I spent my childhood in Papua New Guinea and later attended Fettes College in Edinburgh. I completed my Law degree at Kings College London and I qualified as a solicitor in 2007.

I am a Partner in the Family Team, having joined MWB in October 2024. I previously worked for a large corporate law firm, where I acted on behalf of high-net-worth individuals.

As a senior member of the family team, I support clients with complex legal matters including divorce, financial remedies, separation agreements, pre and post nuptial agreements, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes and injunctive remedies.

I have significant experience in advising clients in matters involving business assets, multiple property ownership, inherited wealth and valuable pension arrangements.

I am passionate about helping people who are going through difficult times. I take time to consider my clients’ concerns and explain legal concepts clearly to ensure that they fully understand their options. I strongly believe that knowledge is power when it comes to making impactful life decisions.

When I am not working, my hobbies include watching live music (rock being a favourite), travelling the world, keeping fit and cooking. I am also very fond of cats.

Rebecca is a Paralegal in the Family Department after transferring from the Property Department.

Rebecca studied Law at Brighton University and graduated in 2022.

Whilst studying she volunteered at Citizens Advice and she continues her charity work as a member of our charity team.

Outside of work, Rebecca likes running, baking and generally socialising with friends.

I joined a local Eastbourne firm, Lawson Lewis Blakers in 2007 where I worked as a legal secretary, until they merged with MWB.

Over the last 15 years I have worked primarily in the Family and Matrimonial Department and Civil Litigation Department, with a brief dabble into Charity Law before having my first son.

I’m now a paralegal in the Family and Relationships Department.

Previously I worked in the Planning Department of Lewes District Council and spent three years as a travel agent. I’ve always worked in a customer service based environment.

I enjoy family law, primarily children matters, as I find it rewarding to guide people through a turbulent time in their lives and help them to find a solution for their family.

Outside of work I have two children and a ginormous Labrador and I help my husband run his business. I enjoy holidays (where possible!), reading and doing pilates – which calms my every day stresses away!

I am a family law specialist having qualified as a solicitor in 2007.

I have worked in the Sussex area since 2013.

Prior to joining Mayo Wynne Baxter, I was head of the family law department at a firm in Horsham.  I have also previously worked at a regional top 100 firm.

I support clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial and children matters.

I adopt a friendly, calming approach and understanding what a stressful time this is for individuals, I work hard to provide an excellent client service during this difficult time.

I am a member of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach to family law matters.

However, where a more robust approach is required, I am a firm litigator with extensive experience of the court process.

My work attracts positive feedback from clients and peers alike. I have previously been recommended in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK directories.

The 2021 edition of the Legal 500 comments that “Marwa Hadi-Barnes is an excellent solicitor.  She is thorough and always give very practical advice.”

Chambers UK has said “Marwa is well regarded for her work on divorce and financial remedy.  A source describes her as informative, pleasant and kind.  She was on my side while maintaining a professional distance – a perfect balance” and “she is very efficient and good at giving realistic advice” say interviewees.

In my spare time, when I am not keeping my young son occupied, I try to fit in city breaks, Les Mills classes and the odd gig.

I am a Partner and joined MWB in May 2018 having spent the previous three years with a niche private family firm based in Brighton where I trained and qualified as a family solicitor.

In March 2020, I qualified as a Collaborative Lawyer, in April 2021 I was made an Associate Solicitor and in May 2023 I was made Partner.

As a member of Resolution and a qualified Collaborative Lawyer, I am committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes.

As a family law specialist, I advise on all areas of family law including divorce and complex financial matters. I’ve dealt with a number of matters where non-disclosure was an issue, dissipation of assets, pre/post acquired wealth, involving Injunctive proceedings (Non-molestation and Occupation Orders) and with vulnerable parties requiring the appointment of a Litigation Friend.

I have acted on a number of longstanding children matters including cases with a public law crossover where a Children’s Guardian was appointed, in matters where parental alienation has been found and in matters where an Order was made providing for a ‘bar’ to further Court applications being made. In addition, I have a specific interest in internal and external child relocation cases having completed my Dissertation on the area of law.

I graduated with a First Class Honours LL.B Law with Business degree from the University of Brighton in 2012 and was awarded three final year academic prizes.  In January 2016, I passed the Legal Practice Course and in August 2016 was awarded an LL.M in Legal Practice at the University of Law Bloomsbury, London.  My dissertation was on the law relating to Child Relocation focusing on the impact recent decisions in internal and international child relocation have had on the established guidelines and the effect of those decisions on the likely outcome of future applications.

Before pursuing a career in law, I worked in the public sector gaining extensive knowledge and experience in compliance, drafting policy papers, research, analysis and business strategy.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and dog, walking, cooking and gardening.

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand with Law and Science degrees in 1994 and qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in the same year. I practised law in New Zealand before permanently moving to the UK and becoming a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, in 2003. Since that time, my practice was litigation based with an emphasis on family law, contested wills & probate and employment matters.

