Family/Matrimonial
UK Guide 2025 : Wales
Band 1
About
Provided by Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice Ltd
Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice is a high-quality boutique specialist practice. It is one of the largest niche family law firms in the UK and has a high media profile.
The firm: Founded in 1996 as Wales' first specialist family law firm, the firm is now the largest niche family law firm in Wales in terms of both size of team and turnover. While the firm is based in Cardiff, its clients are based all over the UK and the world including a sizeable proportion of high-net-worth and high-profile individuals (e.g. Premier League footballers, business owners, professionals, well-known entertainers etc).
By concentrating on purely family law issues, including divorce, separation, children matters, finances, pre-marital agreements, civil partnerships and international family law matters, Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice is able to provide expert and specialist advice to its clients. It is recognised as one of the best family law firms in Wales by both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice is an innovative and approachable law firm with years of experience dealing with family law issues sensitively and professionally. It has built a reputation for providing an empathetic and knowledgeable approach to finding solutions for all of its clients.
The firm prides itself on the service it provides and is committed to Resolution's code of practice. This includes dealing with matters in a non-adversarial way whenever possible.
Chambers Review
Wendy Hopkins Family Law is a renowned boutique firm handling all areas of private family law, including high net worth financial disputes, nuptial agreements and Children Act proceedings. It provides a versatile range of services, including collaborative procedures, and can advise on multi-jurisdictional issues. It is also noted for its expertise in matters relating to civil partnerships and same-sex relationships, with further experience in family disputes that concern allegations of abuse.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It's an excellent firm that goes that extra mile for their clients and is totally focused on their wellbeing."
"They remain the leading firm in Wales withoutstanding individuals at all levels, from the most junior to most senior, and able to handle all family law cases."
"They provide a Rolls-Royce service and no stone is left unturned for their clients."
"They are very detailed on the legal aspects but can interpret that for clients going through difficult times. They handle expectations very well and are always very professional."
"No matter my query or request, someone at Wendy Hopkins has always been able to assist."
"It's an excellent firm that goes that extra mile for their clients and is totally focused on their wellbeing."
"They remain the leading firm in Wales withoutstanding individuals at all levels, from the most junior to most senior, and able to handle all family law cases."
"They provide a Rolls-Royce service and no stone is left unturned for their clients."
"They are very detailed on the legal aspects but can interpret that for clients going through difficult times. They handle expectations very well and are always very professional."
"No matter my query or request, someone at Wendy Hopkins has always been able to assist."
Notable Practitioners
Melanie Hamer demonstrates particular expertise in financial remedy proceedings, including cases with complex aspects such as large property portfolios, offshore trusts and multi-jurisdictional interests.
"Melanie is the pre-eminent matrimonial lawyer in Wales; she is astute, detail-focused and absolutely committed to obtaining the best outcome for her clients."
"She stands out as one of the most experienced solicitors. She is really well-known, she gives really good level of support, and is efficient and detail-conscious."
"Melanie dealt with my divorce with a calm, pragmatic and intelligent approach, always with a view to the longer term implications."
David James regularly advises clients on high-value financial remedy matters, particularly those involving corporate structures.
"A fantastic lawyer who really commits and supports his clients, and achieves excellent outcomes, with a focus on out-of-court solutions."
"David always has a very calm, measured approach, which the clients really appreciate.He is unflappable."
"David is a great, sensible lawyer."
Sarah Wyburn regularly advises clients on divorces involving high-value assets, including complex business arrangements. She also has experience in matters that involve civil partnerships.
"Sarah has a team approach, is very empathetic and has a wonderful manner with her clients."
"Sarah gives excellent and commercially savvy advice, always going the extra mile for her clients."
"Sarah is approachable, professional, thorough and detailed."
"Sarah Wyburn has an eye for detail that is second to none."
Rebecca Knight is a director in the team and has experience of a broad array of family law matters. She assists clients with divorce proceedings and prenuptial agreements as well as on matters concerning children law.
"Rebecca is there whenever clients need legal or personal support. She provides very sound legal advice that is in tune with what a client needs rather than what they want to hear."
"Rebecca is a brilliant lawyer, and a real force to be reckoned with."
"Rebecca is a no-nonsense lawyer who is able to cut through the most acrimonious of cases to the key issues that really matter."
Ranked Lawyers at
Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice Ltd
Wales
Members
Provided by Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice Ltd