• Office
  • Faviell House
  • 1 Coval Wells
  • Chelmsford
  • Essex
  • CM1 1WZ
  • Tel: 01245 453800

Francesca Cozens

Senior Associate Solicitor

I have a wide range of experience dealing with all aspects of family breakdowns with particular expertise in divorce and financial matters. I also specialise in dealing with complex children matters, including seeking to permanently relocate with a child abroad and step-parent adoption. I am passionate about representing my client’s best interests and providing pragmatic and realistic advice. I'm based in our Chelmsford office, and available for a free 15 minute chat over the phone on 01245 453843.

Ultimately I love helping people. Clients come and see me at one of the most stressful and difficult times in their lives. It is amazing to assist in the transition to their next chapter. I am a kind and empathetic person. I am straight talking and know my stuff.  People are very much at ease in my company. 

I am a member of the Law Society’s Advanced Family Panel. This is an assessed accreditation scheme which recognises those with family law expertise and experience. I am also a member of Resolution,  an organisation which seeks to deal with family law matters by way of non-confrontation and agreement. I am also a Resolution accredited specialist of Complex Financial and Property Matters and Children Law. 

I am a qualified Collaborative Solicitor. The Collaborative approach was created in America and brought to England after its success in providing couples with an alternative way to resolve matters when a relationship breaks down. Simply, the approach is about reaching solutions together. All negotiations take place at meetings face to face (known as four ways). The couple both appoint a Collaboratively trained specialist family solicitor and all work together to reach a resolution. The couple and solicitors sign an agreement that they will work together and that they will not take the matter to court. It is different from traditional negotiations as it focuses on mutual support and encouragement. Please contact me for more information.

My spare time mainly consists of spending time with my young son. We live in the countryside so enjoy spending lots of time outside in the fresh air and cooking together in the kitchen.

 

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Divorce and Family team

Our divorce and separation team understands that the breakdown of a relationship, particularly if children are involved, can be a difficult and stressful time for all those involved. We listen to the needs of our clients and treat each client as an individual. This ensures we are able to tailor our advice and help guide you through the legal process. We can assist you to make important decisions at a time when you may feel unable to do so.

What our clients say

  • The team inspires confidence due to their knowledgeable and extremely reputable practice.Client testimonial from the Legal 500
  • The team is strategic, pragmatic and - most importantly - honest and straightforward about the legal risks, costs and related issues.Client testimonial from the Legal 500
  • I trust Francesca Cozens completely and have no hesitation in recommending her to the other party in cases I am involved with, whether they are collaborative or non-collaborative cases. Francesca has a broad knowledge of family law and has a lovely way with clients. She is kind, patient and a very reassuring presence for her clients. I have no hesitation in recommending her. Legal 500, 2023
  • Thank you so much for all your help during the process, I am very pleased with your work and also support.
  • Birkett Long is a remarkable practice, which has gone from strength to strength.Client testimonial from the Legal 500
  • Birkett Long is the best firm by far. They have been such a strong supportive network to rely on in such breaking and hard times, nothing is ever too much trouble. I built a great rapport with them instantly, feeling listened to with the attention to detail and their excellent and clear communication skills they worked to resolve the issues. They are friendly, caring, warm and approachable. If my solicitor was unavailable, I received the same level of support and help from other staff members resolving issues immediately and with ease. Legal 500, 2023
  • It has been a pleasure having you represent me and I thank you for all you have done.
  • I trust Francesca Cozens completely and have no hesitation in recommending her to the other party in cases I am involved with, whether they are collaborative or non-collaborative cases. Francesca has a broad knowledge of family law and has a lovely way with clients. She is kind, patient and a very reassuring presence for her clients. I have no hesitation in recommending her.
  • Many thanks for all your help and assistance in concluding matters over the last six months, indeed, all your support through what was a very difficult process after all said and done.
  • Thanks very much for all your help in this matter and for helping us get the result that we did. Your advice was invaluable at a difficult time and gave me comfort that I was making the right decision and that there was a way to resolve the situation.