Colette Blackburn is a Senior Associate at DTM Legal, specialising in all aspects of Family Law. With over 25 years of experience, Colette has an exceptional track record in handling complex financial and child-related matters stemming from relationship breakdowns. She is renowned for her compassionate yet robust approach, delivering effective and realistic advice to secure the best outcomes for her clients.
Education and Training
Colette graduated with a First-Class Law Degree and achieved a Distinction in her Legal Practice Course, which was awarded by the Liverpool Law Society. She completed her training contract at a Merseyside firm, where she progressed to an Associate Solicitor and later became Head of Family Law.
Colette is a Member of the Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme, Resolution and the Liverpool Law Society’s Family Law sub-committee. Her membership in these organisations reflects her commitment to professional standards and her client-centred approach, often resolving matters with minimum acrimony. Colette is also listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Role within the DTM Legal Team
Colette plays an essential role in DTM Legal’s Family Law team, bringing vast experience in resolving financial and child arrangement issues arising from relationship breakdowns. She has managed high-net-worth cases, including disputes involving significant property portfolios, business interests, and valuable pensions. Colette also represents clients in children-related disputes, advising on Parental Responsibility, Child Arrangement Orders, Specific Issue Orders, and Prohibited Steps Orders. Additionally, she offers expertise in drafting pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, as well as Separation Agreements, ensuring comprehensive support for her clients at every stage of their relationships.
Colette’s extensive career includes heading Family Law Departments at two prominent Merseyside firms, where she established herself as a leading expert. Her dedication to achieving successful outcomes has led to a high referral rate from former clients, fellow lawyers and business contacts, a testament to her skill and reputation within the Family Law sector.
“Family law clients need compassionate, straightforward advice during challenging times, and I am committed to delivering just that—clear guidance and decisive action to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Colette enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking, and indulging in good food. She is passionate about tennis, music and film, and is a dedicated supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
Colette, her husband and children have been involved in fundraising for several charities in recent years through various activities and sponsored pursuits – including Cancer Research UK, Queenscourt Hospice (Southport), Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, and Prostate Cancer UK.
After my wife and I separated, I found myself in an anxiety-filled world with what felt like nobody on my side. Colette was recommended to me and she has been amazing! Thank you again, Colette! She is a highly knowledgeable solicitor who helped me to navigate the scary and complex process of divorce. She is patient, calm and logical. My ex wife tried to make the divorce process as difficult as possible, with Colette’s help the process moved along in any case. I highly recommended her professional service.