Business Details
32 Years
experience
Specialist Family Law Firm in London
Miles Preston is a distinguished specialist family law firm with over three decades of experience in handling complex legal matters. Established in 1994, we have built an unparalleled reputation for expertise in international divorce cases, trust-related disputes, and high-net-worth family law matters. Our team combines deep legal knowledge with a pragmatic approach, prioritising client needs through discreet, empathetic representation. Recognised by Chambers HNW Guide 2024, we offer dual jurisdiction expertise in England and Wales, and Hong Kong law.Our partners maintain hands-on involvement in every case, ensuring direct access to senior legal professionals. With a focus on negotiation and cost-effective solutions, we also litigate with commitment when necessary. Our pioneering work in surrogacy law, medico-legal issues, and trust litigation has shaped legal precedents, while our global network of legal professionals ensures comprehensive international case management.
Services
Children Arrangements
International Divorce
Trust Disputes
Pre-nuptial Agreements
Financial Settlements
Parental Alienation
Surrogacy Law
Mediation Services
Cohabitation Agreements
High-Net-Worth Cases
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in complex family law cases
- Our team provides dual jurisdiction expertise in UK and Hong Kong law
- We maintain direct partner involvement in every client case
- Recognised leaders in trust-related divorce litigation by Chambers HNW Guide
- Pioneers in surrogacy and medico-legal family law precedents
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Unrivalled international expertise
Highly commercial approach
Practical and incisive
Pioneers in new law
Strong boutique firm
Services
Children Arrangements
We specialise in resolving complex children arrangement disputes with sensitivity and legal precision. Our approach prioritises the child's best interests while addressing international jurisdiction challenges. With expertise in parental alienation cases, we help establish stable custody frameworks that minimise long-term emotional impact for families undergoing separation.
International Divorce
Handling divorces with international dimensions requires unique expertise in multiple jurisdictions. We navigate complex legal systems across borders, managing asset division and custody issues for clients with global connections. Our dual UK-Hong Kong law capability ensures comprehensive solutions for multinational families facing relationship breakdowns.
Trust Disputes
As leaders in trust-related divorce cases, we resolve complex financial arrangements involving offshore and onshore trusts. Our team has set legal precedents in landmark cases, providing strategic counsel to trustees and beneficiaries. We combine technical expertise with practical solutions for high-net-worth individuals facing trust-related marital disputes.
Pre-nuptial Agreements
We draft comprehensive pre- and post-nuptial agreements that protect assets while considering future contingencies. Our agreements address international considerations and evolving family dynamics. With focus on clarity and enforceability, we create tailored solutions that provide financial security and reduce potential conflict in the event of relationship breakdown.
Surrogacy Law
Pioneers in surrogacy law, we handle complex legal issues surrounding international surrogacy arrangements. Our expertise covers parental order applications, cross-border recognition issues, and medico-legal challenges. We provide clear guidance through evolving legal frameworks to establish secure parental rights for intended parents.
People
Marcus Dearle
Senior Partner
Leading family law expert with extensive experience in international divorce and trust cases. Recognised in Chambers HNW Guide 2024 for expertise in complex financial settlements and landmark trust litigation. Maintains hands-on approach to client cases.
Patricia Hollings
Partner
Specialist in high-net-worth divorce cases with focus on asset protection and financial dispute resolution. Brings strategic insight to complex property settlements and international jurisdiction challenges. Key member of the firm's trust litigation team.
Julia Stanczyk
Consultant
Founding partner with 30+ years' experience in family law. Provides expert counsel on complex divorce cases and trust-related matters. Maintains active role in mentoring junior lawyers and shaping the firm's strategic direction.
Harriet Wait
Consultant
Experienced family law practitioner specialising in children arrangement disputes and international custody cases. Focuses on minimising emotional impact through pragmatic solutions. Contributes to legal education initiatives and industry publications.
Anna Nice
Consultant
Former solicitor with specialist knowledge in complex financial settlements and pre-nuptial agreements. Provides strategic guidance on asset protection and international divorce planning. Active in professional networks including International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Questions
What areas of law does Miles Preston specialise in?
We specialise in family law with focus on international divorce, trust disputes, children arrangements, pre-nuptial agreements, and complex financial settlements for high-net-worth clients.
Do you handle international family law cases?
Yes, we have dual jurisdiction expertise in UK and Hong Kong law, with extensive experience in cross-border divorce cases, international custody disputes, and multinational trust litigation.
What makes Miles Preston different from other law firms?
We combine 30+ years' experience with hands-on partner involvement, dual jurisdiction capability, and pioneering work in trust litigation and surrogacy law, maintaining direct client access to senior lawyers.
How do you approach complex trust disputes?
We employ specialist knowledge of offshore and onshore trust structures, drawing on landmark case experience to resolve financial disputes involving complex asset arrangements and trustee obligations.
Can you assist with children arrangement disputes?
Yes, we specialise in resolving custody matters with sensitivity, particularly in international cases and situations involving parental alienation, always prioritising the child's best interests.
Reviews (7)
Suzanne Eske
Sep 27, 2020
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Harriet is the go to person for anyone in need of care and advice at a particularly vulnerable time. She deftly picks her way through complicated and emotionally charged circumstances, with diligence, professionalism, and even a sense of humour. She provides a support system that you didn't realise was possible, and strives passionately to get the best result. I have no hesitation in recommending her to friends and colleagues who want someone to fight their corner being tough, with good grace.
Belle Starseed
Feb 24, 2020
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Unfortunately, to write this review I had to give them 1 Star which was way beyond them deserving a rating! This company destroyed my life! Harriet Wait pressurised me to get a Novitas Loan for further litigation that I didn't need! My order was so loose that I ended up with NOTHING. DO NOT TOUCH THESE SOLICITORS!
Maryly La Follette
Feb 22, 2020
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I have known the firm of Miles Preston and Co. and in particular Julia Stanczyk and Harriet Wait for some 25 years. I am frequently in a position to recommend solicitors to act in connection with divorce matters, especially finance and children. Because of the very high level of expertise which both Julia and Harriet possess, I would not hesitate to recommend Miles Preston and Co to those who seek my advice regarding instructions of a firm to act for them. The firm is well known for the service which they provide and for the high degree of attention to detail which ensures their clients frequently achieve an excellent outcome.
Diana Pigot
Feb 21, 2020
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I have recommended Harriet to many of my family and friends. Her professional approach to cases is excellent. The factor that makes Harriet stand out from other lawyers is that she really cares about her clients getting the best outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend her to others.
Fiona Davenport
Jan 31, 2020
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I cannot recommend Harriet Wait highly enough. She is compassionate, hugely knowledgeable and very professional. Her humour and expertise guided me through a difficult process seamlessly.
Charlotte Cochrane
Jan 02, 2020
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I would highly recommend Harriet Wait. She did an excellent job and was a great negotiator. She made a very sad time so much more bearable.
Bridget Hutchcroft
Dec 26, 2019
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I highly recommend Harriet Wait. I found her to be very professional and helpful. I would definitely use Milles Preston & Co again.
