Kathryn Ainsworth
Family, Children & Separation
Berkhamsted Office, Luton Office
Family, Children & Separation
Our family law solicitors, based in Luton and Berkhamsted are here to help families through challenging times. Whether you’re dealing with separation, divorce, or arrangements for your children, our approachable and experienced team is dedicated to providing expert legal advice that’s clear, practical, and tailored to your unique situation.
Talk to one of our friendly and experienced team on 01442 872311
Why choose our family law solicitors?
Our highly qualified family law team includes Resolution Accredited Specialists and Law Society Accredited Children Law Solicitors. We are also trained collaborative lawyers and accredited mediators, offering expert legal support through both mediation and court representation for UK and international clients.
A number of our team hold in excess of 30 years’ experience and with our partners, solicitors, and paralegals holding a wide range of qualifications, we provide flexible, cost-effective legal solutions.
Expert family law tailored to your needs
Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual or seeking affordable, outcome-focused advice, we deliver high-quality family law services tailored to your circumstances and budget.
Our family law solicitors are based in Luton and Berkhamsted and we’re proud to support clients across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond. No matter your circumstances, our team will provide practical solutions and personalised advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to get started?
Our secure online tool can be completed at a time that suits you and helps you assess your situation and understand the next steps. By providing key information in advance, you’ll save valuable time, allowing us to focus on the core issues and outcomes when we meet.
Your information is fully confidential and securely stored.
Click the button below to begin, or if you prefer, you can call us on 01442 872311.
Family solicitors with top tier recognition
Machins Solicitors LLP is proud to be recognised as a ‘Top Tier’ firm in the Legal 500 directory. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional services and maintaining an outstanding reputation in family law.
Our client testimonials speak volumes about the care and clarity we provide, as well as our dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Don't take our word for it
Machins has a truly excellent family law team. The whole team, from partners through to paralegals, are exceptionally thorough, hardworking and friendly. Their solicitors and associates have the ability to empathise with client’s difficult situations whilst also providing practical advice and client focused solutions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Machins to any of my friends and family who required a family law solicitor.
Legal 500 2026
The team at Machins have been very professional at all times I have needed their service. I have used multiple areas of this practice, and each experience has fulfilled my needs and left me feeling satisfied with the interactions I have had with individual members. One of Machins’ key qualities is their efficient and effective communication, which means that the team are able to complete any services quickly and to their best ability.
Legal 500 2026
Sometimes people living in the Home Counties feel they need to head to London to get top quality family law advice, but Machins in a firm which proves that is simply not true. They are more than a match for the London lawyers.
Legal 500 2025
Machins is at the top of its field for public, family law. They are careful with clients, listen to their needs and deliver easy and timely paperwork. The associates are all hard-working, friendly and knowledgeable.
Legal 500 2025
Kathryn Ainsworth and Richard Phillips are both outstanding. They have a constructive and approachable manner which encourages successful negotiations. Both parties benefit from such an approach.
Legal 500 2024
A fabulous family team. Very proficient, strong and with an excellent reputation. They are an excellent team of solicitors with a strong wealth of experience in all areas of family law. They are always a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend them.
Legal 500 2024
Covering all areas of Family Law, Machins have unrivalled expertise at all levels of seniority. Calm and measured, whilst fighting their clients’ corner with a level of commitment that is hard to match. They are courteous and professional. The family team have a great depth of experience and knowledge.
Legal 500 2024
They have a strong team of lawyers with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of family law. Machins is a fantastic unit that stands apart from other firms by virtue of the exceptional quality and diligence they provide, alongside phenomenal client care. They work tirelessly to ensure the processes are flawless, facilitating the best outcomes for clients.
Legal 500 2024
A fantastic firm that upholds the value of truly serving and protecting the most vulnerable in society.
Legal 500 2023
Excellent team of solicitors who go the extra mile for the clients. Would highly recommend them. Always happy to work late and assist in drafting documents to ensure everything is fully prepped.
Legal 500 2023
Machins has a truly excellent family law team. The whole team, from partners through to paralegals, are exceptionally thorough, hardworking and friendly. Their solicitors and associates have the ability to empathise with client’s difficult situations whilst also providing practical advice and client focused solutions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Machins to any of my friends and family who required a family law solicitor.
Legal 500 2026
The team at Machins have been very professional at all times I have needed their service. I have used multiple areas of this practice, and each experience has fulfilled my needs and left me feeling satisfied with the interactions I have had with individual members. One of Machins’ key qualities is their efficient and effective communication, which means that the team are able to complete any services quickly and to their best ability.
Legal 500 2026
Sometimes people living in the Home Counties feel they need to head to London to get top quality family law advice, but Machins in a firm which proves that is simply not true. They are more than a match for the London lawyers.
Legal 500 2025
Machins is at the top of its field for public, family law. They are careful with clients, listen to their needs and deliver easy and timely paperwork. The associates are all hard-working, friendly and knowledgeable.
Legal 500 2025
Kathryn Ainsworth and Richard Phillips are both outstanding. They have a constructive and approachable manner which encourages successful negotiations. Both parties benefit from such an approach.
Legal 500 2024
A fabulous family team. Very proficient, strong and with an excellent reputation. They are an excellent team of solicitors with a strong wealth of experience in all areas of family law. They are always a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend them.
Legal 500 2024
Covering all areas of Family Law, Machins have unrivalled expertise at all levels of seniority. Calm and measured, whilst fighting their clients’ corner with a level of commitment that is hard to match. They are courteous and professional. The family team have a great depth of experience and knowledge.
