Alexandra Funnell

Specialist areas of expertise

Alexandra provides expert legal advice in the following areas:

  • Divorce/Judicial Separation/Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
  • Financial aspects on Divorce and Separation – from medium to high asset cases
  • Property disputes for unmarried couples
  • Pre-Nuptial Agreements
  • Cohabitation agreements
  • Separation Agreements
  • Children: Child Arrangements to include Residence (where the child/ren are to live), Contact (who the child/ren see), Specific Issues (Orders requiring someone to do something), Prohibited Steps (Orders preventing someone from doing something), Parental Responsibility, Finances, Child Maintenance Service (formerly Child Support Agency), Removal from the jurisdiction to another country (to live or for a holiday) and parents wishing to emigrate
  • Advocacy: Representing clients at Court on financial and children matters
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – resolving matters without Court proceedings by solicitor led negotiation or with advice in relation to Mediation

Background

Alexandra is a Family Law Solicitor in Eastbourne and a Partner in the firm.

Alexandra was admitted as a Solicitor in October 1999, having practised as a Legal Executive since 1990. She joined Hart Reade in October 2001 and became a Partner in May 2003.

Alexandra is located in the Eastbourne office and is a member of Resolution First for Family Law and is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme. Alexandra is the Social Secretary for Eastbourne Law Society and is heavily involved with the Society’s Committee.

 

Strengths

Alexandra is approachable and offers sound and reassuring advice, reducing the stress that clients can often feel at a time when they feel most vulnerable.

Alexandra enjoys a good relationship with her clients and business colleagues, and as such they enjoy a longstanding relationship with her and refer family, friends, clients and acquaintances.

Alexandra has practised in Family law for in excess of 34 years and enjoys a good relationship with her colleagues and the local professionals and Courts. She provides clear and concise advice and will negotiate on her clients’ behalf to achieve the desired result for her clients on as amicable a basis as is possible. She is firm where needed and will argue your case to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Approach

Alexandra’s practice is built on personal recommendations. She adopts a firm but fair approach and gives clear and concise advice to her clients. She enjoys a professional but friendly relationship with her clients, listening to their objectives and providing advice and practical and legal guidance.

Alexandra will endeavour to resolve matters as swiftly and cost effectively as possible for her clients, providing advice as to the best way that can be achieved, remaining mindful of the costs that can be incurred particularly if matters are contested.  This may be by securing a Consent Order and implementing the terms of an agreement where matters have been agreed between the parties direct, or by negotiating a settlement on your behalf.

She will advise as to the merits of your case and will endeavour to negotiate a settlement without the need for Court intervention.  If that is not possible, Alexandra will act on your behalf through the Court process.

Other Information

Alexandra is Co-Head of the Family Law Department and supervises family law matters.

Alexandra offers clients a half hour free legal appointment to provide general advice and providing costs information.

Alexandra is also happy to act on a consultancy basis, providing advice in the background whilst a client is negotiating with his or her partner.

Testimonials

  • Divorce is never easy but when you are faced with a solicitor who is unable or unwilling to set their client on a reasonable outcome you have no choice but to call in the experts. IMHO the whole system needs a massive shake up to avoid hefty legal bills and encourage manageable and affordable outcomes. Alex and her team only put forward such proposals to the other side and it was notable that after years of wrangling the outcome of the Financial Dispute Resolution was almost to a pound in line with what she had recommend we offer. This says it all really. If you want a lawyer to punish your ex, or to set you on a course of unrealistic expectations then look elsewhere. if you want your life back, speak to Alex and Nicola.

  • Alexandra and the team supported me though a very challenging divorce and supported me every step of the way. They were incredibly professional, knowledgeable and I highly recommend their service.

  • Alex and her team at Hart Reade acted for me in relation to financial aspects of my divorce. They were brilliant from start to finish and achieved a fantastic result. I found them to be very professional, efficient, understanding and knowledgeable. Couldn’t have had better representation!

  • I couldn't be more grateful for the exceptional service provided by Alex Funnell at Hart Reade solicitors during my divorce financial order proceedings. From our very first meeting, I knew I was in capable hands. Her correspondence was refreshingly direct and forceful when needed yet always maintained the utmost professionalism. What truly set her apart was how thoroughly looked after I felt throughout the entire process. Both she and her team were attentive to every detail, making a challenging time in my life far more manageable. Her no-nonsense approach, combined with genuine empathy, is exactly what anyone going through a divorce needs. For anyone in East Sussex needing legal support during a divorce, I simply cannot recommend her highly enough.

Support Staff

  • Lucy Lewis

    Secretary

  • Nicola Scriven

    Paralegal