About
Hannah is a solicitor at Goodman Ray. Originally from Canada, Hannah worked at a family law firm in Edmonton, Alberta before moving to London to join Goodman Ray in September 2018. She started as a paralegal before commencing her training contract which she successfully completed under the supervision of Emma Sherrington, Ann Thompson, Jemma Dally, Trudi Featherstone and Thomas Brownrigg, assisting with a full range of complex financial remedy work as well as both private and public children law matters.
Hannah specialises in financial remedy and private children disputes following relationship breakdown of married couples, civil partners and unmarried couples. In relation to financial matters, this includes negotiating financial settlements, advising on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, financial consent orders and all contested proceedings. Hannah has particular expertise in variation proceedings, dealing with issues of litigation capacity and involvement of litigation friends and/or the Official Solicitor as well as the enforcement of financial orders. Hannah has a particular interest in financial remedy cases involving an international element, including both REMO maintenance cases and international divorce and financial remedy cases under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984.
For children matters, Hannah’s expertise includes negotiating arrangements outside of court (which can include alongside mediation) or assisting with the court process. Hannah has worked on cases involving international relocation, allegations of serious harm (including domestic abuse and sexual abuse), parental alienation, and applications regarding whether a subject child should give evidence at trial. Hannah is adept at working with vulnerable clients, with whom she is able to cultivate a strong rapport as a result of her calm, open, and approachable demeanour and tireless work ethic.
Hannah is committed to finding the best solution for each of her cases and resolving disputes outside of court wherever possible. To that end, she is in the process of qualifying as a mediator with the Family Mediation Association.
Hannah offers appointments in both our London and Brighton offices.
Education
Prior to studying law, Hannah obtained a first-class honours degree in history from McMaster University, Canada and a Master’s degree in Modern History from the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
Hannah then completed an accelerated LLB from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (completing what is usually a 4-year degree in 2 years), the GDL from BPP University London, and the Legal Practice Course at BPP University London, achieving a distinction in every examination whilst working full-time as a trainee solicitor.
