Chattertons Strengthens Family Law Team

Leading East Midlands law firm Chattertons has significantly strengthened its Family Law department with the promotion of Rachel MacLean to Head of Department.

Rachel’s appointment follows a series of strategic senior hires within the firm’s growing Family Law team, including Partners Lisa-Marie Leanders and Elena Metawea, alongside Associate Solicitor Emily McKay. These appointments reflect Chattertons' continued investment in delivering high-quality Family Law services to individuals and families across the region.

The expanded leadership team brings together extensive experience across a wide range of Family Law matters, including divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, cohabitation disputes, domestic abuse cases, and prenuptial agreements. Their combined expertise strengthens the firm’s ability to provide clear, compassionate, and practical legal advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Rachel MacLean will lead a highly skilled team also comprising Chartered Legal Executive Peter Hardy, Apprentice Solicitor Leah Light, and Consultant Robert Smith. Together, the department combines established legal expertise with fresh perspectives and emerging talent to support clients through often complex and sensitive family matters.

Recognised as a Tier 2 practice in The Legal 500, Chatterton’s continues to build its reputation as a trusted provider of Family Law services, delivering exceptional client care and legal expertise across Lincolnshire, Newark, and the wider East Midlands region.

Meet the team

Rachel MacLean
Head of Department and Partner - Grantham

Rachel joined Chattertons in February 2026 and brings nearly 30 years’ experience in family law, specialising in children matters. She has been a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel for over 25 years and brings significant expertise in complex cases, including those with international elements.

Rachel regularly represents clients in courts across the Midlands, including the High Court. She is also highly experienced in domestic abuse cases and injunctions, and is recognised for her clear, pragmatic approach.

Client feedback: “Thank you for all you have done, to keep our life raft afloat. We will never forget what you have done for us.”

Take a look at Rachel’s staff profile.

Lisa-Marie Leanders
Partner Family - Grantham

Lisa-Marie joined Chattertons November 2025, bringing over 23 years of experience in all matters relating to relationship breakdown but with a strong focus on financial matters arising from divorce and separation, particularly complex and high net worth cases. Lisa-Marie's advice is realistic and her representation robust. Lisa-Marie is also highly skilled in the drafting of pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

Lisa-Marie is also a member of Resolution and a trained Collaborative Lawyer, who is recognised for her balanced and constructive approach to resolving disputes outside of court wherever possible.

Take a look at Lisa-Marie’s staff profile.

Elena Metawea
Partner Family - Horncastle

Elena joined Chattertons in November 2025, bringing over a decade of legal experience, and has specialised in family law since qualifying as a solicitor in 2017.

Elena advises on all aspects of family law, with particular expertise in complex, high-value cases involving businesses, farms and pensions.

Elena is known for her pragmatic, client-focused approach and her direct yet compassionate style, providing clear and accessible advice throughout what can be a challenging time. She also speaks fluent Russian and regularly acts for Russian-speaking clients nationwide.

Take a look at Elena’s staff profile.

Emily McKay
Associate Solicitor - Stamford

Emily joined Chattertons in November 2025 and brings several years of experience assisting clients across a wide range of family law matters. She adopts a client-focused and conciliatory approach, with an emphasis on resolving issues efficiently and cost-effectively. Emily is committed to providing clear, practical advice while offering supportive guidance throughout the process.

Take a look at Emily’s staff profile.

Peter Hardy
Chartered Legal Executive Family – Lincoln

Peter joined Chattertons in, following the acquisition of Page Nelson. Peter has specialised in divorce and separation work for his entire career and has lots of experience dealing with complex issues, including business interests and uniformed public sector pensions as well as child arrangements cases with welfare concerns.

Take a look at Peter’s staff profile.

Leah Light
Apprentice Solicitor Family – Lincoln

Leah joined Chattertons in October 2023 after graduating from Lincoln University. She began as a receptionist and quickly progressed to Senior Legal Assistant and Trainee Paralegal, before advancing to Apprentice Solicitor in September 2025.

Take a look at Leah’s staff profile.

Robert Smith
Consultant Family Law – Horncastle

Robert has over 40 years’ experience in Family law, specialising in breakdown of marriages, cohabitation and civil partnerships, high-net worth clients and members of the farming community.

Take a look at Robert’s staff profile.

Need Family Law Advice?

For expert family law advice, you can contact our local family solicitors in
Boston, Bourne, Grantham, Horncastle, Lincoln, London, Newark, Sleaford, Spalding or Stamford.

If you would like to talk to a member of our specialist Family Law team please contact your local office or complete our online enquiry form.

How much does Family Law advice cost?

Our Family Law solicitors offer initial fixed-fee appointments, allowing you to explain your circumstances to a qualified lawyer and receive tailored initial advice.

Following your first meeting, we will provide a clear estimate of your potential costs. We also ensure full transparency by updating you throughout your case and providing detailed cost breakdowns with each billing stage.

What services does the Family Law team provide?

Our Family Law team provides expert advice across a wide range of matters, including:

• Divorce and separation
• Child arrangements and custody disputes
• Financial settlements and asset division
• Cohabitation disputes
• Domestic abuse protection
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Who is the Head of Family Law?

The Family Law department is led by Rachel MacLean, who heads a specialist team of solicitors, legal executives, and consultants delivering family law services across the region.

What is The Legal 500 Tier 2 ranking?

A Tier 2 ranking in The Legal 500 recognises a law firm as one of the leading providers in its practice area.

It reflects strong client feedback, legal expertise, case complexity handling, and consistent delivery of high-quality legal services.

Does the team handle divorce and child arrangements?

Yes. The Family Law team provides specialist support in both divorce proceedings and child arrangement disputes, helping clients reach practical and fair outcomes tailored to their circumstances.