Melanie Hamer

Melanie was one of the original two partners in the firm in 1996 having qualified as a Solicitor in 1989 with Eversheds, Cardiff. She is a leader in her field in Chambers where the firm is in the top band and she has considerable experience of big money divorces.

Melanie has been a member of the Law Society’s Childrens Panel since 1996, enabling her to represent children. She was one of the first two solicitors in Wales to gain entry to the Solicitors Family Law Association ( Resolution ) specialist panel.

Melanie is regarded by her peers as one of the leading family law solicitors in South Wales. She is legal adviser to Foster Care Group Wales; an associate of the Lady Taverners; an active member of the local business community.

She is regularly interviewed on the radio about topical family law matters.

Thea Hughes

After beginning her legal career in Eversheds, Cardiff, Thea moved to head the family department of a branch office of Hugh James, before joining the firm as an Associate in 1997. She then became a Partner in 1998.

Thea is considered by her peers to be one of the best family lawyers in South Wales. Thea is able to advise upon the breakdown of a relationship, whether the parties are married or unmarried, and provides a well-balanced viewpoint to achieve a fair outcome.

Thea deals with all aspects of family law and is on the Law Society Family Law Panel. She specialises in the financial issues arising upon separation/divorce and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in this area. She also deals with high net worth cases, including cases involving lottery winners.

Thea regularly contributes to topical news stories on the radio and tv.

Rhian Howells

Rhian joined the firm in 2006 as a Partner. Rhian qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and has been a member of the Advanced Family Law Panel since 2002. She is also a member of Resolution.

Prior to joining the firm, Rhian was a partner and head of the Family Law Department in David & Snape. Rhian is an Accredited Mediator and deals with all aspects of Family Law.

Rhian has many years experience in dealing with complex private Children Act cases and High Asset ancillary relief work

Rhian is a member of the Vale Business Women’s Network.

Dianne Evans

Dianne joined the firm in May 2003. She is one of Cardiff's most experienced wills and probate practitioners. Dianne previously worked with two of the firm's partners at Eversheds where Dianne was head of the Probate Department. She is a founder member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

David James

David qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and has, since then, specialised in family law. He has been an advanced member of the Law Society Family Law Panel since 2002.

David specialises in all aspects of family and matrimonial law to include divorce; financial matters ; cohabitation disputes; all children issues ( including adoption ) ; domestic violence issues.

Prior to joining the firm as an Associate in October 2006 David had been head of the family law department at Merrils Ede, Cardiff for a number of years.

David is a Trustee of Relate Cymru and regularly attends its board meetings to assist in policy decisions and the development of Relate services through this all Wales organisation

David was previously involved in assisting the Cardiff Family Contact Centre.

Kate Edwards

Kate joined the firm in September 2006. She qualified in April 2006 and since then has specialised in family law. Her training was primarily in family and social welfare law.

Kate has strong links with several local Women’s Aid charities ( being Vice Chair of one) and supports victims of domestic abuse. She regularly lectures on the subject at a national level.

She also deals with other family law matters undertaking contact disputes and divorce cases.

Kate is a keen and enthusiastic fund raiser for charity.

Lorraine Watts

Lorraine joined the firm as a Trainee Solicitor in 2005 and qualified as an Assistant Solicitor in the family law team in 2007. Lorraine specialises in all aspects of family law.

She graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a law and history degree and then travelled around South East Asia and Australia on her year out. She attended law school at the College of Law in Guildford, Surrey.

Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth graduated from Exeter University in 2004 after having read law. She then attended the University of the West of England to undertake the Legal Practice Course, passing the same in 2005.

Elizabeth began her employment with Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice in 2005 as a trainee solicitor and qualified as a Solicitor in 2007. She specialises in all areas of family law which includes co-habitation, separation, divorce, finances and Children Act matters.

Elizabeth is a fluent Welsh speaker.

Nia Roberts

Nia graduated from Cardiff University in 2003 having read Law and French. She also studied at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France. Nia then undertook the Legal Practice Course at Cardiff University, obtaining a distinction in family law. She worked for two large law firms before joining Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice as a trainee solicitor in 2006. Nia qualified in January 2008 specialising in all areas of family law.

Nia has lectured at a national level on domestic abuse matters.

Nia is a keen swimmer and also enjoys tennis and rugby.

Adam Frewen

Adam joined the firm in September 2007 as a Trainee Solicitor having graduated from Aberystwyth University.

Adam was educated at Llanharry Comprehensive School and is a fluent Welsh speaker.

Adam is a keen rugby and football player and he has previously participated in a Welsh medium TV series.