Who we are

Katy is a committed, passionate family law solicitor. Katy is top ranked in Band 1 of Chambers & Partners as a notable practitioner: Katy Zikking, UK | Chambers Profiles

“Katy is a true leader in her field. She is an exceptional solicitor who is genuine, down to earth, pragmatic and easy to work with”.

“Katy is a first-rate family lawyer who combines excellent client care skills with a pragmatic and solution-orientated, yet robust, approach to litigation”.

Harbour Family Law is ranked Band 2 of Chambers & Partners for Family & Divorce.

“Harbour Family Law has a wealth of dedicated and specialist individuals”.

“They were extremely receptive to my needs as a client”.

Chambers & Partners 2026

Katy Zikking is a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500.

Harbour Family Law is ranked as a leading firm in the Legal 500 – L500 | Harbour Family Law > England | Legal 500 law firm profiles | Rankings

“One of the best and well respected boutique firms in the South West. Always well prepared and always holding strong client relationships. Strength in depth throughout the team”.

“The firms reputation continues to go from strength to strength”.

Legal 500 2026

Katy has over 24 years’ experience of practising all areas of family law, particularly in relation to relationship breakdown, finances (including property disputes) and arrangements concerning children, cohabitation disputes and injunctions.

Katy founded Harbour Family Law in 2013 – to provide a specialist niche and personalised service to family law clients. Katy is the owner and a Director of Harbour Family Law Limited.

Katy has been a member of Resolution since qualifying as a solicitor in 2000. Resolution is the organisation for family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Members of Resolution follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems, encouraging solutions that consider the needs of the whole family – and in particular the best interests of children www.resolution.org.uk. Katy has also served as a committee member for the local Bristol Resolution group, supporting the local legal community in relation to family law.

“Katy’s professional, consistent and measured manner gave me a sense of security and focus during some emotional and fraught moments. Her sensitive, human and calm approach were invaluable when negotiating and finalising a complicated financial agreement. The divorce process has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face and I would wholeheartedly recommend Family Harbour Law to anyone in the same position. Thanks again Katy.”

– Divorce and Finances client.

“Katy provided a first class, professional, intuitive and truly collaborative service. Katy is realistic, fair and gave me a very solid overview to the process of a collaborative divorce right from the word go. Whilst remaining professional throughout the process Katy has a great sense of humour, which is helpful through the tough bits and showed great experience in her field and exuded empathy throughout the process. Their offices are comfortable and calming and you can park right outside! Thanks Katy, although hoping not to need you too soon!”

– Divorce and Finances client, Collaborative.

“I wish to thank Katy and her team for handling my unique and highly emotive case with professionalism and care. When my ex-partner decided she wanted to move abroad with our children I had an initial meeting with Katy. I was left feeling comforted that with her help I had the best chance of reaching the happiest possible resolution for everyone. Throughout my case I always felt Katy was on-hand when I had questions and concerns and am very happy with her advice and expertise. I also feel she did a great job of safeguarding my rights as a parent. I would highly recommend Katy’s services to anyone.”

– Children Act client.

Katy can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.

Fiona joined Harbour Family Law as a Director in March 2016. Fiona has practised at a well-known law firm in Bristol since qualification in 2002 and now brings her considerable experience and expertise in all areas of Family Law to Harbour Family Law. Fiona has built a strong reputation for her resilience and commitment to her client’s and to pursuing their best interests. Fiona has particular expertise in resolving financial agreements upon divorce or separation and private children act issues such as child arrangements.

Fiona is a former Trustee of Relate, the marriage guidance counselling service, and former Chair of Bristol Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers, a position which she held for 9 years, contributing to the local legal community and culminating in her hosting the Annual Resolution Conference 2018. Fiona is also a member of www.resolution.org.uk

Fiona can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.

“I have known Fiona for the last year, during which time she has handled my divorce and settlement processes. Fiona has been immensely supportive and offered succinct high quality advice in both the professional and personal arenas. She has conducted herself with sensitivity to the matters at hand and navigated a successful course through waters that were inevitably troubled. I cannot speak highly enough of her and would recommend her services to anyone.”

