Hampshire Family Legal Solutions

20/05/2026

Hello!

I am Cathy Sousa. I am one of the founders of the HFLS group, which was established in 2015 with the aim of providing separating couples with a joined up approach to reduce conflict and acrimony, making any children the centre of all discussions. Upon separation, trust and communication can deteriorate quickly and early assistance with the legal, financial and emotional aspects of decision making will be crucial to the outcome, including time and money spent, but also the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the couple and any children involved.

Separating couples should not have to repeatedly explain the same relationship history several times (which may be traumatic) or hear separate and conflicting advice, which is a common approach. Working with HFLS means we can provide tailored and joint support and advice and ensure emotional blocks (which are often the reason for couples not being able to agree or engage) are managed sensitively and early to ensure communication and trust are rebuilt where possible.

I am exceptionally proud of how many families HFLS have helped over the years and the wonderful feedback we receive, which makes the work so rewarding for me personally and professionally. I am a collaborative solicitor, an accredited family mediator, a Resolution Together solicitor (One Couple, One Solicitor) and an Arbitrator for both children and financial matters.

Outside of the office, I spend time enjoying the company of my teenage daughter before she disappears off to University, New Forest walks with my 2 dogs, and I love to travel having lived in Italy, Portugal and Australia.

13/05/2026

It’s fantastic to see family arbitration receiving national recognition in the Law Gazette, as FLAG (Family Law Arbitrators Group) raises awareness of arbitration as an effective alternative to court proceedings.

As a form of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), arbitration can offer families a more flexible, private and often quicker way to resolve disputes outside of court. This is one of the options HFLS members can offer to support constructive, child-focused outcomes.

We are proud that two HFLS members, Rebecca and Cathy, are qualified family law arbitrators.

To find out more or to contact Rebecca or Cathy, please visit: https://www.hfls.co.uk/members

Read the article here: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/lawyer-in-the-news/family-lawyers-fly-the-flag-for-arbitration/5126610.article

Organisation hopes to raise public awareness of non-court dispute resolution option and become a valuable family law resource.

01/05/2026

I’m Ann Herd; an accredited mediator, collaborative lawyer and One Couple One Lawyer Resolution trained solicitor.

HFLS is a cohesive group of like-minded professionals that I am proud to be part of so that we can offer a fully rounded, emotionally considered way of separation and forward co-parenting. This approach ensures that consideration is given to the most important issues facing the couple involved to ensure they are fully involved with any decisions and outcomes and avoiding the court imposing those decisions upon them. Professional advice is available from financial neutrals and family consultants to ensure all facets of the separation are considered and resolved.

Outside of the office I am a keen gardener, static cyclist, runner and yogi, I am also often to be found striding across the New Forest with my black Labrador. Now my two boys are grown up having more time for this kind of pursuit!

22/04/2026

We’re proud to celebrate that one of our HFLS members, Grant Cameron of Trethowans, has won Legal Personality of the Year at the 2026 LexisNexis Legal Awards!

This is a fantastic and well-deserved achievement, recognising Grant’s outstanding contribution to the legal profession and his dedication to driving positive change in family law.

Congratulations, Grant, on this incredible success — we are delighted to celebrate with you!

14/02/2026

Hello Facebook, I’m Rebecca Hawkins. I’ve worked in family law since 1999 and I am passionate about helping families through separation and change in a respectful way.

Having worked as a solicitor for many years and seen how destructive the court can be, it’s crucial for me to work together with other family law professionals, which is why Hampshire Family Law Solutions works so well. Every member of HFLS is trained in a trauma-informed way, and acknowledges the challenges that come with such huge change. We work with that, not against it.

I am also an accredited mediator (and co-facilitate Resolution’s Mediation Foundation Training programme) working with couples, wider family and children, helping them see things from a different perspective. The aim is for couples to make their own decisions in a way that suits their family best. Mediation can be a powerful tool – it’s neutral, voluntary and future focussed, and it takes place in a safe space. It allows participants to test out the practicalities, before settling on an outcome. It works for organising arrangements for children, for sorting out the finances and improving communication.

