Ward Hadaway’s renowned family law partners look back on 2024 from a personal and professional perspective, and reflect on how their life has always given them added insights into their challenging and emotionally sensitive work.

L: So – here we are Christine, the end of another year. How many years does that mean you and I have been divorce lawyers?

C: Well, for me 46 years and I think you are 32 years – so that’s 78 years altogether! 

L: We’ve seen some things in that time – haven’t we?

C: Yes – no matter what is going on in the world, people are always going in and out of relationships for all sorts of reasons. And some really need help when it all goes wrong. 

L: And not just the legal advice, is it?

C: No – when you have been doing the job as long as we have you build up such a wealth of knowledge which extends way beyond purely legal advice. That’s our real value I think. We have such a wealth of experience about how people behave during a relationship break-up, we can really support our clients in making sense of what they are going through. Of course, we use the law to achieve their aims, but it’s reallyimportant to recognise when a more practical, or emotional, approach might work better – and that’s something that only comes with lived experience – which you and I have in abundance.

L: It’s a constantly changing job which is what keeps it interesting for me. We have to constantly adapt to how society and people’s lives are changing. Speaking of which, we’ve both had big changes ourselves recently. You have become a grandma for the first time? 

C: Yes – in the summer of 2023 – a granddaughter. It brings with it so many different feelings but it’s wonderful and we see a lot of them. My son and daughter-in-law are so happy, but it has made me reflect on all the children’s proceedings I’ve been involved with; shared care arrangements; contact proceedings and of course grandparents trying to see their grandchildren. And you’ve got married of course! 

L: Yes – for the second time. I’ve been divorced myself – and whilst it hasn’t put me off getting married again, it did take me 15 years to take the plunge for the second time! I’ve inherited two stepsons, and my husband has inherited a stepdaughter. So we have faced all the same issues as many of my clients with children, as well as extended families. We have worked hard as a couple over the years to bring the family together. And everyone is now in a really good place. The wedding was lovely, with all 3 children playing a role – I had my daughter as a bridesmaid and David had his eldest son as his best man. That made for an interesting speech! I think you are very lucky if you find someone in your twenties who you can spend your whole life with. The pressures of modern life are enough to test even the strongest relationship, aren’t they?

C: I agree, I think I have been lucky – I have been married since 1979.

L: What’s the secret?

C: – He is a chef! I can highly recommend marriage to a chef. He understands high-pressure jobs don’t just happen between 9 – 5, and I always have my dinner cooked for me! We eat out a lot too which is a great chance for us to talk as a couple, which is so important.

L: Any particular favourite restaurants?

C: Well we are always keen to try new places, but we do have our favourites where we are looked after very well. Cibo in Hale is always excellent and so welcoming. It’s always nice to be personally greeted when you arrive somewhere. Eating out is very expensive these days, and to feel welcomed and appreciated by a restaurant is more important than ever. 

L: A bit like our clients I think. It’s important for them to feel that we are fully invested in their situation and that they aren’t just another file in the cabinet.

C: – Yes – but I think you and I do that naturally, which is why we stay friends with so many of our clients. People share their whole lives with you when they are getting divorced – everything that matters to them. It often creates a really close connection, which often develops into a friendship.

L: I certainly have friends now who I met when I represented them. It’s lovely and makes the job really rewarding. It’s a real vote of trust.

C: So what are you doing for Christmas this year? 

L: Well, for the first time we might be child-free – all our children are in settled relationships and there is potential for them all to be with their in-laws. It’s not quite finalised yet but if it does turn out that way then David and I will likely take ourselves off for our third honeymoon of the year somewhere hot. What about you?

C: It will be with the family. Having grandchildren brings back the magic to Christmas.

L: And then we will be back at our desks in January to see what 2025 has in store.

Christine and Liz are experienced legal experts for when relationships go wrong. If you want a no-obligation chat, get in touch. Tel. 0330 137 3200. For more information, please visit wardhadaway.com

Photography: Martin Hambleton