“When my marriage ended in 2011, I didn’t know where to turn. I found myself asking, how do I go about finding a good divorce lawyer? What will the process involve? How long will it take? How much will it cost?
Despite being a criminal barrister, used to defending and prosecuting cases from robbery to murder, I felt anxious about instructing my own lawyers.
One year on, I was still finding the process extremely stressful. My friends and family were wonderful, but too close to me to be objective. I realised I needed someone who could be part trusted advisor on the legal process, part objective sounding board, and part friendly ear. A family member, a non-matrimonial lawyer, agreed to take on this role, and overnight the experience changed into something with which I was more able to cope.
This made me think: how could I use my own experience to help others? Could I find a way to turn things around for more people who feel overwhelmed and lost through this difficult time? And so my role as a divorce consultant was born. My guiding principle is to help my clients feel empowered, rather than crushed by the divorce process. For me, the financial settlement or Decree Absolute is not the end goal, but rather the beginning of an exciting new life. I am passionate about protecting children before, during and after the divorce process and work with my clients to put the interests of their children above their own emotions.
I always try to make sure that my clients can see the glimmer of promise at what the future holds. They know I will be by their side to help them put the building blocks in place to get there and at any time after the legal process is over. I will make sure that they have access to any specialist help they need. From my own experience, clients can see that there is light at the end of the darkness.”
Graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in History.
Qualified as a barrister having been awarded five scholarships from Middle Temple, including the Harmsworth Entrance Exhibition, Queen Mother Scholarship and Ede and Ravenscroft Legal Prize.
Practised Criminal Law at the Bar with daily court appearances in the magistrates’, Crown and High Courts.
Left the Bar to raise a family and was later appointed as an Independent Member of the Parole Board.
Divorced in 2011, which gave me not only first-hand experience of the court process and everything leading up to it, but also left me with strong views on how the process might be improved to minimise some of the long-term damage caused to families and individuals. I have personal experience of Children Act and financial proceedings, including giving evidence at a Final Hearing. I am passionate about making the legal process as efficient and cost-effective as possible, providing consistent emotional support and placing the welfare of any children at the forefront.
Member of Resolution - an organisation of professionals who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.
Member of the Resolution Standards Committee and Working Together Group.
Member of the Family Ambassadors Board of Support Through Court - a charity which provides assistance to people going through the family and civil courts without representation.
Rosefield Divorce Consultancy is a member of Kids in the Middle – a charity comprised of family lawyers and mediators which aims to provide a voice for children when families split and an on-line resource for children to receive advice and support.
“I practised as a family law solicitor for over 15 years during which time I represented many hundreds of clients through separation and divorce.
I was a partner at a specialist international family law practice and went on to co-found a boutique family law firm. My work spanned all of the issues that arise from separation including divorce, the resolution of financial matters and arrangements for children. Whilst I was regularly in court, a good proportion of my cases were successfully resolved outside of court proceedings. I worked closely and collaboratively with my clients and witnessing their transformation during the course of that journey brought me a great deal of satisfaction.
On a day to day basis I recognised the importance of not only providing legal advice but supporting clients practically and emotionally to implement the strategy underpinning their cases. Having worked closely with Laura on many cases over a number of years, it really opened my eyes to the benefits to clients of working with divorce consultants. It is easy to forget that clients are not only navigating the practical and emotional realities of their separation but also a legal system, often having to instruct a solicitor for the first time in their lives. Divorce consultants demystify this process, plugging the gaps between legal advice and the nuances of their day to day lives. This holistic, practical and hands on support is so valuable but so difficult to find. I give clients an objective assessment of their situation and the options available to them, whilst thinking outside the box to create a strategy to help them achieve their objectives.
As a divorce consultant, I combine my legal background with practical and emotional support. I can offer far greater flexibility to my clients. I am approachable, accessible and support my clients before, during and often well after their separation.
I work as a tight team with clients and their solicitors, and I also support clients who are representing themselves or using barristers to represent them on a Direct Access basis.”
Graduated from Warwick University with a degree in Law and Business Studies.
Undertook the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law Guildford and passed with Distinction.
Practised family law exclusively for over 15 years (I was made partner age 29)
Co-founded a boutique family law firm
Member of Resolution, an organisation of professionals who believe in constructive, non-confrontational approaches to family law matters
A judge for the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards
“Top Recommended” in The Spears 2024 Divorce Consultancy and Support Services Legal Indices
Undertaken training in relation to child psychology and trauma
Undertaken child psychology training in the most up to date and relevant findings to ensure my work is psychologically informed and child centered
Graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Psychology. Bi-lingual in English and French. Reiki practitioner.