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Maria has worked exclusively in family law since 2012, having previously worked at two specialist family law firms before joining Ward Hadaway.

Her approach is best described as firm and pragmatic, yet empathetic when required. She adopts a strategic mindset in every case, often playing devil’s advocate to anticipate opposing arguments and advising clients on how best to overcome any foreseeable hurdles.

Maria is frequently praised by clients for her efficiency, dedication, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. She prides herself on her attention to detail, her concise and clear advice, and her unwavering focus on client care. Many of her clients go on to recommend her to friends and family, often commenting on her tenacity, compassion, and professionalism.

Maria advises on asset protection during relationships, including pre‑ and post‑nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. These documents help clients achieve financial certainty and can prevent contentious and costly litigation in the event of a future separation.

Following separation, Maria advises on the dissolution of civil partnerships, divorce for married couples, and separation arrangements for cohabiting couples. She regularly assists clients with substantial assets, business interests, international elements, disputes involving spousal maintenance, and applications to vary existing financial court orders.

In children matters, Maria has acted in complex cases involving significant parental conflict, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and cases where a Guardian has been appointed to represent the child’s interests. She has also represented clients in cases involving proposed removal of a child from England and in proceedings requiring the court to determine jurisdictional issues.

Maria was recognised as a Rising Star by the Legal 500 in 2020 and 2021, and as a Next Generation Partner from 2022 to 2024 (inclusive).

The Legal 500 recommends Maria as “an individual who is extremely proficient in identifying her client’s main concerns” and notes that she “is always easily accessible and gives a measured and insightful opinion. Her expertise cannot be praised enough and she is highly recommended”.

Another testimonial states:

“Maria Coster is an intelligent and pragmatic lawyer. She works hard for her clients. Most importantly she is a pleasure to deal with. I would recommend a client to her without hesitation and I don’t say that about many competitors.”

Maria is also a member of Resolution, and holds the Resolution Specialist Accreditation in respect of complex financial remedies and private children law children matters, recognising her experience and breadth of knowledge in such cases.

What people say

  • I was fortunate to be represented by Maria Coster. Her calm, sensitive, friendly, pragmatic approach to my situation was reassuring and comforting. Maria ensured that I fully understood every stage of the legal process, which made me feel represented rather than railroaded. Her youthfulness is not to be underestimated. She is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of family law including divorce, children issues and financial matters resulting in her being a formidable force in the courtroom. She achieved the very best outcome for me and I cannot thank her enough.

    Legal 500, client quote
  • I found her commitment and determination quite simply exemplary and would highly recommend Maria Coster.

    Legal 500, client quote
  • I was very fortunate to have chosen Maria Coster for my divorce proceedings & financial order. She dealt with my case professionally & sensitively with an immense amount of support & was always very responsive to my calls/messages. I cannot thank Maria enough & made a very stressful situation a much more bearable one. I would definitely use Maria again if required.

    Client quote
  • Maria dealt with my case with a high degree of professionalism, expertise and efficiency and I found her to be extremely knowledgeable, which was most reassuring at a very stressful time. Given my overseas location.... all matters were dealt with from distance and with the minimum of inconvenience. I could not be happier with the level of service and advice provided and would not have the slightest hesitation in recommending Maria, and indeed now feel confident I have someone to call on for all my future personal legal and family law needs.

    Client quote
  • Thank you for your professionalism in the way that you've dealt with my case. You've shown a great understanding and clearly have excellent knowledge in this particular field, and this is no doubt helped to the point where at times it is often felt that due to your questioning skills this has had the effect of putting the other party on the back foot and indeed I felt that we had the upper hand. This has never felt more apparent than when you posed crucial questions, which I felt ultimately led to my wife reviewing her position, initially withdrawing her application.

    Client quote
  • • Maria assisted me through a pretty messy divorce. I had fantastic and realistic advice the whole way through which helped me to secure an outcome that was best for me.
    Maria is very knowledgeable and professional and approaches incredibly difficult personal times with sensitivity. She helped me to understand the legal processes and outcomes which really helped me too in terms of the divorce, finances and children matters. I am really grateful for her help and very fortunate to have chosen Maria.

    Client quote
  • I would highly recommend Maria Coster, I have used her for family law and she was professional, honest, and got the job done.
    I live in Canada and my ex is in the UK, and never had any problems being in a different country, her communication with time difference was impeccable!!

    Client quote
  • I have used Maria Coster over the last couple of years. I moved to Maria from another firm as I was left in the dark with things. From the first day I met Maria, we sat down and went over everything. She was extremely thorough and professional and exceeded expectations. Things were always explained clearly. My cases were always dealt with efficiently in a timely manner.

    Client quote
  • Maria Coster helped me through one of the most challenging times in my life. I was able to meet with her pre-covid and found her so empathetic and kind. I am so appreciative of her caring nature and support, as this is not something I ever expected to have to do. She clearly explained what would be involved in going through a divorce and outlined approximate costs upfront. I had very little understanding of the divorce process, Maria took the time to go through all the things that would need to be done as part of the process and explained other legal work I might require, explaining exactly why it might be needed and rough costs. She also provided recommendations for services that she couldn't provide, such as will writing and conveyancing solicitors. I ended up using Maria for my divorce, financial order and severing of tenancy. This has allowed me to have a clean break and has protected me from any future financial claims.

    Client quote