Department profile
Crane & Staples

Family/Matrimonial

UK Guide 2026 : Thames Valley


Crane & Staples

Rankings

About

Provided by Crane & Staples

The Family team at Crane & Staples act for private individuals in the full spectrum of family matters, including:

  • Divorces involving complex financial matters, distribution of pensions and non-disclosure of assets
  • Child arrangements cases
  • Pre and post nuptial agreements
  • Cohabitation agreements
  • Unmarried couples finance
  • Civil partnership dissolution; and
  • International child abduction and child relocation (domestic and international)

The firm values a team approach to provide the best advice to clients, for example, consulting with the property team for information on high-value matrimonial properties.


Where possible, the solicitors undertake their own advocacy, to provide continuity of representation. High-level cases often involve the instruction of Silk, renowned medical experts, pension experts and forensic accountants.


The team are enthusiastic supporters and referrers of cases to mediation and other ADR, including arbitration. They are committed to helping parties reach agreement without the need for contested hearings, where possible, as members of Resolution. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family/Matrimonial - Thames Valley

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Crane & Staples offers a range of family law service from its office in Welwyn Garden City. The firm can advise clients on both public and private children law matters such as child relocation, contact disputes and cases that involve serious allegations of abuse or criminal behaviour. The team also handles financial remedy and advises clients on nuptial agreements.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm has impeccable attention to detail and top-notch client care. It is excellent at seeing matters from all angles and working out the tactical best way forward.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Their work is always meticulously prepared and the firm is very cost-efficient while managing clients' expectations and running cases in an intelligent and thoughtful fashion.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Crane & Staples has a very experienced matrimonial team and is more than able to cope with complex and sophisticated matters.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • The team is very knowledgeable, professional, efficient and helpful.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Crane & Staples provides realistic, cost-effective advice, born of long experience.

    Family/Matrimonial respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Danielle Peters
    Band 2Danielle Peters

    Danielle Peters

    Danielle Peters advises both married and unmarried couples on financial settlements and disputes relating to divorce or separation and can also advise on TOLATA issues. She has further experience in private children law.

    • Danielle is an experienced, knowledgeable and cost-effective practitioner who always shows sound judgement and a thorough understanding of litigation.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Danielle Peters is absolutely attuned to the needs of the client.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Danielle's strategic approach and insightful advice is invaluable in resolving intricate cases efficiently and effectively.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Band 3Sharon Montgomery
    Band 3Sharon Montgomery

    Sharon Montgomery

    Sharon Montgomery handles complex divorce and separation issues, including child abduction and financial remedy cases. She also has experience advising on prenuptial agreements.

    • Sharon Montgomery has an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience. She is very astute, practical and commercially aware.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Sharon's experience shines through. She is unfazed by complex cases and difficult opponents and will think through a case from every angle to give her clients the best tactical advice possible.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
  • Star AssociatesNatasha Khakhar
    Star AssociatesNatasha Khakhar

    Natasha Khakhar

    Natasha Khakhar assists with a range of divorce and financial remedy proceedings, often involving high-value assets and pensions. She is also experienced at handling TOLATA matters.

    • Natasha has exceptional client care skills. She is excellent at lowering the temperature in cases which have the potential to become extremely acrimonious.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Natasha is an absolute pleasure to work alongside in helping the parties achieve a fair outcome. Her non-confrontational approach and commitment to finding a resolution is commendable.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK
    • Natasha Khakhar is a very committed and dedicated lawyer. She makes clients feel very secure and gives clear and honest guidance. Her communication is outstanding, and she is very knowledgeable.

      Family/Matrimonial respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Crane & Staples (3)

Thames Valley

Members

Provided by Crane & Staples

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