Stephanie Douthwaite

How can I help you?

My expertise is in:

• Advising business owner clients and company directors, or their spouses
• Joined up working with business owner clients and their other advisors, to understand both personal and commercial objectives in the handling of their divorce
• Understanding complex financial circumstances in divorces involving entrepreneurs and professionals
• Preparing and advising on pre and post nuptial agreements
• Preparing and advising on cohabitation agreements
• Supporting clients who wish to settle their case out of court using collaborative law, mediation, arbitration or round table discussions
• Robust negotiation to secure a fair outcome
• Challenging deficient financial disclosure
• Uncovering hidden assets or income
• Representing parents in complex and high stakes Children Act proceedings
• Managing difficult and high conflict personalities
• Offering practical solutions for clients going through separation and divorce

Why should you meet with me?

I am:

• Approachable and supportive
• Experienced and robust
• Committed to understanding your priorities
• Able to help you find positives in a difficult situation
• Considerate of your wider family circumstances and the impact on your children

Why family law?

Family law is raw and relatable. Seeing my clients transition from the worry and uncertainty of a new separation, through to a positive new beginning, is incredibly satisfying.

Likewise I enjoy helping clients to take control of their financial outcomes, whether that be through advance planning with a nuptial agreement or robust management of financial disclosure and settlement negotiations on divorce.

I started my career working in corporate and commercial law, and I continue to enjoy working on cases involving businesses where I can draw on that experience. I have worked with many successful entrepreneurs and family business owners, and I have learned a lot about the sacrifices and risks involved in scaling or maintaining a successful business. Working for, or against, business owner clients I can comfortably navigate the complex issues involved.

What do others say about me?

• “Stephanie went above and beyond to make the whole process so smooth, informative and thorough. She instantly made me feel at ease with her lovely friendly personality. I would highly recommend and if I need any assistance in the future she will be my first call. Thank you again for being so great.” a client
• “Stephanie worked on a case for me as my lawyer, and from beginning to end of the situation she was absolutely brilliant. She was so helpful, knowledgeable, understanding and first class. I would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone who needs a highly professional and competent lawyer.” a client
• “Stephanie has always been there when I needed her, understanding how important it is for me to be kept informed, clearly demonstrating her client focus. She has also adopted a practical approach, giving me advice on the way forward and challenging my thinking when needed. Alongside this Stephanie is really likeable and I’d have no hesitation in recommending her.” a client
• “Stephanie was incredibly understanding and patient with me at the beginning of my divorce and had a very calming influence on me in a time of extreme turmoil. Stephanie was able to show high levels of empathy throughout the process knowing where to be sympathetic to my plight and when to help me focus on the future. Stephanie displayed an assured and measured tone throughout our phone conversations and was able to add much needed humorous human touches to what could be quite heavy subjects. Stephanie also showed an innate mastery of being able to look at topics from a wide range of perspectives and was able to deliver her points in straightforward plain English without ever losing patience. I definitely recommend Stephanie to anyone who need this type of help.” a client
• “Steph was really helpful during my divorce, no question ever too big or small (and there was a lot) always really friendly and approachable, would highly recommend her.” a client
• “From the beginning Steph you were empathetic understanding and positive right when I needed it at the beginning of my divorce process. Always explained everything clearly and thoroughly which was really needed at a time of haze and uncertainty. You have always had time to listen to me and considered my wants and needs throughout my case. You always allow me extra time to think and consider matters not putting any extra stress or worry on me at one of the most stressful times in my life. Without your empathy and patience, your detailed explanations, I’d still be stuck at the beginning unsure what to do or where to go next. Thanks for everything Steph.” a client