Approach
As a family solicitor, I adopt a client-focused, empathetic and pragmatic approach, recognising that every family matter carries both legal and emotional complexities. I believe in building trust through clear, honest and compassionate advice, combined with a genuine commitment to understanding each client’s individual needs and goals. My aim is to assist clients navigating challenging circumstances with dignity, confidence and clarity.
I prioritise constructive communication and encourage resolution through negotiation and non-court dispute resolution wherever appropriate, ensuring that outcomes are fair, cost-effective and in the best interests of all involved, particularly any children. By minimising conflict and promoting stability for the future, I strive to achieve positive and lasting outcomes.
Integrity, empathy and professionalism are at the heart of my practice. My goal is always to guide clients towards practical, long-term, positive, workable solutions.
My decision to pursue a career in law stemmed from a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives. I was particularly drawn to family law, as it allows me to make a real impact, whether resolving child arrangements, securing protective measures for vulnerable clients, or assisting with fair and reasonable division of assets following a complex divorce.
I studied Law at the University of Westminster before completing my diploma in Legal Practice. Since then, I have undertaken employment with various law firms specialising in family law, where I developed strong negotiation, communication, and client care skills as well as a deep understanding of the emotional and practical challenges clients face.
2022
Ruhena drafted and represented a vulnerable client at a without-notice hearing for both a non-molestation order and an occupation order. She successfully secured both orders at the first instance, providing immediate and comprehensive protection for the client.
2023
Ruhena successfully negotiated a significantly higher settlement for her client in a financial remedy case involving the division of non-matrimonial assets. The opposing party contended that certain assets were gifts and should be excluded from the matrimonial pot. Through a strong and strategic needs-based argument, Ruhena achieved an enhanced division of assets, ensuring her client and their child could be rehoused comfortably and securely.
2024
Ruhena acted swiftly and successfully to obtain a Specific Issue Order permitting her client to relocate with her child to Scotland, where vital family support was available. The order ensured the client’s safety and well-being, protecting her from an abusive partner and enabling a secure, fresh start.
2025
Ruhena demonstrated a strong understanding of her client’s needs by successfully challenging an expert report that undervalued a business asset owned by the opposing party. Through careful analysis and effective negotiation, she secured a revised valuation that reflected the true worth of the business. This resulted in an agreement whereby the partner transferred his legal and beneficial interest in the family home to the client in exchange for retaining his business interest. Had the initial valuation stood, the client would likely have received only a 40% share of the family home.
- Applications for prohibited steps and specific issue orders
- Child arrangements
- Divorce
- Domestic Abuse and protective injunctions (NMO and OO)
- Financial settlements, including complex and high net-worth
- Parental responsibility
- Representation at hearings, including First Appointments, Financial Dispute Resolution, and Directions Hearings
