Laura is a Partner in the Family team at Trethowans and Head of the firm’s Winchester office.
Laura specialises in all aspects of family law and relationship breakdown, advising clients on financial settlements, arrangements for children, and pre and post-nuptial agreements. Laura is committed to helping clients resolve matters constructively and, wherever possible, outside of court, utilising appropriate dispute resolution methods to achieve effective and lasting outcomes.
Laura qualified as a solicitor in 2009 with a local Hampshire law firm and has been a longstanding member of Resolution, consistently upholding its Code of Practice. She is known for her proactive and pragmatic approach, offering clear, solution-focused advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.
In 2013 Laura trained as a Collaborative practitioner, providing clients with an alternative, non-confrontational way to resolve issues arising from separation. She further expanded her dispute resolution expertise in 2015 by qualifying as an “all issues” Mediator, and in 2018 achieved accredited mediator status. This enables her to conduct Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAM) for clients considering whether a court application is necessary.
Laura joined Trethowans in 2020 and was promoted to Partner in 2023. As Head of the Winchester office, she leads the provision of services to clients locally, nationally and internationally, alongside her ongoing family law practice.
Notable work highlights
Reported case: M1 v M2 & Ors [2025] EWFC 344 (10 February 2025)
In 2025, Laura was instructed in a complex and sensitive case concerning the determination of children’s legal parentage. The case involved a birth mother, a second mother registered on the birth certificates of two children, and the biological father of all three children.
The proceedings arose following the birth of the third child and the breakdown of the adults’ relationship. A dispute arose as to how the children had been conceived and, as a result, who should be recognised as their legal parents. The court was asked to determine parentage and to resolve competing applications regarding amendments to the children’s birth certificates.
Laura represented the birth mother and successfully obtained a Declaration of Parentage confirming the biological father was the legal father of all three children. The court ordered that the second mother be removed from the birth certificates of the two older children and declined her application to be named on the birth certificate of the youngest child.
Away from the office
Laura’s favourite things outside of the office are exploring the outdoors with her young son, listening to live music and enjoying a glass of champagne over afternoon tea.
Accreditations & Memberships
- Member of Resolution
- Accredited Family Mediator with Family Mediation Council
- Dragonfly Champion
- Listed as one of the Top 3 Family law solicitors in Winchester, by ThreeBestRated
- Winner of the Innovative Marketing Award at the Legal Growth Awards 2026 for The Candid Divorce Lawyer podcast
Testimonials
What our clients say about Laura
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