Maguire Family Law

Firm Overview

Maguire Family Law is a boutique specialist family law practice renowned for its expertise in high net worth divorce, financial remedies, and international family law matters. Founded in 2010 by James Maguire and Eimear Maguire, the firm has grown into a Tier 1 ranked outfit by The Legal 500 (2025 edition), with a focus on delivering pragmatic, client-focused advice in complex and sensitive cases. Operating from offices across the North West of England and London, the firm serves affluent clients both domestically and internationally, emphasisng child-centered approaches, wealth protection, and resolution through negotiation or mediation where appropriate. The team is praised for its technical proficiency in handling trusts, corporate structures, coercive control, and cross-border disputes, maintaining an approachable yet astute service. The team have a diverse range in terms of post qualification experience to service all types of family law cases and budgets.

James Maguire – Managing Director

Henry Venables – Director

Denise Moran – Director

Honor Giles – Mediator and Partner

Abigail Reynolds – Partner

Robert Webster – Partner

Olivia Barry – Senior Associate

Gabrielle Dugan – Senior Associate

Karima Al-Saidi – Senior Associate

Helen Royle – Associate

Francesca Crank – Associate

Simon Lovitt - Solicitor

Ruth Wynn – Solicitor

Lucy Maguire – Solicitor Apprentice

Main Areas of Practice

Divorce and Financial Remedies

This practice area encompasses high-value matrimonial finance, including asset division, spousal maintenance, and disputes involving business interests, pensions, and trusts. The firm handles the full spectrum of financial provision in divorce cases, often achieving favorable settlements through negotiation or court proceedings.

• Number of Partners: 6 (James Maguire, Denise Moran, Henry Venables, Honor Giles, Abigail Reynolds & Robert Webster); Solicitors: 8 based across offices in Altrincham, Knutsford, Manchester, Stockton Heath, Wilmslow, and London.
• Recent or Impressive Work: Acted for a high net worth entrepreneur in a £50m+ divorce, managing complex asset division across UK and European jurisdictions, including offshore trusts and business valuations, resulting in an out-of-court settlement. Advised on a coercive control divorce with domestic abuse allegations, securing protective measures and a clean-break financial order. Handled cohabitation disputes for unmarried partners involving property and financial claims.
• Partners Involved: James Maguire (lead on technical financial matters), Denise Moran (experienced in trusts and corporate structures), Henry Venables (focus on divorces and wealth protection).
• Key Clients: High net worth individuals, business owners, executives from FTSE-listed companies, and professionals seeking discreet resolutions.
• Contact: James Maguire, Tel: +44 (0)1625 544 650

International Family Law

Specialising in cross-border matters, this area includes international divorce proceedings, child abduction under the Hague Convention, relocation applications, and jurisdictional disputes.

• Number of Partners: 6 (James Maguire, Denise Moran, Henry Venables); Solicitors: 8 based across offices in Altrincham, Knutsford, Manchester, Stockton Heath, Wilmslow, and London.
• Recent or Impressive Work: Represented a client in a Hague Convention child abduction case, coordinating urgent High Court proceedings and diplomatic efforts for the child's swift return from abroad. Advised on international relocation for families with cultural and jurisdictional complexities, including specific issue orders on residency and schooling.
• Partners Involved: James Maguire (niche expertise in international relocation and abduction), Denise Moran (broad international financial provision), Henry Venables (cross-border financial and children disputes).
• Key Clients: Expatriates, international business owners, and families with multi-jurisdictional assets.
• Contact: James Maguire, Tel: +44 (0)1625 544 650

Private Children Matters

This area covers private law children proceedings, including arrangements for residence, contact, schooling, and specific issues like medical treatment or name changes, always prioritising the child's welfare.

• Number of Partners: 6 (James Maguire, Denise Moran, Henry Venables); Solicitors 8 based across offices in Altrincham, Knutsford, Manchester, Stockton Heath, Wilmslow, and London.
• Recent or Impressive Work: Handled complex private children cases involving allegations of parental alienation, achieving child-centered outcomes through mediation and court applications. Represented parents in disputes over international schooling and residency for high-profile families.
• Partners Involved: James Maguire (international children work), Denise Moran (private children matters including trusts), Henry Venables (children disputes alongside financial issues), with support from Associate Abigail Reynolds (focus on complex private children cases).
• Key Clients: Parents from professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds, including celebrities and executives.
• Contact: James Maguire, Tel: +44 (0)1625 544 650

Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements

The firm advises on drafting, negotiating, and enforcing nuptial agreements to protect assets in the event of relationship breakdown, often for business couples or those with inherited wealth.

• Number of Partners: 6 (James Maguire, Denise Moran, Henry Venables); Solicitors 8 based across offices in Altrincham, Knutsford, Manchester, Stockton Heath, Wilmslow, and London.
• Recent or Impressive Work: Drafted a post-nuptial agreement for a business couple safeguarding enterprises valued over £20m amid marital issues. Provided fixed-fee services for straightforward agreements in high net worth contexts.
• Partners Involved: James Maguire (wealth protection strategies), Denise Moran (financial provision agreements), Henry Venables (cohabitation and nuptial agreements).
• Key Clients: Entrepreneurs, high net worth couples, and families with substantial assets.
• Contact: James Maguire, Tel: +44 (0)1625 544 650

International Work

• Acted in a £50m+ international divorce involving assets across UK and European jurisdictions, including offshore trusts.
• Secured the return of a child in a Hague Convention abduction case through High Court proceedings and international coordination.
• Advised on cross-border relocation applications for children, navigating jurisdictional conflicts and cultural sensitivities.
• Handled international financial remedies with corporate structures spanning multiple countries.
• Represented expatriates in divorce proceedings with elements of foreign law and asset tracing.

Practice Areas

• Divorce and Financial Remedies
• International Family Law
• Private Children Matters
• Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
• Cohabitation Disputes
• Child Abduction and Relocation
• Wealth Protection

Offices

United Kingdom

• Altrincham: 58a Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 1EE; Tel: +44 (0)161 537 2808; Email: [email protected]
• Knutsford: Marble Arch, King St, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6HD; Tel: +44 (0)1565 743 300; Email: [email protected]
• London: Warnford Court, 29 Throgmorton Street, London, EC2N 2AT; Tel: +44 (0)207 947 4219; Email: [email protected]
• Manchester: The Lightwell, 61-63 Brown St, Manchester, M2 2JG; Tel: +44 (0)161 537 2808; Email: [email protected]
• Stockton Heath: 10 Grappenhall Road, WA4 2AG; Tel: +44 (0)1925 598 499; Email: [email protected]
• Wilmslow: 31 Manchester Rd, Wilmslow, SK9 1BQ; Tel: +44 (0)1625 544 650; Email: [email protected]