Mediation is also one of the few areas of family law that offers funding – legal aid is available (subject to eligibility) and the MOJ provide a Mediation Voucher of £500 towards mediations involving the arrangements for children.

As an arbitrator for children and finance cases, I work in conjunction with lawyers and mediators – all of the non-court approaches work well together. Arbitration is a way of achieving a legally binding outcome, in a tailored and cost effective way, without setting foot in a court room.

Away from work I love spending time in the garden with my family and dogs. You’ll often find me on trail runs with my Springer Spaniel at the weekends, or on the side lines of a football pitch. This summer I’ll be aiming to improve my cut flower garden.

06/02/2026

Hello

I am Sarah Unsworth, a collaborative lawyer and mediator. I am a member of Resolution and have been practising family law for over 30 years.

Separation and divorce is a really difficult time but can be made much worse by court involvement where a judge has to decide what is best for you and your family with limited time at Court and a busy case list. The most important thing that my 35 year career has taught me is that the more couples can do to resolve their issues amicably, the better off they will be both emotionally and financially.

Hampshire Family Legal Solutions offers a really good holistic approach to finding what is right and fair for a couple with the support of legal advice, financial help and real guidance through the emotional difficulties of separation. Controlling your outcome and your future should remain with you.

I am so proud to be a part of the HFLS team. I am collaboratively trained and an accredited mediator. Do reach out if I can be of help.

Outside of work, I hugely enjoy being out on the water in the Solent in my dinghy or enjoying sea wall walks.

19/01/2026

Hello, I am Bethen Hartley, a Family Consultant and a member of Resolution, specialising in supporting families through separation and divorce.

These times can feel overwhelming, with strong emotions making difficult decisions even harder. I help clients navigate this period, understand the process and engage with it with confidence and clarity. I also support the development of constructive and positive co-parenting relationships, equipping parents with the communication skills and strategies needed to manage their new parenting dynamic. With the right support and guidance, separation and divorce can be more manageable, leading to better outcomes for the whole family.

Outside of work, I am often found supporting my children in their many sporting pursuits, usually on the sidelines of a pitch or court. I also volunteer at our local athletics club and enjoy staying active, whether at the gym or running with my Labrador. I have a creative side as well: renovating my home and taking part in a craft and wellness group with friends, where we come together to be creative and support one another.

For further information about how I can help, please feel free to get in touch.

29/11/2025

I’m Nick Dean — a Chartered Financial Planner at Benchmark Financial Planning and a specialist financial neutral with HFLS.

I’m proud to be one of a select group of UK advisers accredited by Resolution, the family law association.

Since 2018, I’ve been supporting separating couples through HFLS, by making sense of complex financial matters — especially pensions — and offering clear, impartial advice to help divide assets fairly and flexibly.

Bringing a financial neutral into the process early can make a real difference: it helps everyone understand their options, reach fairer outcomes faster, and often reduce overall costs.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about fitness, cycling, and boxing — and I’m a loyal Bath Rugby supporter. I live in beautiful Wimborne and feel lucky to call it home.

If you’d like to learn more about how I can help, feel free to get in touch!

17/11/2025

My name is Sarah French. I’m an accredited mediator and solicitor in the HFLS group. The holistic offering of HFLS ensures couples are supported legally, emotionally and with the pensions and financial expertise which is often needed. We work as a team and tailor how we move forward for each couple to help them resolve whatever it is they need sorting out, for example, the division or their finances and/ arrangements for their children, if applicable.

Away from work, I’m a keen swimmer and try to get to the pool as much as I can, as well as attending a regular Pilates class. Otherwise, I’m often to be found out and about with my toddler at the park, at toddler football and in the baby pool for his swimming lessons!

10/11/2025

Hello, I am Derek Parsons.

I am a very experienced family lawyer with over 35 years in practice and a recognised expert in International Child Law.

I believe that families are not broken by separation and divorce; they simply change. I help parents manage that change. I work hard to find solutions with parents without going through the stress and expense of a court process.

I have a wide understanding of the impact of domestic abuse and substance misuse.

As a performing musician and filmmaker, I have a working knowledge of the creative industries.