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Portrait of Jolene Hutchison
Areas of expertise: Family law, Private wealth

Profile

Jo is a partner in the Oxford family team, specialising in advising clients in respect of financial matters arising on divorce, and separation for unmarried clients. The majority of her cases involve complex financial arrangements and often have an international element. Jo’s years of experience make her an expert with family matters involving complex income structures, pensions, and private limited companies.

Throughout her career, Jo has also advised on complex private law children disputes, including defending and progressing allegations of coercive control, as well as internal and international relocation cases. She prides herself on a pragmatic approach to cases and her ability to build relationships with clients. Her focus on getting the best outcomes for her clients means she advocates for alternative dispute resolution, with court being the last resort. A strong feature of Jo’s practice is that she is able to work collaboratively with her opponents.

Jo joined the firm in May 2024. She has been a family solicitor for 19 years and is consistently ranked as a leader in her field in Chambers and Partners, and a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500. Jo is a committed member of Resolution, an organisation of over 5,000 lawyers and family justice professionals.

Recent work highlights

  • Acting in a defended divorce seeking to secure Spain as the relevant jurisdiction, as opposed to England and Wales.
  • Acting in a case involving a financial application made to the English courts following a foreign divorce in Pakistan.
  • Advising a client in respect of a pre-nuptial agreement with family wealth in excess of £60 million.
  • Advising on a HNW Schedule 1 case for financial provision for unmarried parties with children.
  • Acting in a children case involving allegations of drug, alcohol, and domestic abuse, including mental health considerations and guardian appointment where the children were separately represented.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP