I joined Porter Dodson in 1984 and have been a Partner since 1989. I am the Head of the Family Law Team at the Taunton office, which has been complimented in the Legal 500 for 'standing out in the Taunton legal community for its knowledge and firm-but-fair approach’.

I have practised family law for more than 35 years and I specialise in divorce and the resolution of financial matters. Most of the work that I do comes from recommendation and I have an established following not only in Taunton, but across Somerset and beyond. (I hold a surgery in Street and Burnham-on-Sea and can see people there by arrangement.)

I have assisted many couples throughout difficult divorces and separations, resolving issues about finances with great care and skill. My clients often have high net worth or complex financial affairs. I am an effective, pragmatic, negotiator and I always remind my clients of the proportionality of costs versus outcome in their cases.

I am a trained mediator and collaborative Lawyer and I can advise clients on what is the best for them. I am one of the only solicitors in Somerset that has extensive experience of dealing with cases using these type of dispute resolution, as well as the court route (which is more 'traditional’ ). I am a member of the Somerset Collaborative Law Group where I play an active role in developing collaborative law in the area.

I am a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and was a founder member of the Somerset Branch of Resolution (which is the national organisation for Family Lawyers). I believe strongly that, where possible, separating couples should try and resolve the issues between themselves as amicably as possible, particularly where there are children.

I have been recognised in the Legal 500 as providing “excellent advice and a sympathetic and understanding approach”, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Devon and Somerset Law Society in 2023.