Bartons’ Family team offers expert guidance across a wide range of family law matters, combining technical knowledge with a professional and empathetic approach. We recognise that family law issues can be highly sensitive, stressful, and deeply personal, which is why we are committed to delivering a responsive and personal service to our clients, with a focus on clear and practical advice from the very first stage.
Our areas of expertise cover divorce and separation, financial settlement, child arrangements, and matters affecting unmarried couples. Our experience with financial settlements extends from representing high net-worth individuals with assets in multiple jurisdictions, to assisting individuals in more modest circumstances, always aiming for a practical and fair resolution. When it comes to children matters, we have significant experience dealing with complex cases, including those involving domestic abuse allegations, police disclosure, fact-finding hearings and risk assessments. We also advise on separation agreements, declarations of trust, cohabitation agreements, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.
To help clients feel confident and informed from the outset, we offer an initial fixed fee appointment at a reduced rate before we are formally instructed. This allows each client to access bespoke advice and clear information about potential costs and next steps, right from the beginning. Whenever possible, we strive to resolve matters by consent. However, if an amicable solution cannot be reached, we are prepared to provide robust and strategic advice to protect our clients’ best interests.
Our team is led by Louise Macmillan, a director of Bartons who is accredited as a Family Law Specialist with Resolution. It also includes Ella Lane, a solicitor and a Resolution member. The team is supported by Nicola Kovacic, a Chartered Legal Executive, and Kelly Hutchings, a Legal Assistant. As members of Resolution, we are dedicated to a constructive, client-focused approach when resolving family issues.
We provide advice and representation in the following areas:
“Very prompt and professional service from Louise and the team. Bartons have acted for me on several issues over the last ten years and consistently delivered competent and courteous service.”
“Louise was very clear, especially in clarifying any questions I had. She gave me both clarity and confidence to move everything forward and then actioned it all with professionalism and efficiency. Thank you Louise (and Nicola Kovacic) for helping me sort my situation. Very Grateful.”
“Just having done all the finishing off of the case and returning your review sheet I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you very much for the excellent service and advice. I couldn’t have done it without you, and the outcome was much better than I expected. I am very grateful to have been with you…! Plus I feel very happy with the way in which it was conducted. So a very big thank you.”
“Dear Louise, Well, that’s a process I’ll never want to do again! That said, I would like to thank you and Nicola for the excellent professional and friendly service you have provided over the past months. Everything was so efficient and timely. The updates and communication were perfect and really helped me to understand what was happening.
I am very grateful and will strongly recommend Barton’s to anyone in a similar situation.”