Mark Vandaele

Overview of Mark’s practice

Mark is a highly regarded matrimonial law specialist with particular expertise in dealing with complex and contentious financial matters on divorce.

The fact that all of Mark’s clients are referred to him by past or existing clients speaks volumes. He was featured in the Sunday Times as one of the UK's top-rated solicitors based on independent reviews. He is also ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners.

Mark believes in dealing with clients on a professional but relaxed basis. His specialism is putting clients at ease from the initial meeting and reassuring them that they are in safe hands and their best interests are at the forefront of everything he does.

Family breakdown is an incredibly difficult time in anyone's life and can often also affect the wider family. Mark and his team set out a clear strategy from the outset with identifiable goals and objectives.

Mark leads by example and undertakes all aspects of his client’s work alongside his team. This allows Mark and his team to deliver a fast, responsive, and proactive service. The team pride themselves on driving cases to conclusion, ensuring they are completed in a timely manner, which in turn reduces their client’s stress.

Recent experience

Mark undertakes all aspects of family law work with particular emphasis on:

• Complex financial matters on divorce including:
• Company matters;
• Complex business structures;
• Third party assets /intervenors;
• Large property portfolios.
• Significant and complex pensions including public sector pensions (Armed Forces, NHS, Local Government etc)
• Mark was recently successful in representing a client in an appeal (at the High Court) against a financial order which involved multiple parties and complex business structures - McClean v McClean [2023] EWHC 1735 (Fam).

Children Act matters:

• Live With orders (previously known as “contact/residence” order)
• Prohibited Steps orders
• Specific Issue orders (e.g., holidays abroad)

Mark’s extensive experience has resulted in him having close relationships with highly rated barristers and experts of all disciplines. This enables him to be able to work closely and collaboratively with the necessary professionals to the benefit of his clients.

What others say about Mark

“Mark is very approachable and professional. He made the process easy and less stressful from start to finish.”

“Mark Vandaele was a breath of fresh air in terms of my interactions with family solicitors. His strategy and efficient yet friendly manner were excellent value for money…”

“From day one Mark was very professional, open and honest. Not only that, Mark made me feel at ease from the very first moment. His knowledge and expertise was there to be heard. He explained things to me so I understood, Mark prides himself on supporting his clients and for the first time I felt that I had someone helping and supporting me through this very difficult process. He was always at the end of the phone for help and support. Marks work ethic is also so impressive and that’s why he got things done”

“Mark provided extremely professional advice, explaining some quite complex matters very clearly and was extremely responsive at all times. Mark provided expert moral support and guidance through some difficult decisions, particularly in relation to custody of our children, pulling on his experience and knowledge of both the law and its application. Mark also provided excellent support in relation to the financial settlement, providing a strong view but also listening to my needs as a client and being flexible in his approach where required to meet those requirements. Mark was also very conscious of keeping my costs down and looking for any opportunity to help me save on legal fees, which built trust with me.”

“Mark was always proactive and trying to move things along as quickly as possible.”

“His knowledge in this area is second to none, he knew exactly the way to handle the situation and moved it forward at a fast pace.” 

“His knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the agreement was outstanding. His ability to foresee potential issues with the proposals from others, and have excellently planned solutions to ensure that the desired outcome was seen.”

Mark is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw and ranked in Band 1 in Chambers and Partners.