Although I cannot ever recommend getting divorced, if you must you will be in the best hands with the solicitor Norman Hartnell at Hartnell Chanot & Partners. What is a tremendously stressful and difficult time in one’s life, the ruin of one’s home and happiness, is made into sunshine and light by the magical ministrations of this amazing firm.

The minute you step through the doors of their office you know you are in a firm in a whole different league. From the caring comfortable womb-like waiting room with picture books of Dartmoor and books on healing from family breakdown, to the warm welcome from the receptionist who offers you frothy cappuccinos in locally sourced pottery mugs, you know this attention to detail will be in all they do. The receptionist thereafter greets you like a long lost friend, and it’s a warm, reassuring place to have a nervous break down if you are so inclined. It is like arriving in the comfort of a dear wise friend’s kitchen, who is both Buddha and warrior. You will be taken care of, and it seems like there are no other cases but yours. You will know whatever the outcome, this firm, who act more like a family, will do the very best they possibly can for you, for as little money as possible for the best possible outcome. What more could you want?

What is an occupation for other solicitors is a passionate calling for Norman Hartnell, and this contagious, confident, courteous joy is evident in everyone who works with him or for him. He has a rare gift, and it was a great honour and rare privilege to have him handle my divorce. And I should know, because I had interviewed at least 10 solicitors and fired two prior to finding Hartnell Chanot, as I knew the choice of an attorney was the most important decision one could make in getting divorced. What seems like the end of all that one holds dear, happiness at home, becomes the beginning of a joyous journey and the start of something new with all its possibilities.

With his gentle guidance, wisdom, humour, and rarest of commodities, common sense, I have seen him turn the oppositions snarling Rottweiler solicitors busy haemorrhaging costs whilst squabbling over trifles, tamed and curled up quietly at his feet, listening to reason, as if by magic. He is a solicitor whisperer, this gentleness is his strength. Don’t be fooled by appearances into thinking he isn't one of the sharpest chess players in divorce in the cut throat nasty horrific messy game of family breakdown and divorce. To this arena, Hartnell Chanot brings a quiet dignity, and the wisdom of the perfect diagnostic abilities of the old fashioned family doctor. Do not trust your life to anyone but Hartnell Chanot. It is the most important decision you will ever make for the rest of your life.