
