Catherine Costley

Clients look to me for my pragmatic and effective handling of their case. They appreciate my sensitive approach, combined with my attention to detail, sound judgment and endless commitment to them.

My clients are high net worth families whose financial affairs hold complexities such as offshore structuring, trusts and complex corporate structures. I am very familiar with the financial affairs of those working in banking, private equity, finance or law, but also entrepreneurs, sportsmen and women, actors/writers and creatives.

Alongside the financial complexities, the relationships of my clients will often feature relationship dynamics (for example personality disorders, control, abuse, dependency) which I am skilled at navigating with my clients. I am focussed on the life my clients will live after lawyers step away; their financial security, their co-parenting or their independence.

I am listed in the Top 23 Divorce Lawyers on Midult.com’s directory where I am described as “serenity itself, methodical, thoughtful and kind” but also “progressive” and “fierce”. In Tatler magazine I am described as “pin sharp”. In 2023 I appeared in Spear’s magazine’s feature on “Modern Family” as part of “a new generation of family lawyers whose stars are in the ascendant or at the apogee of their profession”.

Outside of law, I used to compete in endurance events (Ironman Vichy and Austria, Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Florida), but in recent years have switched to the other well known endurance sport of parenting two young boys.

Reported cases:

• JM v CZ (2014) EWHC 1125 – securing a costs order upon defence of an application under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996.
• DE v FE (2022) EWFC 71 - valuation of a business including whether or not an uplift to the trading value of the business should be made to allow for the possibility/probability of what might be described as a "super-receipt" as happened during the marriage.
• CS & DS (Children) (2022) EWFC 146 – complex, high conflict, child arrangements