After working as a Partner with Russell & Co Solicitors in Crawley, West Sussex, I joined Mayo Wynne Baxter when the firms merged in May 2018.

I am a Partner and Head of the Family Team at MWB, with a practice which is now exclusively family law.

The cases I deal with involve separation, divorce, civil partnership, and cohabitation breakdown and I advise clients on the financial issues arising as a consequence of their relationship breakdown as well as issues in connection with the care arrangements for any children of the relationship.

I also have a wealth of experience in advising and representing clients who have been the victims of domestic violence or against whom allegations of domestic violence have been made.

My specialisms are in advising and representing clients in cases involving:

  • Intractable contact/parental alienation children disputes;
  • Temporary/permanent removal of children from England and Wales;
  • International/domestic child abduction/failure to return;
  • Relocation with children within England and Wales;
  • Emergency/urgent court orders involving children;
  • Urgent applications for orders to protect clients from domestic violence.
  • Complex financial claims upon divorce/separation.

I am a partner in the family department. I’m a trained collaborative solicitor and mediator and have been practising in the field of family law for over 30 years.

I predominantly deal with cases involving separation, divorce and cohabitation breakdown.

I frequently handle negotiations and disputes over the family home, the assets of the parties and pensions.

I offer resolution of divorces and financial disputes by collaborative law and also by mediation.

I’m an accredited specialist in the areas of financial matters after separation/divorce and in issues arising between unmarried couples and also accredited to help with disputes in same sex relationships.

I also specialise in high wealth cases and in advising on and preparing prenuptial agreements and cohabitation contracts to ensure my clients’ wishes are recorded to avoid a court hearing. I also work on matters involving issues relating to children, including residence, frequency and quality of contact.

Before joining the firm, I qualified in 1985 and became a Partner for a private practice in Lewes in 1991. For six years I specialised in police defence actions; returning to family work in 2001.

At work I am particularly interested in developing junior colleagues and helping them to become more efficient and effective.

Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cricket and music from the mid seventies onwards.

I joined the Mayo Wynne Baxter Family Team as a Legal Secretary in 2012.

Having worked as a Legal Secretary in family law and litigation for over 30 years, I was promoted to a Paralegal in 2018.

My experience along with my understanding of each individual client’s personal circumstances makes me a first port of call for many clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, cooking and spending time with my family.

I am a family law solicitor specialising in divorce, finances and cases involving children. I also represent clients dealing with both pre and post nuptial agreements. In my practice, I also represent separating cohabitees in disputes relating to property and grandparents dealing with issues of contact with their grandchildren. I also represent clients seeking Special Guardianship Orders.

I studied Law at the University of Sussex and then went on to complete my Legal Practice Course at the College of law, Guildford.  In 2004, I completed my training contract with Allen Ticehurst Solicitors and was taken on by the firm. I remained with the firm when it merged with Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2012.  I was made Associate Solicitor in 2013 and then Partner in 2016.

With the sensitivity needed to handle difficult situations, I resolve disputes in a pragmatic and sensible way whether it be a difficult matter involving children or a complex high net worth divorce case.  I ensure I deal with matters in a way that results in the best for my client and each case is dealt with on its own facts. I’m a member of resolution and therefore put emphasis on resolving disputes in a fair and efficient way, again handling such matters in a sensitive manner. A testimonial provided by a client stated: ‘Pragmatic advice delivered in an empathetic manner. Spot on!’

Unlike most family lawyers, I do much of my own advocacy in court, so clients are represented by an expert who fully understands their situation instead of relying on a separate barrister.  I’m also acutely aware of the costs involved in the legal process and therefore offer clients fixed fees in respect of much of my work.

I am Head of our East Grinstead office. Deputy Head of the Family Department as well as being the firm’s Work Experience Partner and the Training Principal.

Outside of work, I spend my spare time with family, and I enjoy spending time horse-riding and being outdoors.

I am a Solicitor ordinarily based in the East Grinstead office.

In 2013, I joined Mayo Wynne Baxter and qualified into the Family department in April 2018. I obtained a degree from Sussex University, before attending the University of Law in Guildford for my Legal Practice Course, attaining a Distinction.

I advise on all aspects surrounding relationships including; divorce and separation, dissolution of civil partnerships, private children matters (including Special Guardianship Orders), cohabitation and pre and post-nuptial agreements.

I also advises clients in respect of Injunctive proceedings; Non Molestation Order and Occupation Orders.

Undertaking my cases in an assertive, sensitive and constructive manner, I assist my clients to consider the benefits and costs (emotional and financial) of any next steps.  I’m mindful that each client’s circumstances differ and ‘one size does not fit all’.

As a member of Resolution, I am is committed to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational and constructive way, whilst also striving for the best possible outcome for my clients.  I appreciate the emotional strain placed upon clients and pride myself on being approachable and understanding as I help my clients through the legal process.