Business Details
15 Years
experience
Expert Family Law Services in Cambridge
At FM Family Law, we are dedicated to providing expert legal guidance in family matters, with a focus on divorce, mediation, and child custody cases. Established in 2011, our firm operates from offices in Cambridge, Norwich, and Newmarket, serving clients across East Anglia. Our team of specialists combines decades of experience with a compassionate approach, prioritizing client needs while maintaining professional integrity. We emphasize transparent communication, practical solutions, and cost-effective strategies tailored to individual circumstances. Recognized in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK Guide, our lawyers are accredited by Resolution and trained in collaborative law.We actively support community initiatives through partnerships with organizations like Relate Cambridge. Our practice philosophy centers on building trust through consistent representation, whether in court proceedings or alternative dispute resolution methods. Clients benefit from our streamlined operations that minimize overhead costs without compromising service quality. We maintain active involvement in professional associations, including Norfolk Resolution and the Norfolk & Norwich Law Society, ensuring our practice remains at the forefront of legal developments in family law.
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Family Mediation
Child Custody
Financial Settlements
Prenuptial Agreements
Surrogacy Arrangements
Cohabitation Disputes
Inheritance Claims
Collaborative Law
Court Representation
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Specialists in family law with 15+ years' experience handling complex cases
- Accredited mediators and collaborative law practitioners with Resolution certification
- Three accessible offices in Cambridge, Norwich, and Newmarket across East Anglia
- Cost-effective solutions through streamlined operations and transparent pricing
- Recognized excellence in legal directories and recipient of client service awards
Associations and certifications
- Legal 500
- Chambers UK Guide
- Resolution
What people say
Exceptional support
Professional approach
Favorable outcomes
Clear communication
Emotional support
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Our specialist divorce lawyers guide clients through all aspects of marital dissolution, from initial proceedings to final settlements. We provide clear legal advice on asset division, spousal maintenance, and court procedures while maintaining sensitivity to emotional challenges. Our team's extensive courtroom experience ensures effective representation in contested cases.
Family Mediation
We facilitate constructive mediation sessions to resolve family disputes outside court, covering child arrangements and financial matters. Our certified mediators help couples reach mutually beneficial agreements while preserving relationships. This cost-effective alternative to litigation maintains confidentiality and reduces emotional strain during sensitive transitions.
Child Custody
Specialist solicitors advise on child custody arrangements, visitation rights, and parental responsibility issues. We prioritize children's welfare while protecting parental interests, handling complex cases involving relocation or international jurisdiction. Our approach balances legal advocacy with practical solutions for long-term family stability.
Financial Settlements
Experienced lawyers provide strategic guidance on financial settlements during divorce, including property division, business valuation, and pension sharing. We employ forensic analysis to ensure fair outcomes while considering tax implications. Our team negotiates favorable terms or litigates when necessary to protect client interests.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect assets and clarify financial arrangements. Our solicitors ensure legal compliance while addressing individual circumstances, including blended families and business interests. These agreements provide clarity and security for couples entering or during marriage.
People
Fiona McLeman
Managing Partner
Founder of FM Family Law with 25+ years' experience, Resolution-accredited specialist in pensions and children matters, collaborative lawyer, and trustee of Relate Cambridge. Recognized in Legal 500 and Chambers UK Guide.
Sue Bailey
Partner
Specialist family lawyer since 2007, mediator, and collaborative practitioner. Opened Norwich office in 2015. Committee member of Norfolk & Norwich Law Society and Resolution. Recognized for expertise in high-asset divorce cases.
Christina Hale
Partner
Family law specialist with 18+ years' experience, mediator, and collaborative lawyer. Advocate for client-centered solutions with focus on court representation and complex financial settlements. Active member of Norfolk Resolution committee.
Karen Fox
Associate
CILEX member with 35+ years' experience in financial settlements and children matters. Specializes in prenuptial agreements and complex divorce cases. Recognized for negotiation skills and client-focused approach in high-conflict family disputes.
Laura Clay-Harris
Associate Solicitor
Qualified solicitor since 2016, Chair of Norfolk Resolution. Specializes in divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements. Advocate for non-confrontational dispute resolution while maintaining strong courtroom advocacy skills for contested cases.
Questions
What areas do FM Family Law cover?
We operate from three offices in Cambridge, Norwich, and Newmarket, serving clients across East Anglia including Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire.
What family law services do you offer?
Our services include divorce proceedings, financial settlements, child custody arrangements, mediation, prenuptial agreements, surrogacy arrangements, and cohabitation disputes.
How much does an initial consultation cost?
We offer reduced-cost initial consultations lasting one hour to discuss your case and provide tailored legal advice on your options.
Are your lawyers specialists in family law?
All our solicitors specialize exclusively in family law with decades of combined experience, including Resolution accreditation and collaborative law training.
Can you help with international surrogacy arrangements?
Yes, our specialist surrogacy lawyers provide comprehensive legal guidance for domestic and international surrogacy arrangements, ensuring compliance with complex legal requirements.
Do you offer mediation services?
Yes, we provide certified mediation services for divorce and family law matters as a cost-effective alternative to court proceedings, with outcomes legally enforceable if required.
Reviews (4)
Rob Shoyer
Jun 12, 2020
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Sue Bailey is absolutely fantastic, efficient and knowledgeable, always there when I needed her. I can not praise the Sue and the team enough.
Richard Fitton
Jan 06, 2020
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Professional, personal, and profound. If you're looking for exemplary legal support, in a Family Law setting; you just found it. Norwich partner and team leader, Sue Bailey, is a kind spirit with a safe pair of hands, and a depth of knowledge. The Cambridge team look awesome, too.
Paul Smith
Dec 03, 2019
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Karen Fox took over my divorce following a year of incredible incompetence from another 'divorce specialist'. Karen is totally professional, exceptionally knowledgeable and assiduous in all aspects that I encountered. I have no hesitation in recommending Karen Fox to anyone requiring a specialist divorce lawyer to help and guide them through a divorce. It doesn't matter how difficult and hopeless your own situation might appear, you can rely on Karen to apply maximum effort to ensure you achieve the best result possible. Thank you Karen.
Joanna Randell
Aug 13, 2018
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Sound, calm, professional advice to help you through to the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you Sue. Things are now far more amicable and therefore far better for my children than I ever imagined they could be.
