Samantha Downes

Family Law

Samantha Downes

Solicitor

Samantha has worked in the legal sector for four years. She’s a Solicitor and Collaborative Lawyer in Switalskis’ Family team.

Family Law

01302 279736

samantha.downes@switalskis.com
or Samantha's secretary
stacey.blackett@switalskis.com

Switalskis Solicitors Ltd
In the DB Cargo Building
Lakeside Business Park
Carolina Way
Doncaster
DN4 5PN

Switalskis Solicitors Ltd
24-26 Paradise Square
Sheffield
S1 2DE

Samantha deals with a wide variety of family law matters including:

Divorce
Dissolution of civil partnership
Judicial separation
Finances upon divorce/ dissolution/ judicial separation
Pre-marital /post-marital agreements
Arrangements for children
Grandparents and arrangements for grandchildren
Injunctions (non-molestations orders and occupation orders)

Samantha is a member of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way.

She is also the events, charity and sponsorship officer at Doncaster Junior Lawyers Division.

APPROACH

As a member of resolution and a trained collaborative lawyer, Samantha aims to deal with matters in a cooperative and conciliatory way where possible. She considers that such an approach often leads to quicker results and preserves separating parties’ working relationships which is especially important when there are children involved.

Samantha listens to clients and aims to understand each individual’s aims and objectives in order to best represent them and assist them through what is very often an extremely difficult time.

EXPERIENCE

Samantha’s experience includes:

Advocating for clients at court
Dealing with issues of domestic abuse, including controlling and coercive behaviour within children proceedings
Handling family businesses, pensions and multiple properties within divorce proceedings
Advising on a pre-nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals
Negotiating financial settlements

Samantha is mentioned as a key lawyer in The Legal 500 2024.

“After being recommended to Switalskis, it doesn’t take long to understand why. The main ingredient was being made to feel welcome, listened too and provided with genuine empathy. When you’re getting divorced it’s a daunting task! However, Samantha has been there every time I’ve needed advice or felt discouraged and every time given excellent advice and made me feel the priority at all times.
I would recommend Switalskis to anyone looking for expert, trusted representation”
Family Law Client