Jo is the Principal and founder of Just Family Law and has practised exclusively as a specialist family solicitor for over 30 years. She established the firm in 2010 with a clear vision: to combine exceptional legal expertise with a compassionate and constructive approach, helping clients achieve fair and workable outcomes without increasing conflict unnecessarily.
Jo is a Resolution-accredited specialist in high-net-worth financial remedies and international family law. She has particular expertise in high-value financial cases involving family businesses, company structures, property portfolios, pensions, trusts, inherited wealth and assets with an international element. She has represented clients in both the Family Court and High Court in cases involving assets of up to approximately £16 million.
Jo understands that complex financial cases require more than technical legal knowledge. She takes time to understand each client’s priorities, the structure of their assets and the practical impact that different outcomes may have on their business, home and long-term security. Her strategic and pragmatic approach helps clients navigate complicated financial information, protect their position and work towards an outcome that is both fair and sustainable.
She also has extensive experience in complex children’s matters, particularly cases involving international relocation, child abduction and disputes about whether a child should live in another country. Jo has acted in cases involving both Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention countries and has led reported cases concerning international children law. She represents parents seeking permission to relocate as well as those opposing a proposed move.
Although Jo is an experienced advocate in complex court proceedings, she is committed to resolving family disputes outside court wherever possible. She has particular expertise in Private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, offering separating couples a focused, flexible and private route to reaching a financial agreement.
Jo trained as a collaborative lawyer in 2007 and is also a trained Resolution Together practitioner. This enables her, where appropriate, to support separating couples jointly through the firm’s One Couple One Lawyer service.
As Principal, Jo leads the Just Family Law team and uses her decades of experience to identify the process best suited to each family. Whether that is constructive negotiation, a Private FDR, collaborative law, Resolution Together or court proceedings, she provides clear and robust advice while remaining focused on protecting her clients, their families and their futures.
Having established Just Family Law in Hampshire, Jo has longstanding professional connections across Hampshire and the South East region as well as strong links in Derbyshire. She continues to advise clients throughout England and Wales and internationally.
For an initial discovery call, please book with Kate, Samantha or Jenny.
