“Emma Leavesley is a standout performer and is a ‘go to’ matrimonial lawyer in the area. Her attention to detail, sensitive and thoughtful approach are very popular with clients, and she knows when to fight a case and when to settle.” – Legal 500 UK, 2026
A partner in the family team, Emma specialises in all aspects of family law and has extensive experience advising clients through complex and often sensitive family matters. She is known for her empathetic, thoughtful and pragmatic approach, particularly when supporting vulnerable clients and families navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with neurodivergence. Emma works closely with her clients to understand what matters most to them and to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Experience
Emma is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth, Chambers UK and The Legal 500, independent directories which recognise leading lawyers in the UK. She has been described as a “standout performer” with “an excellent manner and very good judgment”.
Emma began her career in family law in 2007 and has specialised in the field ever since. She has worked in the Thames Valley for more than 10 years, including at a leading regional firm and as part of the highly ranked family team at a top-tier international firm.
She advises clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including the film industry, the arts, medicine, the motor industry and academia. Emma is meticulous, strategic and pragmatic, and is known for her constructive approach to helping clients resolve difficult issues.
Emma is a member of Resolution and is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in complex financial remedies and private law children matters. Emma has also completed her mediation training and is working towards becoming an accredited family mediator.
Specialisms
Complex financial separations – Emma acts for both UK-based and international clients and is regularly instructed by high net worth individuals. She has acted for a wide range of HNW and UHNW clients in cases involving complex financial structures, investments, companies, trusts, tax and pensions. Emma is adept at guiding clients through litigation and the court process, as well as advising on non-court resolution options.
Emma also advises on protective steps to preserve assets, including set-aside applications to reverse reviewable dispositions made with the intention of defeating financial claims.
Cohabiting relationships – Emma has extensive experience advising on and preparing cohabitation agreements for individuals entering into cohabiting relationships. She also assists those whose cohabiting relationship has come to an end, particularly where there are children.
Nuptial agreements – Emma is regularly instructed to draft and advise on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for couples who wish to protect wealth being brought into a marriage, while ensuring that the agreement is fair to both parties and intended to be upheld in the event of divorce.
Child arrangements – Emma is recognised for her expertise in advising on child arrangements following relationship breakdown and is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in this area. Her expertise includes specific issues such as education, travel, internal relocation and international relocation. Emma also acts in cases where protective steps are needed, including to prevent the removal of a child from the country.
Other achievements
Emma sits on the Resolution National Wellbeing Committee.
Emma has completed Mental Health First Aider training through Mental Health First Aid England, which has strengthened her awareness of the impact that divorce and separation can have on an individual’s mental health.
Reported case
A v B (private law final hearing – application for non-molestation order) [2023] EWFC 74 – Emma acted for the mother in this case. As part of wider proceedings concerning child arrangements, the mother made allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour against the father. The father then applied for a non-molestation order against the mother, arguing that the allegations amounted to “harassment”. The court was not persuaded that the allegations amounted to harassment or molestation and no non-molestation order was made. The judge noted that the father had a “rigid, aggressive and dogmatic” attitude towards the mother and lacked insight into her mental health difficulties. An order was made for the child to live with both parents.
Outside of the office
Emma enjoys travel, a gritty thriller novel, good food and wine. She is a staunch animal lover and loves nothing more than taking long walks in the countryside with her cocker spaniel, Jess, and her husband. As a football fan, Emma also enjoys the frustration of Fantasy Premier League.
Emma sits on the Resolution National Wellbeing Committee.
Emma has completed Mental Health First Aider training through Mental Health First Aid England, which has strengthened her awareness of the impact that divorce and separation can have on an individual’s mental health.
