Joanne Wescott

Managing Partner

Joanne is Managing Partner and Partner in the Family Department, specialising in divorce and financial matters.

She is recognised in the Legal 500 as a next-generation lawyer, described as a rising star and is said to be “going places”. Peers say she is a “very approachable and sensible opponent”. She regularly provides commentary on family law issues and has been interviewed on Talk Radio and Sky News.

Joanne has extensive experience advising on all aspects of family law, in particular complex financial issues relating to divorce or separation, disputes relating to children, and pre and post-nuptial agreements. She has advised in cases with in excess of £220 million in assets, spread over several jurisdictions including Russia, Europe and the Middle East.

Joanne is instructed by a wide range of clients, however, is known for high net worth and high-profile cases, including those in the public eye. She represented Mrs Mills in the Supreme Court in June 2018 regarding a life-term spousal maintenance award.

In addition to divorce, Joanne also deals with both domestic and international children disputes such as Child Arrangements. She has a reputation for her success in relocation cases representing parents wishing to move abroad with their children and parents wanting to remain. She successfully represented clients in a case involving a change of residence and a move to France as well as defending a change of residence and move to Singapore.

Joanne is a member of Resolution and a strong advocate of alternative dispute resolution in the right circumstances and effectively pursues settlements through other avenues such as mediation and round table meetings before commencing litigation.

If Court proceedings are necessary Joanne will fight your corner and support you throughout, she is skilled at matching her clients with specialist barristers ensuring they receive the best possible advice and making the court experience less daunting and more manageable.

Outside of work Joanne enjoys travelling and diving but closer to home she enjoys riding.