Family Law

A highly-skilled and respected scientist with over 15 years’ experience in the field of forensics, Marie oversees the company’s growing toxicology team.

As Director of Toxicology, Marie’s day-to-day responsibilities include maintaining the highest quality testing standards for toxicology and further enhancing AlphaBiolabs’ drug and alcohol testing services for the workplace sector, members of the public, and the legal sector. 

Melanie Barnes is a consultant solicitor and mediator in the family department. She is based in the Oxford office and is also involved in the Resolution Family Matters scheme that supports parents in resolving issues without the need for contested court proceedings.

Melanie previously worked at Family Law Associates; a boutique family law firm in London and later within the family law department at Penningtons Solicitors LLP; a top 100 law firm based in the city of London. The family law team was rated in Chambers & Partners 2013 as having “strong expertise and professional, practical approach” with Melanie listed as a “key contact”.

Her experience includes complex ancillary relief, civil claims on behalf of unmarried couples, child maintenance claims divorce and cases with an international element. Melanie has a specialism in enforcement and establishment of international maintenance claims and is the author of International Child Maintenance and Family Obligations (Jordans 2013). She has been actively involved in policy discussions on this issue and has written articles and presented talks at conferences on this area of law.