Meet the family law team – Alex Wilson

In our latest ‘meet the team’ series, we introduce you to Alex Wilson, Partner and Head of Family Law at our Wye Valley office. Alex shares what inspired her to choose a career in law and her most memorable legal experience.

What first attracted you to a career in law?

I had a little bit of an insight into the profession from a young age, having spent  a lot of my school holidays in my dad’s law firm in the Welsh valleys. I loved the drama, the gossip and the wall-to-wall bookcases full of legal reference books (they added to the drama!). Basically, I think I wanted to be on the set of Perry Mason.

What type of legal advice do you provide and to what sorts of clients?

I see quite a range of clients in the Wye Valley office for private divorce, finance, children and safeguarding, and cohabitation advice. I like to think that my advice is practical and realistic. Legal costs are often an issue for my clients and I certainly encourage them to look at alternative methods of dispute resolution before jumping into court proceedings, although there is no easy process in family disputes, and certainly no one size fits all.

What is your most memorable legal experience and why?

In my trainee days at Hugh James, I was involved in a sting operation to catch some money launderers. It was so exciting and involved a suitcase supposedly full of cash and police men hiding in adjacent rooms!

What advice would you give to couples wanting an amicable divorce?

Following the recent landmark reforms to divorce law allowing a ‘no-fault divorce’, we have launched a ground-breaking service called Unified in Separation (‘US’). ‘US’ allows your divorce to be managed by a single lawyer, rather than having one lawyer for each party. Couples using ‘US’ will receive advice on a joint-beneficial basis to reach an agreement on one or all aspects of your separation – without the added expense and conflict of going to court. At the outset we undertake vigorous checks to ensure there is no imbalance of power and your interests are aligned, and if you have any concerns about the other or aren’t willing to negotiate, this service is not right for you.

What is your number one top tip for clients?

Try to look at the bigger picture and see yourself on the other side.