Newton Aycliffe

Melanie graduated from Northumbria University in 2002, joining Hewitts and qualifying as a solicitor in 2005. After a career break, Melanie re-joined the firm, and became a Partner in 2018. She is responsible for the supervision of the private family law team.

Melanie is primarily based at our Newton Aycliffe office but also sees clients at our Bishop Auckland office. She advises and represents clients in Divorce, Civil partnerships, Financial matters and Private Children Law.

She also assists in negotiating financial matters following relationship breakdowns including drafting separation agreements and pre-nuptial agreements. In addition, Melanie advises in complex matters involving extensive assets and has helped clients achieve financial settlements ranging from straightforward property transfers and pension sharing orders to multi-million pound settlements.

In February 2020 Melanie achieved Resolution Accreditation, specialising in Complex Financial Remedies and Private Children Law. Resolution is a national organisation of family solicitors committed to a non-confrontational approach to family law.

Melanie has a calm, pragmatic and empathetic approach when dealing with family law matters.

Sophie is a Partner in Hewitts, having joined the firm in 2008 as an apprentice and qualifying as a Solicitor in 2018.  She is based at our Newton Aycliffe office. Sophie undertakes work primarily in the Family department specialising in family cases involving the Local Authority. She regularly represents parents, grandparents and other family members who require assistance in relation to public law proceedings.

She is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Children Panel which recognises her specialism and allows her to represent children in children and family cases involving the Local Authority.

Sophie also deals with private family matters including child arrangements, divorce, and financial matters.

Sophie is the trainee principal within the firm, having progressed through her own training with determination and focus, she takes great pride in the development and qualifications of the firm’s trainees. Sophie is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where aspiring legal professionals can build their skills, gain confidence and reach their full potential.

She has links with Family Help, a women’s refuge in Darlington offering support and refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Beth joined Hewitts in June 2018 and qualified as a solicitor on the 1st July 2020. She is primarily working in the child care team at our Newton Aycliffe office, specialising in cases involving the Local Authority.

Stephanie joined Hewitts in 2007 after completing her Law Degree. Stephanie works in the Probate department at the Bishop Auckland office and Newton Aycliffe office specialising in all matters involving Wills & Probate including Lasting Powers of Attorney and the Court of Protection.

Ellie joined Hewitts’ Graduate Law Programme in 2025 after completing her law degree and Solicitor Qualifying Exams. She is currently working as a Paralegal within the Private Family Law team advising and representing clients in relation to divorces, civil partnerships, financial matters and private children law.

Molly joined Hewitt’s as a Legal Secretary in the family department in 2020. She is based at our Newton Aycliffe office and has now progressed to being a Paralegal supporting the team in all aspects of family law.