Marwa Hadi-Barnes

Marwa is a family lawyer with over 18 years’ experience. She supports clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial matters and arrangements for children.

Marwa qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and has specialised exclusively in family law throughout her career. She has practised in Sussex since 2013, supporting clients across the region, including Horsham, Crawley and Storrington. She brings over 18 years’ experience advising on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial matters and arrangements for children. Before joining Mayo Wynne Baxter, Marwa headed the family law department at a firm in Horsham and previously worked at a regional top‑100 practice.

Marwa is known for her calm, steady approach and her ability to provide clear, practical advice during what is often an extremely stressful time for clients. She works hard to ensure clients feel supported and informed throughout the process, while remaining focused on achieving fair, realistic and long‑term outcomes.

She has particular expertise in mid‑ to high‑net‑worth financial cases, including matters involving business assets, pensions, inherited wealth and complex property portfolios. Her work also includes extensive experience in advising on prenuptial and post‑nuptial agreements, ensuring clients receive clear, protective and forward‑thinking guidance. Marwa’s financial expertise includes acting in a financial remedy case transferred to the High Court due to assets exceeding £15 million. She has also successfully conducted a Child Arbitration matter, demonstrating her ability to navigate both court‑based and alternative dispute resolution processes.

In addition to her financial work, Marwa advises on a wide range of children matters, including child arrangements, specific issue applications, relocation, and cases requiring urgent or protective orders. She is experienced in representing clients where there are allegations of domestic abuse or coercive control, and understands the sensitivity and urgency these cases often require.

Marwa is a committed member of Resolution and promotes a constructive, non‑confrontational approach wherever possible. When litigation is necessary, she is a confident and experienced advocate with a strong understanding of the family court process.

Her work has been recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK. The Legal 500 describes her as “a well‑experienced and extremely competent Solicitor. She is professional and fiercely represents her clients providing strong, cogent advice.” She has also been praised as “thorough” and “very practical.” Chambers UK has described her as “informative, pleasant and kind,” noting that she “maintains a perfect balance between empathy and professionalism,” and as “very efficient and good at giving realistic advice.”

Marwa welcomes enquiries from clients seeking clear, confident guidance on any aspect of family law.