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Joanne Edwards

Partner, Head of Family

Jo specialises in dealing with issues which arise on relationship breakdown, including the financial consequences of divorce or separation; and resolving arrangements for children, including cases involving relocation with children. She also has expertise in advising on pre-nuptial agreements and acting in cases involving unmarried couples.

Although Jo has extensive experience of taking cases to court where required, she is known for her conciliatory, pragmatic approach and desire to settle cases where possible. She is a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer and one of only a handful of lawyers in London qualified to consult with children in mediation. Mediation is a significant part of Jo's practice and she has mediated both married and unmarried couples, often with complex/high value assets or difficult issues such as one parent wishing to relocate overseas with children.

Jo held the position of Chair of Resolution, the national family lawyers' association, from 2014 to 2016. During her two year term of office, she led several high profile family law campaigns, met with MPs and the judiciary and appeared regularly on national TV and radio and in the broadsheets. She continues to sit on Resolution's National Committee and to be active in policy, membership and media work.

Internationally Jo is a founding member of the European Network of Collaborative Professionals and a regular speaker at family law conferences around the world. She has particularly strong links with Australia and Scotland, from where many of her referrals emanate.

Jo is described as a “tireless campaigner who leaves no stone unturned to get the best for her clients. She is the doyenne of the family law world and is a real leader in finding less confrontational routes to solutions whilst retaining a steely core”. Her clients comment that "She is incredible".

In October 2019, Jo was named Chambers HNW's "Family Lawyer of the Year" and in 2020, she was recognised in the inaugural Chambers HNW Mediators list. Jo's reputation as a leader in her field was recognised recently by her appointment as a founding member of the inaugural Tatler HNW address book; a listing she has maintained in the latest Tatler Address Book of HNW Private Client Advisors 2021. Jo has also been ranked as a 'Leading Individual' in the Legal 500 2023 edition and is top ranked in both Chambers UK Guide 2023 and Chambers HNW Guide 2022. Jo is recognised as a 'Top Recommended Lawyer' in the Spear's 500 2023 directory.


Breaking Good - Rethinking Separation and Divorce

Introducing Breaking Good, the new Forsters' podcast. Comedian Marcus Brigstocke teams up with leading family lawyer Jo Edwards and members of Forsters' Family team to demystify the divorce and separation process. An informative and entertaining guide to modern family law.

Breaking Good - Rethinking Separation and Divorce podcast graphic


Forward-Thinking Approaches to Divorce and Separation

Coming to a decision to separate or divorce is difficult and often distressing. For many, the process that lies ahead is a mystery and it is assumed that it will be confrontational and drawn-out. However, there is in fact a wide range of forward-thinking, constructive approaches to resolving the issues flowing from your divorce or separation.

Forward Thinking Approaches to Divorce and Separation


Nuptial Agreements

Is a nuptial agreement right for you and your family? The Forsters Family team want to open up the conversation about nuptial agreements, to dispel myths and to inform people about the benefits of having one and the practical process.

Nuptial Agreements


Awards and recognitions

Contact

T: +44 207 863 8360
M: +44 7584 528 768

“Joanne Edwards is one of the standout family lawyers of her generation. Her emotional intelligence and compassion for her clients is amazing.” The Legal 500, 2024
“Joanne is simply one of the leading family lawyers of her generation. She is top-class in all respects.” Chambers HNW Guide, 2023
"The instructions are very clear. They know exactly what they want and are good at doing things to make it work on my end. They are very easy-going, easy to work with and personable."
Chambers UK
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