Karen Dovaston is the owner and founder of Dovaston Law, a leading family law firm. With over 25 years of experience as a family law solicitor, Karen specialises in:
- Divorce and separation
- Family financial matters
- Child arrangements (formerly known as custody and access)
- Prenuptial agreements
- Separation agreements
- Child maintenance
Karen holds several prominent positions in the legal community:
- Chair of The Law Society Family Law Policy Committee
- The Law Society Council Member for Essex
- Assessor for The Law Society Family Law Micro Credential, delivering education in family law
- Recognised by The Law Society as an advanced level specialist in family law
Her book, Matrimonial Financial Toolkit, 2nd Edition, was published in October 2024.
Karen is actively involved in various organisations:
- Committee Member of The Southend on Sea and District Law Society
- Member of the Pensions Advisory Group, providing essential guidance on pensions in divorce cases
- Member of Resolution
- Supporter of the Law Clinic at Anglia Ruskin University and DEWA (Deaf Ethnic Women’s Association)
- Member of The Worshipful Company of Arbitrators
- Freeman of the City of London by redemption
- Former non-executive director and current member of a local multi-academy educational trust
She participates in the online divorce and financial order pilot scheme for solicitors, working with HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Karen is known for her love of technology and its use to support her clients.
Karen has appeared on BBC News and several radio shows, discussing changes and advances in family law. She has also spoken alongside senior international judiciary and participated in numerous lectures, webinars, and panels on family law.
Gill Tobin – CILEx Lawyer | consultant
Gill Tobin is a CILEx Lawyer and CILEx Probate Practitioner, with over 20 years’ experience in the areas of Wills, Estate Administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, being one of only a select few STEP members in the Southend area who have been able to qualify for highly recognised accreditation.
Gill has joined us as a consultant after a long term role as the Head of Wills and Probate Department with another local law firm. She brings her knowledge, skills and expertise to Dovaston Law. She professional and efficient, whilst remaining approachable and friendly.
From a local Independent Financial Advisor: “I have always been comfortable referring clients to Gill, knowing how professional, honest, diligent, kind and simply nice to deal with that she is”. Reviews of her work from her clients speak for themselves.