“I’ve wanted to practice family law since studying for my law degree as it is such a dynamic area of law where no two cases are the same,” says Melissa. “It is also rewarding to be able to guide clients through some of the most stressful times in their lives and hopefully reach a satisfactory conclusion to enable them to move on in a positive way.”
Melissa is working alongside Partner Gemma Gillespie, where she is assisting clients with a wide range of family law matters, including divorce and finances, children issues, pre and post nuptial agreements and co-habitation disputes.
“I have particular expertise in medium to high net worth financial remedy cases arising from a divorce and any associated children issues,” Melissa explains. “I have experience in acting for parents in high conflict disputes in relation to who the children should spend time with and live with, including cases where there has been an element of parental alienation and allegations made against the parents. I also regularly act for clients who wish to enter into relationship agreements.”
Melissa says she was drawn to joining CooperBurnett because of its nearly 40 years in Tunbridge Wells, as well as the firm’s ‘great reputation locally and nationally with both clients and other professionals’.
She has joined CooperBurnett at the time of Covid-19.
“I have met a small selection of staff and everyone has been so friendly and welcoming,” Melissa explains. “I’ve joined the firm after maternity leave and so adjusting to work in a Covid world takes some getting used to. That said, everyone is in the same boat in having to adapt to the ‘new normal’, so it is a nice supportive environment.”
Adds Gemma Gillespie: “Our workload in the Family team has increased recently and Covid-19 has certainly had an impact. It hasn’t only affected relationships directly but has resulted in many work-related challenges, which have impacted on separated parents – perhaps with one party needing to move away for work. As we navigate through this time, it’s great to have Melissa join our team; she’s brought some great experience with her.”
In her spare time, Melissa likes to spend time with her family and, when the situation allows, she enjoys foreign travel, the theatre and live music.
