8.12.2022
The courts approach to costs in financial proceedings...
WC V HC – a recent costs case in financial proceedings on divorce The recent case of WC v HC [2022] EWFC 40...
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“Diana Bastow was absolutely dogged in getting the best result for me. She has a client-first approach, but wasn’t frightened to give direction when she felt I was going off piste.”
Diana is an associate in the family department specialising in Divorce, Finances and private children disputes.
She has been listed in Legal 500 as a rising star. Diana has a broad experience in financial disputes with an international element and involving complex issues. Diana has acted for a number of HNW individuals which have included offshore property, businesses and trusts.
Diana has experience in bringing applications for financial relief after foreign divorces and jurisdictional disputes relating to Divorce.
In addition to advising on all matters relating to Divorce and Finances, Diana also represents parents in private children disputes relating to child arrangements and issues relating to relocation and specific issues.
Diana has acted for a number of fathers who have been denied the chance of spending time with their children and obtained joint live with Orders. Diana has also acted for mothers who have had serious safeguarding concerns about the children spending time with their fathers.
Diana is client-focused and she endeavours to achieve the best result for her clients. Diana will always try and achieve a resolution as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible but she is also ready to fight for her client in order to obtain the best result.
Diana qualified as a family solicitor in 2008 and worked in a Central London Legal 500 firm where she assisted on a number of high-profile cases and reported cases. Diana studied law at London Guildhall University before undertaking her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law. She is a member of Resolution.
Diana joined Osbornes in November 2020
Diana is a member of the Anglo-Australian law society.
"Osbornes Law have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level. They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board."
Osbornes have been a sound firm forever. They have phenomenal work and an excellent skill set.
They have high-end partners doing high-end work. They are very impressive.
They have an excellent practice; they are top quality across the board.
Osbornes have a very broad family practice which does all areas of family law at a high level.
He is very hard-working, diligent and thoughtful in his approach. He is on top of the detail and makes strategic decisions.
He commits himself to getting the best results.
He’s a really tough litigator that you certainly want on your side. He will defend his clients to the hilt.
Mark is an immensely capable lawyer, with vast experience and a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best for his clients.
Lisa Pepper is extremely hard-working and adored by her clients. She is a very empathetic and approachable lawyer.
She’s an extremely supportive and kind lawyer and has an increasing mediation profile too
“An excellent lawyer, Diana had provided me with sound pragmatic legal advice on a range of family law matters which she has delivered promptly, efficiently, to a very high standard with enthusiasm and conviction. I would recommend her to anyone seeking advice in connection with matrimonial and related legal matters”
“Ms Bastow was a very informative lawyer. She was instrumental in managing a quite difficult divorce proceeding. Her honesty and integrity were paramount during this most difficult process. I cannot recommend Ms Bastow except with the highest honours”
Andrew secured me the best financial settlement for my claim. He is a credit to Osbornes Solicitors.
"Diana Bastow was absolutely dogged in getting the best result for me. She has a client-first approach, but wasn’t frightened to give direction when she felt I was going off piste"
"It has a strong and experienced team of solicitors who don’t take bad points, work sensibly to get a settlement and who you can always pick up the phone and speak to. They are good lawyers and know the strengths and weaknesses of their clients’ cases. They don’t posture and always pursue their clients cases appropriately. "
"Mark Freedman is a very capable lawyer, renowned for not being a pushover and pushing his clients’ cases as much as he can, but will always talk sensibly about settlement. He is among the best – tenacious, good judgment and tactically aware."
"Mark Freedman is a dynamic and highly experienced family lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients and is always in their corner, thus ensuring their loyalty and confidence. In a trial you would always want him on your side."
"Bridget Thompson combines her excellent legal knowledge with a clear, succinct and robust style of advice and advocacy. Her approach clearly inspires a high degree of client confidence in her"
"She has impressed me as someone who fights my corner but also understands the importance of resolving issues without unnecessary escalation. She is calm and reassuring."
"Her mediation practice is exceptional; she is also a great solicitor and has a breadth of skill which is really useful."
"He is really experienced and wise. He has a lovely manner about him and clients feel safe with him."
"Jo Wescott is top notch and widely recognised as a rising star throughout the profession. She brings a winning combination of great judgement, an immense work ethic, and a relaxed and charming way with opponents and clients alike. Someone you want on your side”
"Osbornes is pre-eminent for family law in North London. Mark Freedman is a real rainmaker. He is an excellent lawyer and has a top-notch practice"
Mark Freedman is intelligent and personable and has a good selection of high-net work cases.
"Exceptional value for money. Highly competent and reasonably priced. Mark Freedman: one of the best in the field."
"Client-focused. Ready to fight the clients’ corner, but also ready where possible to steer client from unnecessary dispute. Mark Freedman – very experienced, with good instinct for the eventual result. Clients love him and he thinks ahead and directs the client to the best result for the client."
Mark Freedman is a serious player. A fearless family law litigator, who protects his clients’ interests passionately.
Breadth of knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile is what makes it stand out. Mark Freedman – devoted to his clients
Mark Freedman frequently takes on high-value financial and children proceedings that involve complex tax, trust and accounting issues. Sources praise the "tenacity and common sense" he brings to challenging disputes.
"Mark is very experienced, competent, good with clients and takes a sensible approach to cases. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Mark Freedman is a real heavyweight litigator who has dealt with some very significant cases."
"Mark Freedman boxes clever, keeps his powder dry and when it comes to the end game he negotiates a really good deal."
"Mark Freedman has a specific focus on high-net-worth divorces and finance cases where there are overseas assets and trusts."
"Lisa Pepper somehow manages to get parties to settle on matters where there isn’t much hope to start out with."
"Well-regarded family practice assisting clients with substantial matrimonial disputes and sensitive children proceedings."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
"He never gives up. He fights for you to the end and has boundless energy."
Bridget Thompson heads the family team, where client care is the top priority.
Mark Freedman advises high-net-worth clients and knows his stuff.
Highly regarded for his experience as a litigation and mediation expertise, Mark Freedman is tenacious and determined. Clients really feel that he is fighting their corner.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
They have a really good, strong team, with the junior elements punching well above their weight. It doesn't matter who you talk to; they are all switched on."
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
Diana's Testimonials
“An excellent lawyer, Diana had provided...
“An excellent lawyer, Diana had provided me with sound pragmatic legal advice on a range of family law matters which she has delivered promptly, efficiently, to a very high standard with enthusiasm and conviction. I would recommend her to anyone seeking advice in connection with matrimonial and related legal matters”
“Ms Bastow was a very informative...
“Ms Bastow was a very informative lawyer. She was instrumental in managing a quite difficult divorce proceeding. Her honesty and integrity were paramount during this most difficult process. I cannot recommend Ms Bastow except with the highest honours”
"Diana Bastow was absolutely dogged in...
"Diana Bastow was absolutely dogged in getting the best result for me. She has a client-first approach, but wasn’t frightened to give direction when she felt I was going off piste"
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