Grace Matthews is a Senior Associate in JMW Solicitors’ Family team in Manchester. She advises clients across the full range of family law issues, with particular expertise in complex financial matters on divorce, contested nuptial agreements, and applications by unmarried parents for financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Grace Matthews is known for combining technical precision with clear, pragmatic advice. She regularly works with high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, including entrepreneurs and sports professionals, and is experienced in cases involving business structures, property portfolios, assets in multiple jurisdictions, trusts, pensions and inherited wealth.

Clients value Grace Matthews’ calm, careful and strategic approach. She understands that separation and divorce can be emotionally difficult, particularly where finances are complicated or where children are involved. Her focus is on helping clients understand their options, protect their position and move forward with confidence.

Accreditations

YRes Manchester Committee

Legal 500 – key lawyer

Outside her case work, Grace Matthews is active in promoting health and wellbeing initiatives within the legal profession. Grace regularly organises and hosts networking events connecting the fitness and professional/legal communities, both on behalf of JMW Solicitors and in her role as Health and Wellbeing Director for Manchester Young Lawyers. As a result of such efforts, Grace was shortlisted for ‘Health and Wellbeing Champion’ award at the Made in Manchester awards in 2026.

ON v ON [2024] EWFC 379

Represented a client against allegations of non-disclosure alongside an application to set aside an arbitral award.

Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 740

Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 1298

Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1055

Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1071

Successfully represented the husband in one of the few contested prenuptial agreement cases to reach the Court of Appeal. The case concerned whether a prenuptial agreement should stand where there had been a failure to provide full and frank disclosure. A substantial costs order was secured following the Court of Appeal success on an indemnity basis.

BY v GC [2025] EWFC 226

BY V GC (No 2) [2025] EWFC 397

BY v GC (No 3: Costs) [2026] EWFC 50

BY v GC (No. 4: Indemnities) [2026] EWFC 173

Acted in complex financial remedy proceedings for a UHNW client securing a very favourable award for her client and successfully resisted a Daniels v Walker application which went on to become a key element to the case.

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The Messenger February 2026

“I cannot recommend Grace Matthews highly enough. Throughout my lengthy divorce process, she has demonstrated a first-class level of professionalism, compassion, and dedication. Her eye for detail is exceptional in what has been an extremely complex case involving an extraordinary level of company and tax structures.”

“Every aspect of my case has been handled thoroughly and carefully; Grace Matthews has been pivotal in the process. I simply would not have managed without her.”

“During an incredibly difficult time, following on from a very arduous separation, Grace Matthews was always on hand to offer excellent counsel and support.”

“Grace Matthews’ persona throughout was friendly, understanding, reassuring and extremely professional. I would highly recommend the services of JMW Solicitors and in particular those of Grace Matthews. Thanks for making a very challenging time much more manageable.”

“I have found Grace Matthews to be an exceptional lawyer. She is incredibly personable and has great rapport with her clients. It is evident that they have complete trust and confidence in her because she is calm, measured and enormously empathetic. Her attention to detail and forensic investigation is second to none. Her preparation is absolutely meticulous. Grace Matthews always has every fact at her fingertips and her recall of detail is excellent.” — Leading Counsel, Manchester

“Throughout our various hearings I was extremely impressed by the quality of the instructions, her grasp of the issues, the maturity of her judgment and frankly her exceptional work ethic. I cannot imagine a better associate and one who punches way above her years.” — Leading Counsel, London