Diane Matthews

Senior Associate

Diane, who joined MSB Solicitors as a Senior Associate in January 2024, was recognised as a key lawyer in the 2023 edition of the Legal 500.

A client’s feedback in the publication emphasised Diane’s exceptional abilities, noting that they felt “assured from the start” that Diane comprehensively understood her situation and handled it with “efficiency” and “professionalism”. The feedback also highlighted Diane’s remarkable empathy towards the client’s needs.

Specialising in divorce and separation matters and their financial consequences, Diane has a particular expertise in handling family businesses in the context of Financial Remedy applications.  She is also experienced in dealing with disputes between un-married partners (TOLATA), nuptial and cohabitation agreements.

Diane also deals with disputes involving children and understands the complex issues that arise in this area following the breakdown of relationships.  She advises clients in a calm and direct manner and often negotiates settlements without the need for an application to Court.

With more than 20 years of experience in the legal profession in Lancashire and Manchester, Diane has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She is dedicated and pragmatic, offering driven and focused support to her clients, assisting them through the legal process while remaining sensitive to their individual needs.

Committed to a non-confrontational approach as a member of Resolution, Diane will work hard from the outset to provide constructive advice.  However, as an experienced advocate, she is comfortable adopting a more robust approach where necessary.

Diane has close links with the Police Federation in Lancashire and demonstrates her commitment by organising and hosting a free legal advice clinic for serving Federation members at the Lancashire Police Headquarters on a monthly basis. She has a particular focus on pension matters and frequently provides guidance on pension sharing within Financial Remedy proceedings which is of particular value to her Police Officer clients.

Diane, as an animal lover, is proud to be a member of the Working Group on Pets on Divorce and separation.  The group are striving to achieve change in the way that family pets are treated on divorce and separation.  The groups aim is gathering momentum and Diane is hopeful that change will be possible.