About Helena
Arrangements for families, whether that is at the start of a relationship or when it has sadly broken down, can be complex and overwhelming for the people dealing with them. I aim to take a clear and constructive approach to conclude matters as quickly as possible with the best outcome for my clients bearing in mind their situations.
Helena advises on a range of family matters arising from the breakdown of relationships or where there are disputes relating to children. These include divorce and separation, financial proceedings, and issues arising from the situation of non-married couples including property disputes under TLATA.
She has experience in matters involving children, including domestic and international relocation matters and international child abduction. She also advises clients on matters at the start of the relationship including pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and declarations of trust for property ownership.
Helena is committed to resolving family matters amicably and constructively and achieving cost and time effective resolutions. As well as advising her own clients, she assists the family partners on more complex cases, particularly those with an international element.
Helena trained at Russell-Cooke and qualified into the family team in 2018.
Helena French was amazing with pretty much immediate responses, never failing answering many of my questions and I can genuinely say that I always felt she was working on my case with all of her abilities and knowledge. Helena was very patient with me and led me through the divorce process with ease and humanity that I've learned is rare to find during these proceedings.
Notable cases
Helena has acted in the recent Court of Appeal case B (Children) (Abduction: Consent: Oral Evidence) (Article 13(B)) [2022] EWCA Civ 1171 (19 August 2022) (bailii.org), successfully appealing a decision for the return of children to Spain.
I have worked with Helena French on a number of occasions. She is an excellent junior solicitor and a rising star in international children work.
Memberships
- Member of Resolution
- Sits on the Surrey YRes committee where she helps to arrange training and events for junior family lawyers throughout the country
- Member of the solicitor panel for the Affordable Advice Service provided by Advicenow and Resolution
Helena's highlights
21.03.2025
Child maintenance support—how does it work?
07.10.2024
Key questions on divorce and separation—part 1: should I stay in the family home?
30.05.2024
Russell-Cooke promotes five senior associates
