Family/Matrimonial: The South

THE FIRM The Guildford branch of this respected London firm fields one of the best teams in the region. Complex, high net worth financial disputes are a particular specialism, though the team also attracts demand for its children services.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Margaret Tyson has an enviable reputation for matrimonial finance. Clients admire her no-nonsense attitude and commercial nous.

THE FIRM Family law is a particular strength of this firm, which offers a range of expertise and options to its clients. 

Sources Say: "Service that's comparable to London firms and a price tag that isn't." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Huw Miles heads the department and is known for his keen eye for detail and staunch defence of his clients' interests. Clients praise Frank Prior's ability to inspire confidence, while Neil Davies commands respect from his peers: "His years of experience lends gravitas to his cases."

THE FIRM Barlow Robbins enters the table this year in recognition of an overwhelming response from clients. With offices in Guildford, Godalming and Woking, this firm offers a balance of matrimonial finance and children work to domestic and expatriate clients.

Sources Say: "I really cannot praise them enough." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Judith Ball handles numerous high net worth financial matters, and complex children cases. Clients appreciate her efficient, responsive manner and extensive experience. Helen Rendell, based in Godalming, wins praise for her work in the sector.

THE FIRM With offices in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, this team offers a range of family services including mediation and collaborative law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS High-value financial matters, often involving international elements, form the bulk of Pauline Johnson's workload.

THE FIRM This sizeable team regularly acts on behalf of wealthy individuals with complex, financial issues resulting from relationship breakdown. It is praised for its high quality and value for money advice. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Rowlands "famously fights his client's corner to the final bell." Amanda Andrews is commended for her client care skills.

THE FIRM This niche firm punches above its weight in the regional market. The team receives numerous referrals from its bigger opponents.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Suzanne Sutherland is praised for her commitment to collaborative law, and described as "head and shoulders above her competitors; she looks at the bigger picture, which facilitates good settlements."

THE FIRM This team deals primarily with ancillary relief matters, but is seeing an increase in prenuptial agreements and civil partnership disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Barbara Wright is the bedrock of the department and conducts her cases with both gravitas and sensitivity. Sarah Judd is an extremely experienced practitioner whose wisdom wins her the respect of peers.

THE FIRM Operating out of four offices, this sizeable team receives instructions from high net worth individuals with relationship issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Burge is a skilled collaborative lawyer and, when necessary, an effective presence in court. "He is pragmatic and approachable," sources say.

THE FIRM This team's main area of strength is children law. Complex international aspects are a common feature of the cases that the group takes on.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mary Raymont frequently acts for children, grandparents and the Official Solicitor in public law matters. She is also a trained collaborative lawyer and a mediator.

THE FIRM Covering the full range of matrimonial finance and private children services, this team offers a London-quality service to clients across the South.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mahie Abey is singled out for his responsiveness and attention to detail. His training as a barrister enables him to understand complex matters quickly. "He got straight to the heart of my case and dealt with it sympathetically."

THE FIRM The family team here is receiving instructions of increasingly high value and is best known in for its collaborative law work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Deborah Leask wins respect for "her thoroughness, hard work and commitment, complemented by her keen sense of humour." Sean McNally is an adept negotiator, who is able to settle big-money cases collaboratively.

THE FIRM This large firm has a good reputation for family law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Porteris known for her ancillary relief work and has a growing collaborative law practice.

THE FIRM Following the merger of Wynne Baxter with Mayo & Perkins, this firm is becoming a significant player in family matters. The team boasts childcare and matrimonial finance specialists as well as collaboratively trained lawyers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brighton-based Alan Larkin is "very low-key and a good negotiator." The department's childcare expert David Stevens"has a sensitive and calming, effective approach."

THE FIRM Complex divorce cases, often with international aspects, are the mainstay of this firm's workload. The group now boasts four lawyers who are able to undertake collaborative work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Duckworth is recognised as sensitive and efficient.

THE FIRM International assets are a regular feature of this group's cases, and the team is able to draw on the impressive resources of the wider firm.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jill Goldman heads the department.

THE FIRM With a number of offices throughout the region, this firm is able to offer a range of services to clients across the South. The team is able to offer alternatives to litigation such as collaborative law and mediation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karin Walker is highly recommended for her creative approach to complex matters.

THE FIRM This team has expanded recently to cope with the increased level of instructions it is receiving. The firm's proximity to London attracts clients keen to avoid big city rates.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vanda James is well known in the collaborative law community for her supportive manner with clients and pragmatic approach.

THE FIRM This strong team earns praise for its ancillary relief work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Yvonne Nevill heads the department and is considered to be among the best family lawyers in Kent. Nevill "has a very direct attitude, quickly getting to the point - her objective is always to resolve matters in the best possible way for her client."