Biography
I specialise in family law, taking a particular interest in dealing with resolving financial disputes following separation and divorce. I also have a vast amount of experience dealing with children matters, generally involving parents but also involving wider family members. I have dealt with a number of cases where the child has been separately represented due to complicated factors that require this.
I deal with cases involving both pre- and post-nuptial agreements or living together/cohabitation agreements when parties are not married.
I have also represented clients in dealing with matters that are less common, such as declarations of parentage and nullity.
I represent clients in cases that are often complex. I have a large amount of experience dealing with cases that involve businesses and am also used to linking with my colleagues in other areas of the Irwin Mitchell, whether this be property, company law or personal injury in order to address all issues that may arise for a client.
Client Testimonials
"We would have no hesitation in recommending Melanie Hadwin. She is quite simply superb. Throughout the process of our very acrimonious divorces, Mel has remained highly professional, completely knowledgeable, fully reassuring and absolutely determines and committed to achieving a conclusion.
"Mel has the ability to shoulder your worries and remove the negative emotions from the complicated and often protracted process of divorce. She has always left us with a sense of complete security and faith in her abilities to deal effectively with any issues, openly, honestly and fairly,with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Mel is someone who makes you feel you have someone on your side, fighting your corner, someone who is always a few steps ahead of the process and fully prepared for anything that may occur." –James Terry & Michelle Harding | Managing Director and HR Manager at PCT | January 2014
"There are no adequate words to express my thoughts on all you have helped me through and to achieve in the last few months. You have been an absolute rock, letting me vent when needed and bringing me down to earth when I got ahead of myself. Thank you for your patience and professionalism throughout what has been a really horrible year." –Anonymous | 9 October 2013
What inspired you to get into law?
When I was 16 I thought I wanted to be an architect. I arranged work experience with an architectural practice that fell through at the last minute. A friend of my Mum’s suggested I do work experience with her instead. She was a family solicitor. I was “hooked” from day one. I knew I had found what I was going to be and from that point onwards all I ever wanted to be was a family lawyer. It is hard to describe, but it is as if it was what I was always destined to be!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
One of the most rewarding things is seeing a client relax when they realise that they do not have to deal with their situation alone and that they now have me “on their side”. Taking some of the stress out of what is very often a very difficult time for people is very rewarding. I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients, many of whom I stay in contact with following the conclusion of their case.
What do you do away from the office?
I love walking and can often be seen being pulled around the woods or the countryside by my lurcher, Dotty! I love baking and cooking in general and like trying to make new variations of brownies for my colleagues to test on a regular basis. I am a rugby fan and am often stood at the side of a freezing pitch in winter supporting my husband as he plays! I like to travel around the country and always try to visit the New Forest at least every couple of years – it is one of my favourites.
