Simon Bassett

Simon is a highly regarded solicitor and serves as the Lead Partner and Head of Family Law across the London,  Oxford and Thames Valley Offices of RWK Goodman. With a career spanning over 30 years, Simon specialises predominantly in complex divorce and separation cases often involving high-value financial matters with an international element. He is well respected by both opponents and the Judiciary.

Simon advises clients on intricate financial cases often including business interests, partnerships, complex company structures, pensions, overseas assets, jurisdiction and trusts. He is known for his deep understanding of complex income arrangements, including those arising from professional partnerships, owner-managed businesses and trusts structures.

Simon’s practice frequently includes negotiating and drafting robust pre and post-nuptial agreements, and he pays particular attention to asset protection, long-term financial planning and mitigating tax. He is also known for testing nuptial agreements on divorce. Simon also has expertise in the treatment of personal injury damages in divorce proceedings and bankruptcy, often being instructed by the Trustee in Bankruptcy.

Simon acts for a broad range of clients, including individuals, cohabitees, business owners, city professionals, celebrities, sports persons and international clients, some of whom may require reputational management. He is recognised for his strategic and commercially minded approach, coupled with a sensitive handling of emotionally complex issues.

Simon regularly contributes to both local and national publications, including The Times, FT Advisor, The Law Society Gazette and the BBC.  He provides family law training to charities, professional bodies, and organisations including RELATE and  the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Simon has been voted Oxfordshire’s most eminent family lawyer and RWK Goodman’s family team have been voted as one of the best family law firms in the UK by The Times and ePrivate Client. Indeed the family team at RWK Goodman now exceeds 70 in number.

Simon is an accredited specialist with Resolution, the leading organisation of family lawyers committed to constructive and non-confrontational approaches to family law.

The Legal 500 UK, an independent guide to the legal profession, recognises that Simon “has invaluable experience and knowledge of the legal system“. In a more recent edition, he has been described as “excellent” and “a consistent high performer, particularly in matrimonial finance“.

Chambers & Partners UK says “Simon Bassett is particularly active in matrimonial finance cases”. One source reports: “I’ve been really impressed with his ability to think creatively around the financial cases, and to look for solutions that aren’t obvious.”‘ Chambers also recognise Simon as a “Leader in his field”.