Family/Matrimonial
UK Guide 2025 : Thames Valley
Band 2
About
Provided by Field Seymour Parkes
- One of the largest family teams in the Reading and surrounds. The team comprises qualified solicitors only and so cases are dealt with by qualified staff at all times.
- Clients are mainly high net worth individuals with complex matrimonial and children issues. Typical divorce matters involving assets between £1m and £5m.
- Cases involving international property and business interests, farming estates, mental capacity, non-matrimonial property, child abduction, leave to remove, internal relocation, financial relief following foreign divorce, overseas pensions, maintenance variation and declarations of non-recognition of foreign divorce.
- Drafting and advising on pre and post nuptial agreements, in one case protecting assets of £25m.
- We are one of only two firms in the country who are recommended by the Forces Pension Society in family and matrimonial finance cases, particularly in relation to Armed Forces Pensions.
- Our clients recognise the high level of expertise that we have within the team and that as part of a general practice any complex issues relating to tax, company law, employment law or property, for example, can handled.
Chambers Review
Field Seymour Parkes advises on matrimonial finance matters, often in cases involving business interests and property assets. The Reading-based team also acts on highly sensitive mandates concerning minors, including Children Act disputes and change of residence cases. It has further experience assisting with complex tax and pension concerns related to divorce, with a notable specialism in cases involving armed forces pensions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Field Seymour Parkes are experts in their field."
"They take the best approach possible for each individual client."
"They take a pragmatic approach and endeavour to work through issues proactively."
"The lawyers at Field Seymour Parkes have excellent communication and are always very friendly."
"Field Seymour Parkes gave prompt attention to all matters and advised me of all progress."
"Field Seymour Parkes are experts in their field."
"They take the best approach possible for each individual client."
"They take a pragmatic approach and endeavour to work through issues proactively."
"The lawyers at Field Seymour Parkes have excellent communication and are always very friendly."
"Field Seymour Parkes gave prompt attention to all matters and advised me of all progress."
Notable Practitioners
Susan Baker regularly represents clients in financial remedy disputes involving cross-border assets and pensions issues, as well as advising on Children Act cases including relocations and changes of residence.
"Susan is extremely knowledgeable and experienced but also approachable."
"Susan Baker is a well-established and respected lawyer. Her clients are in safe hands."
"Susan provided excellent professional service and carried it out with knowledge, kindness and empathy."
Bethan Thomas is head of the family and matrimonial team in the firm's Reading office. She assists clients with complex financial remedy proceedings and is also able to advise on private children disputes, such as changes of residence applications and Child Arrangements Orders.
"Bethan Thomas is insightful, knowledgeable and highly experienced, but also approachable and compassionate."
"Bethan's intellect is matched only by her charm. She fights for her clients but does so in a way which is pragmatic."
"Bethan is an excellent lawyer and clients rightly trust her implicitly. She is dedicated to her profession and a go-to lawyer for family law work in the area."
Hannah Sims assists with a range of divorce and family-related matters. She has notable expertise with both financial remedy proceedings and Child Arrangements Orders.
"Hannah is a great communicator. She clearly wants to do the best she can for her client and the team as a whole."
"Hannah Sims is such a pleasure to work with."
"Hannah is personable, very efficient and always thinks one step ahead."
"Hannah has excellent judgement and is a strategic thinker."
Ranked Lawyers at
Field Seymour Parkes
Thames Valley