Cathryn Harper-Tedstone

About me

I enjoy working with people to solve problems, and I want to reassure them at a difficult time of their lives, by listening to their anxieties and concerns in order to understand their position.

Over recent years, there has been a rise in cohabiting couples and subsequent property disputes. I specialise in working with couples who own property together and any disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) or any financial disputes relating to children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

I also help clients with divorce and financial matters and any issues relating to arrangements for children. For couples who are just beginning their lives together, I can help with the drafting of pre- or post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements.

I am an active member of Resolution and I currently sit on the YRes Board for the West Midlands.

Outside work, I love spending time with my family, but I also love to keep fit with regular spin classes.

“You saved the day several times!” – high praise for family law solicitors

James and Cathryn regularly act for clients within financial proceedings. They recently assisted a client within contested court proceedings and achieved an excellent outcome for the client at a Financial Dispute Resolution hearing. They received the following comments upon conclusion of the case. “You have been absolutely fantastic and supportive, you have all made the whole process bearable. I was so lucky to have you on my side. I don’t know what I would have done without your legendary regular pep talks! You saved the day several times and helped me come through the divorce unscathed. And of course in the end a great result!”

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Top Tips & FAQs

Discover my top tips

Write down issues which you wish to resolve and bring them with you to your initial appointment or provide them throughout the process. We can work through them and put your mind at rest or action the next steps.

Take as much as financial advice as possible. Some assets are complex and definitely require other expert advice to be able to deal with them effectively.

Try your best to stay calm and trust we will resolve matters for you. Stay off social media if emotions are running high!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will this process take?

Each set of proceedings are different. For example, divorce proceedings take on average six to eight months with the new no fault system, and financial matters can take an average of six months to resolve, however this depends on whether matters can be agreed or if a court application is required.
Matters relating to cohabitation disputes can take slightly longer, on average nine to 12 months, as they fall under civil procedure and are generally more complex if matters cannot be agreed.
If you have a dispute relating to child arrangements, timescales are somewhat unknown. As above, it all depends on what issues are in dispute. If court proceedings are required, this can result in proceedings lasting for over 12 months due to the high demands currently experienced in the Family Court.

How much will this cost?

It is very hard to give a complete estimate without knowing the full facts of your situation, as well as whether an agreement can be reached without court proceedings. Of course, if court proceedings are required, it will increase costs - which we try and avoid as much as possible.
Will always try to resolve matters in the most cost-efficient way and provide you with regular cost updates during your matter.