About
Cora Valentine-Goddard
Founder and Head of Family Law
My career in Family Law started when I worked as a paralegal for a small firm doing predominately Legal Aid domestic abuse work. This was over 20 years ago. I had the privilege after my Law degree of training and qualifying as a Family solicitor in a top tier firm in London (Charles Russell Speechlys) in 2010. I worked in the Family department there as an Associate Solicitor for several years before having my own family. Having become a parent myself, I took a short career break to focus on bringing up my children, but then completed my training in Family Mediation. Prior to setting up CVG Family Law Ltd, I worked more locally in a niche Family Law firm just outside London and on a pro-bono basis with a local domestic abuse and stalking charity to provide advice to those most in need of access to justice. During the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, I started my own practice as a Freelance solicitor with the aim of providing a service to those who do not want to compromise on the quality of advice, but could not afford high private solicitor’s fees. Realising I needed to expand and take on additional passionate and highly skilled lawyers, I founded CVG Family Law Ltd in 2024. My aim is to continue to provide specialist advice to those most in need, at affordable prices, with the care and expertise we have offered to date. I am excited to offer this service to many more in need.
A little about me personally: I have two children of my own and three bonus children: so have a very busy household! I have been through my own divorce with protracted Children Act Proceedings and am now remarried. I therefore understand how overwhelming and challenging your situation can be but am also living proof that there is a “better tomorrow” for everyone. In my spare time (which is limited!) I adore being with my family especially my husband and our kids with our miniature dachshund. I love to travel and explore new cultures and countries. My friends and family are incredibly important to me – I am a feminist, love to read, adore good food and wine, music and generally making the most of and being grateful for life.
Holly Chandler
Associate Solicitor
Having qualified as a Family Solicitor in 2016 and after practising at two well-established firms in Eastbourne, I joined Cora as an Associate Solicitor for CVG Family Law in March 2025. I first realised that Family Law was for me whilst undertaking a seat in Corporate Law during my training contract. I was given the opportunity to shadow counsel in the Family Court; the rest they say is history. That passion for Family Law has continued and I have acted for a vast range of clients on all aspects of private Family Law. I have a specific interest in private Children Law and child arrangements and my passion lies with supporting and representing victims of domestic abuse in injunction proceedings as well as all other areas resulting from their separation. This aligns extremely well with Cora’s vision for CVG Family Law, and I am excited to support her in this work as the firm develops. In addition, I also have extensive experience of matrimonial finance cases, separation issues (including financial matters upon separation of unmarried couples) and pre/post nuptial agreements. I have also developed a niche specialism in pet ownership battles, and as a pet owner myself, this is something I have become very passionate about!
Outside of work, I am a dancer and perform locally, as well as further afield, and I also teach dance classes too. I’m very lucky to live by the sea, and I love spending time with my partner and our husky going for long walks or to see live bands and eating good food!
Bridget Colver
Business Manager and PA to Cora
After 16 years working in media in London followed by a few years as a full-time parent, I joined Cora in December of 2021. Having operated on her own for a couple of years, at this point her client base had grown and she needed some administrative help to manage the business and take it forward. Whilst my background isn’t legal, I do love a bit of admin and was looking to get back to work once my children had both started school.
My role is to ensure the smooth running of the day-to-day business which can be anything from liaising with barristers and managing Cora’s diary, to the sending of the invoices each month. I am here to help Cora, but also to help our clients navigate their way through what can be a daunting process and difficult time.
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