Fiona is a Partner and heads Geldards’ Family team across the four Geldards’ offices. She is an experienced specialist family lawyer, Family Mediator, Family Arbitrator, Private Financial Dispute Resolution Judge, Collaborative Family Lawyer and experienced Deputy District Judge/Specialist Financial Remedies Judge.

Fiona is the only Chambers Band 1 ranked family lawyer in the Derby area and is recognised as one of the top three leading family lawyers in the East Midlands by the Legal 500 and is listed as a leading lawyer by Wiselaw.

Fiona specialises in more complex medium to high net worth financial cases (particularly those involving businesses, inherited assets, farms and family-owned or controlled assets/Trusts), wealth protection, Pre-Nuptial Agreements and same-sex marriage/civil partnership breakdowns.

Fiona’s extensive experience and reputation in financial remedy cases have attracted instructions from many wealthy businessmen and women and high net worth individuals including the Trustees of Family Trusts, sports managers, footballers and an MP.

She negotiates multi-million-pound complex financial settlements and is regularly instructed by affluent London clients at the recommendation of their barristers.

Her firm but fair, pragmatic and determined yet respectful approach has led to instructions on several occasions from parties whom she acted against in their first divorce!

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What clients say

"Fiona is fearless and fearsome. She knows the law inside and out and can handle complex cases with gentleness and a firm hand."

Chambers & Partners 2025

"Fiona Apthorpe is empathetic, a good and clear communicator, highly experienced and a first-class lawyer."

Legal 500 2025

"Fiona has an excellent approach and manner, also she can crack even the most difficult cases as a mediator."

Legal 500 2024

"She has a very good blend of professionalism, compassion and sophistication."

Chambers & Partners 2024

"Fiona, you have handled my case in the most caring, diligent way during many of my darkest hours. Your professionalism is outstanding. Always calm and controlled. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done to help change my life & my families lives too!! "

Client Quote

"Being a Judge allowed for great advice. Fiona was brilliant and never let me down. She delivered on all her recommendations and was worth every penny. She restored my trust in the legal system."

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"Fiona, you have no idea how much you help the people you so kindly serve. You will always be recommended by myself for all the exceptional services you have provided. "

Client Quote

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