“Samantha Woodham is a forward-thinking leader in family law, championing constructive and collaborative approaches to divorce that prioritise clarity, fairness and long-term wellbeing. Her innovative mindset and extensive experience make her a trusted guide through complex financial and family matters.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Samantha Woodham is a highly experienced family law barrister and the Founder of The Divorce Surgery, an innovative service designed to help couples resolve separation constructively. With over two decades of experience, she advises individuals on financial matters and arrangements for children following relationship breakdown.

What Samantha Woodham does

Samantha specialises in family law, with a focus on helping clients navigate divorce and separation in a clear and constructive way. Her work includes:

• Financial settlements on divorce, including high net worth cases
• Child arrangements and parenting disputes
• Advising couples jointly through collaborative and non-adversarial approaches
• Supporting clients through complex and sensitive family breakdowns

She has extensive experience acting for high profile and high net worth individuals, bringing clarity and structure to often complex financial and personal situations.

Why she stands out

Samantha is recognised for her progressive and forward-thinking approach to family law. As co-founder of The Divorce Surgery, she has helped pioneer a model that provides joint legal advice to couples together, encouraging fair, transparent and dignified resolutions without unnecessary conflict.

Her philosophy is centred on changing how divorce is approached, promoting outcomes that minimise stress, reduce hostility and focus on practical, long-term solutions for families.

Trust markers

• Over 20 years’ experience as a family law barrister
• Founder of The Divorce Surgery
• Recognised in Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, Spear’s and Tatler HNW Guide
• Contributor to BBC News on family law issues
• Winner of Champion of the Year, Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2021
• Recipient of Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2021
• Shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year, Women in Law Awards 2020
• Shortlisted for Barrister of the Year, Citywealth Magic Circle Awards

Reputation and client approach

Samantha is known for her calm, balanced and client-focused approach. She works to ensure clients feel supported and informed, helping them make confident decisions during what can be one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Her work often focuses on achieving fair outcomes without unnecessary litigation, enabling clients to move forward with clarity and stability.

Thought leadership and impact

Beyond her legal practice, Samantha is an active voice in reshaping the narrative around divorce. She regularly writes and speaks about de-stigmatising separation and encouraging more constructive approaches to family breakdown.

Her work reflects a broader mission to make divorce a process that is handled with dignity, fairness and respect, rather than conflict.

Samantha Woodham is widely recognised as a leading and innovative family law barrister, trusted by clients for her expertise, clarity and commitment to achieving better outcomes for families.