– Divorce and Finances client.

Nicky Howarth joined Harbour Family Law as a Director and head of the Clifton office in January 2020. Nicky is top ranked in Chambers & Partners in Band 1 as a notable practitioner: Nicky Howarth, UK | Chambers Profiles

Nicky previously practised at a number of top ranked major law firms in Bristol since qualification in 2002 and has over 20 years of experience in all areas of family law.

Nicky specialises in complex high net worth cases involving businesses, farms, trusts, pensions and jurisdictional issues. She also deals with Schedule One applications and private law children cases.

Nicky is a past Chair of Bristol Resolution and a former member of National Resolutions committee for Pension, tax and financial remedies. She is a Resolution accredited specialist in pensions and advanced financial provision. Nicky is also a member of Resolution.

Nicky has been recognised in both Chambers and Legal 500 as a “leader in her field”. She has been described in directories as:

“Extremely sharp, very fast with numbers and very decisive. She knows what she thinks and she knows what a court is likely to think aswell.”
[Chambers and Partners]

“She is very good technically and also takes the time at the beginning of the process to understand what the client wants to achieve” [Chambers and partners]

Nicky is currently recognised in both Chambers and Legal 500

”When you’re dealing with emotionally driven matters that involve your children, all you want is to get the best advice that’s easy to understand and gets the best outcome for everyone. Nicky came highly recommended to me for a reason – she is friendly, approachable, and 100% knows her stuff. Nicky put my mind at ease and I cannot thank her enough for that.”

Divorce and Children Client

“I cannot recommend Nicky enough, she is very professional and exceptionally organised. She is consistently aware of the needs of the case and the client. She makes it look easy. Also she is a lovely person. She has an ability to empathise and understand the client as a human, and was able to achieve understanding and trust swiftly with me. Nicky was great at making herself clearly understood. My case was very emotionally challenging and she was able to handle my emotions with grace and ease, but without false promise. Nicky showed genuine kindness and integrity, and where appropriate was able to steer me in the right direction effectively, guiding me through an upsetting process well. Nicky never once dropped the ball. She is so organised, motivated and aware. I cannot imagine a better family solicitor”

Children Act proceedings client

Ros qualified as a solicitor in 2001, having trained with an established West Country firm. Ros remained at the same firm for a number of years, building on her experience of dealing with general family cases; divorce, financial matters and cases involving children. Ros then moved to a Bristol firm and continued with her general family practice, with an increasing focus on children cases, whilst continuing to deal with divorce and financial matters. Ros took some time away from the law when she had a growing family. During this period, she worked as a mental health advocate, based at a Bristol hospital, continuing in a role representing and advocating for people.

Ros returned to the practice of family law in 2016, joining Harbour Family Law as an Assistant Solicitor, becoming an Associate in November 2018 and Senior Associate in May 2023. Ros continues to have an interest in all family cases and is able to advise on divorce, separation and related financial matters as well as private law children matters.

Ros is a <strong>Collaborative lawyer</strong> and is committed to using these skills not only in cases suitable for the collaborative process, but also to influence her approach in dealing with all matters to the benefit of her clients.

Ros aims to be sensitive, constructive and approachable in her advice and to work with her clients as amicably and positively as possible. Ros is aware that the people we see are often part of a family or relationship in breakdown and that this can be a difficult and testing time. Ros is keen to understand client’s priorities, to help achieve workable solutions that suit them and to support them through the legal process.

Ros can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.

Emma has more than 14 years experience in family law, practicing at a top-tier firm in Bristol. She specialises in financial arrangements following separation, including separation of assets and provision for children.  Emma has particular expertise advising farming families or where there are other family businesses, executive pay structures, pensions and overseas assets. She applies this wealth of experience to advise clients entering marriage who may wish to have a prenuptial agreement in place.

