Sarah French – on maternity leave
I joined Godwins in 2021 as Head of the Family Law Department and am an experienced family law solicitor, accredited family mediator and collaborative lawyer. I specialise in dealing with financial and children issues which can arise upon separation, divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership. This can include advising on inherited wealth, business interests, pension funds and family trusts when financial matters are considered.
I’m committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes arising upon a divorce or separation and will guide clients through the process option most suited to them and their family to help minimise the acrimony and prioritise the welfare of any children where at all possible.
In children matters, I advise on the arrangements for the time the children spend with each parent, grandparents’ time with their grandchildren, and other parental responsibility issues. This may include a dispute over whether a child should be removed from the jurisdiction.
I advise on and prepare pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and living together agreements for unmarried couples who plan to cohabit or who are cohabiting.
I have an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to achieve the best results for my clients and meet their legal, emotional and financial needs. This includes working with financial consultants and family consultants.
Please note Sarah is currently on maternity leave
What people say about Sarah
Sarah is listed as an ‘Associate to watch’ in the Chambers UK Guide:
Sarah French assists clients with resolving disputes relating to financial and children arrangements following divorce. She is well thought of as a family mediator. “She is a fountain of knowledge on all aspects of family and marriage law.” Chambers UK 2022
“She has an acute understanding of the different ways issues can be resolved and puts them into a workable agreement.” Chambers UK 2021
Professional qualifications
and memberships
First class honours law degree from the University of Sheffield
Distinction for postgraduate diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law
Qualified as a solicitor in 2006
Law Society accredited family mediator
Resolution trained hybrid family mediator
Mediator in The Certainty Project
Collaboratively trained family lawyer
Founding member of the Hampshire Family Legal Solutions Pod which promotes an interdisciplinary approach
Member of Resolution, whose 6,500 members are family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Their members follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Their members encourage solutions that consider the needs of the whole family and in particular the best interests of children.
Member and former Chair of the Solent Collaborative and Mediation Pod
Former family law lecturer at The University of Winchester
Ranked in Chambers UK 2021 and 2022
Recommended Lawyer in Legal 500 2021
Sarah is a Law Society accredited Family Mediator.