Legal 500 2024
They have a strong team of lawyers with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of family law. Machins is a fantastic unit that stands apart from other firms by virtue of the exceptional quality and diligence they provide, alongside phenomenal client care. They work tirelessly to ensure the processes are flawless, facilitating the best outcomes for clients.
Legal 500 2024
A fantastic firm that upholds the value of truly serving and protecting the most vulnerable in society.
Legal 500 2023
Excellent team of solicitors who go the extra mile for the clients. Would highly recommend them. Always happy to work late and assist in drafting documents to ensure everything is fully prepped.
Legal 500 2023
Our Family, Children & Separation Team
Sarah Ashby
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Paul Owen
Family, Children & Separation
Berkhamsted Office
Faiza Asghar
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Molly Betts
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Jennifer Browne
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Joe Colley
Family, Children & Separation
Berkhamsted Office
Lisa Doherty
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Victoria Grant
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Ciara James
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Nadiyah Khanum
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Laura Martin-Read
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Ami McIntosh
Family, Children & Separation
Berkhamsted Office
Sorcha Monaghan
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Sheetal Patel
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Richard Phillips
Family, Children & Separation
Berkhamsted Office
Shelley Rolfe
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
Reena Vadera
Family, Children & Separation
Luton Office
What Family Law services do we offer
Our experienced family solicitors offer expert guidance across a full range of family law matters.
Divorce & Separation
Separation can feel like uncharted territory – stressful, emotional, and full of tough decisions. That’s why our experienced solicitors for divorce and separation are here to guide you through the process with care and clarity.
Financial Settlement on Divorce
Sorting out the financial side of a divorce or dissolution can often feel like one of the most challenging parts of separating. Our expert team provides practical, straightforward advice to help you reach a fair financial settlement that works for you.
Separation Agreements
If you and your partner have decided to separate but don’t want to divorce or aren’t married, a separation agreement can help formalise your arrangements. Our experienced separation agreement solicitors are here to support you with professional, compassionate advice tailored to your circumstances.
Mediation
A court process can often be long, costly, and stressful. Family mediation offers an effective alternative, helping you resolve disputes around children, property, or finances in a quicker and more collaborative way.
Non-Court Dispute Resolution
There are several proven ways to resolve family matters like divorce, financial arrangements, or child care plans – without ever stepping into a courtroom. These options are known as Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Whether you’re preparing for marriage or considering your options after tying the knot, we provide clear, compassionate advice to protect your financial interests and assets. Our lawyers are experts in drafting comprehensive prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
High-Net-Worth Divorces
Divorces involving significant wealth and intricate financial structures can be particularly challenging, requiring a specialist approach. At Machins Solicitors, we understand the complexities that come with high-net-worth divorce. Our dedicated team of expert solicitors is here to provide personalised advice, helping you navigate financial settlements, safeguard your assets, and achieve a fair outcome.
Pensions on Divorce
Pensions can be the most valuable asset on a divorce but are often the most overlooked. Our experts provide concise advice on sharing and protecting pensions on divorce.
Divorce, Separation & Business Assets
Expert advice on divorce and separation involving business assets. Our family law solicitors can provide pragmatic, tailored support to help you protect your interests and achieve a fair outcome.
Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
Ending a civil partnership is never an easy decision. It’s a major life change that often brings emotional and practical challenges. You might be wondering how to handle finances, living arrangements, childcare, or what your future will look like. Our experienced team of civil partnership solicitors will be with you every step of the way.
Separation Disputes & the Unmarried Couple
More couples are choosing to live together without marrying – but many don’t realise that legal protections for cohabiting partners are limited. If you’ve separated from a partner you weren’t married to, you may face uncertainty around property, finances, or your children’s future. We provide expert legal advice to help you navigate these challenges and protect your rights.
Cohabitation Agreements
Our expert cohabitation solicitors are here to help you navigate the legal complexities of living together. Whether you’re planning to move in with your partner, purchasing a property we provide tailored advice to protect your interests.
Domestic Abuse & Family Law Injunctions
Our expert family law solicitors specialise in all areas of domestic abuse and can obtain non-molestation and occupation orders to safeguard you and your children from domestic abuse.
Children and Child Arrangements
When legal matters involve children, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. We understand just how stressful and emotional this can be. Our team of child law specialists is here to guide you through the process with care and compassion.
Care Proceedings
We have a highly respected team of children law solicitors with extensive experience of representing parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and children who are involved with social services.
Family Carers
Machins have a team of expert children lawyers with experience in representing grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members in understanding the legal implications of the options available so they can secure the placement of a family child in their care under the most appropriate order.
Adoption & Surrogacy
Adopting a child, or having a child via a surrogate, is one of the most rewarding yet life-changing decisions you can make. We know that the legal side of things can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Our dedicated team of specialist solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way, offering clear, practical advice and unwavering support.
Price and Service Information for Family, Children & Divorce
This page will give you up to date information in relation to our pricing structure and timescales for our Family, Children & Divorce services.
Get in touch with us
Our experienced solicitors are on hand to give you advice and assistance.
Call our team on 01442 872311 or Contact Us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Why should you use Machins Solicitors?
Our family law solicitors are based in Luton and Berkhamsted and are proud to support clients across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond. No matter your circumstances, our team will provide practical solutions and personalised advice to help you move forward with confidence. Take a look at how we can help …
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This article highlights the importance of strategic financial planning during divorce, especially when pensions are involved. With careful analysis and expert guidance, separating couples can achieve fair and effective outcomes that support their long-term financial wellbeing.