Emma has excellent knowledge of child maintenance matters, dealt with through both the court and the Child Maintenance Service. She has been a member of the national Resolution committee, advising its lawyer members on changing regulations and lobbying government for reform.

Emma is highly regarded by her clients for her empathetic but clear advice whilst retaining a keen eye on the detail. She is focused on providing an outcome which enables her clients to move forwards with confidence, especially where there are children to consider.

<strong>Emma can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.</strong>

Hannah qualified as a solicitor in 2011 in all areas of private family law.

Hannah joined Harbour Family Law as an Associate Solicitor in November 2016, particularly financial settlement and arrangements for children upon separation or divorce. Hannah is keen to work with her clients to understand their priorities and achieve the best outcome for them.

Hannah was promoted to Senior Associate in July 2025.

Hannah is trained in ‘Resolution Together’ which allows her to act for both parties in a separation or divorce.

Hannah completed a MSc in Psychology at Bristol University in September 2016, focusing on research into reducing conflict within the divorce and separation process. A selection of her work has been published in the Family Law journal, and can be accessed here: https://www.familylaw.co.uk/news_and_comment/the-impact-of-contact-and-living-arrangements-on-a-child-s-psychological-development https://www.familylaw.co.uk/news_and_comment/the-impact-of-contact-and-living-arrangements-on-a-child-s-psychological-development

In March 2026 Hannah successfully completed her PhD at Bristol University part-time – in addition to acting on behalf of family law clients at Harbour Family Law – combining aspects of family law and social psychology.

Hannah’s thesis is ‘An exploration of the working relationship between financial remedy lawyers and their clients in England and Wales’. Her research focuses on the importance of emotional support, as well as legal advice, during separation and divorce.

Hannah can be contacted on 0117 375 1780

Lily is a Trainee Solicitor and joined Harbour Family Law in January 2020 having previously worked at leading law firms in Bristol and Bath.

Lily is a law graduate, having studied for her law degree for 6 years, whilst working full-time. An impressive commitment. Lily will now study for her Masters & SQE and plans to qualify as a solicitor, specialising in Family Law.

Lily is driven and ambitious with a friendly and welcoming manner with clients.

Lily is passionate about family law and thrives on ensuring that clients receive the correct support when going through, what can be, a difficult and emotional stage in their life.

Owen is a Trainee Solicitor and joined Harbour Family Law in October 2024. Owen is based in the Clifton office.

Owen studied Law at the University of Exeter and graduated in 2021. Owen graduated from Swansea University with a Master’s Degree in Legal Practice and Advanced Drafting in 2025. When Owen qualifies as a Solicitor he will continue to specialise in Family Law.

In his spare time, Owen enjoys exploring the countryside, tending his garden and boardgames with friends.

Lisa joined Harbour Family Law in April 2019. Lisa practised as an Accountant with KPMG and now brings her extensive experience and skills to Harbour Family Law.

Lisa can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.

Anna joined Harbour Family Law in September 2014. With more than 15 years’ experience in family law, at one of the leading law firms in Bristol, Anna brings with her valuable knowledge and expertise in this area, to help assist client’s throughout their case.

Anna is sensitive to the needs of family client’s and will ensure that your enquiry is dealt with in the most compassionate, discreet and professional way.

When not at work, Anna enjoys spending time with her two sons and volunteering at events her local football club.

Anna can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.

Kerri joined Harbour Family Law in December 2015 having worked at previous law firms and having a broad knowledge and experience of legal secretarial skills. Kerri is committed to delivering a personal service and attention to detail for clients at Harbour Family Law.

<strong>Kerri can be contacted on 0117 375 1780.</strong>

Jennifer is a Legal Secretary and works from our Clifton office. Jennifer joined Harbour Family Law in 2025.

Jennifer is a very experienced family legal secretary, having worked at another well-known specialist family law firm in Bristol.

Jennifer is committed to providing a sensitive and compassionate service to clients at all stages.

Jennifer can be contacted on 01173751780 and by e-mail: jenny@harbourfamilylaw.co.uk