Lizzie Smith

Information about the specialist

lizzie.smith@clarkewillmott.com

Practice Areas

I am a Senior Associate in the Family Team at Irwin Mitchell specialising in all areas of private family law. I advise both married and cohabiting individuals on a broad range of issues following the breakdown of a relationship, including financial settlements and arrangements for children.

I have extensive experience advising on complex and high net worth financial cases, including those where there are significant business, pension, trust or farming assets. I also advise on wealth planning, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and financial applications for children, such as disputes in relation to child maintenance. I also deal with disputes involving children, such as where and with who they will live, or which school they will attend. I advise on the enforcement of agreements and orders.

I deal regularly with cases with an international element, for example, where there is a jurisdictional dispute, assets owned abroad or parties living overseas. I’ve also made applications in England following a foreign divorce and dealt with international children cases, including where one party wishes to relocate overseas. I have experience of getting injunctions, both freezing assets worldwide. I also got non-molestation injunctions to protect clients where there’s been inappropriate behaviour or domestic abuse.

I work with clients locally in the South West, nationally (including London) and also those with an international connection.

I aim to tailor my approach in a pragmatic and cost effective way to achieve the best outcome for each individual client. I’m a trained Collaborative Lawyer and look to resolve matters outside of Court where possible. I’ve worked with the use of mediation, arbitration, private FDRs and round table meetings. I have extensive experience in dealing with court applications and can take a robust approach to litigation where necessary to get my client the best possible outcome.

I am a Resolution accredited specialist in complex financial remedies and international family law. I am listed as an 'Associate to Watch' in the Chambers and Partners legal directory.