Kate Butler

Kate Butler is an experienced divorce and family lawyer with Woolley & Co, Solicitors, based in Northamptonshire. With over 30 years in the profession, she advises on all aspects of relationship breakdown, including divorce and separation, financial settlements, arrangements for children, and disputes involving cohabiting couples. Kate also assists couples at the start of their relationship, preparing prenuptial and cohabitation agreements to prevent future disagreements.

Kate is recommended for Family Law in the East Midlands in the Legal 500 UK 2020, where she is recognised as “extremely hard working… knowledgeable and pragmatic,” and praised for her robust and determined approach. She is described as someone who “aims to reach a settlement if that is in her client’s interest but [is] prepared to fight hard within the court process if necessary.”

Kate supports clients through what can be a highly emotional and uncertain time, guiding them through both legal and practical issues. Her experience includes resolving complex financial matters on separation — whether arising from marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation — and she is often instructed in urgent cases requiring emergency remedies. She also regularly represents parents and wider family members, including grandparents, in matters relating to children.

Kate is committed to helping clients avoid unnecessary conflict. She believes strongly in the value of non-court dispute resolution methods, which she sees as a way of giving clients more control over the cost and timeframe of resolving disputes — particularly important given the pressures on the family court system. She has experience of round table meetings and private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings and continues to explore ways to help clients resolve matters constructively, without recourse to contested proceedings.

Kate believes the best outcomes are those that allow both parties to move forward with dignity and respect, particularly where children are involved. Clients value her friendly, approachable manner, her ability to listen carefully, and her firm but fair guidance in navigating challenging situations.

Kate qualified as a Legal Executive in September 1999 and joined Woolley & Co in April 2007 from a Coventry-based firm. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting — often creating post-box toppers for her village — and spending time with her family, including her three sons and two grandchildren.