About Us
Our team behind MBS Family Law.
Melanie Bataillard-Samuel
Director, Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer
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Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2007 Melanie has solely practiced family law. Her cases cover a wide variety of divorce matters, financial provisions arising out of the breakdown of a relationship and disputes involving children. As a dual French/British national, Melanie has always specialised in advising French expatriates on family law matters in England and Wales, usually in French. Melanie also regularly advises and works alongside law firms in France.
Melanie obtained a Bachelors degree from Bath University in French and Russian and a Masters degree from City University in Legal Translation. She speaks French and English fluently, and is also able to advise clients in Italian.
Melanie is committed to Resolution’s Code of Practice to resolve matters in a non-confrontational way. She has trained in mediation and is a Collaborative Lawyer, using these skills to negotiate the best possible outcome for her clients when this appropriate.
Melanie is actively involved in Resolution, the association of family justice professionals. She was formerly the Co-Chair of Resolution’s Innovation Group, inaugural Chair of its Wellbeing Committee and Secretary of the London Region Committee. She continues to sit on all three Committees and has sat on Resolution’s National Committee since 2018. In May 2025 Melanie became Resolution’s National Chair.
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Bérangère Kola-Sautai
French Avocat and English Barrister
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Bérangère is a French qualified Lawyer at the Paris Bar since 2015 and was subsequently called to the Bar in England and Wales in 2022.
Having grown up in an international environment has provided her with an extensive understanding of the life of expatriate families. This knowledge, combined with her legal studies in France and England, has provided her with skills and insight needed to advise international families.
From the start of her career in October 2015 Bérangère has been advising and representing French families in London in front of the French Court through her practice with LBK FrenchLaw.
Bérangère joined MBS Family Law in the autumn of 2022 but continues to represent her clients in France through LBK French Law, allowing her to provide an all-around service to French or binational families based in England and Wales or elsewhere.
Bérangère is known for putting her clients’ needs first and understanding how complicated family matters can be. Her practice is based on a collaborative approach where appropriate.
Bérangère is a native French speaker and is fluent in English.
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E-Mail: enquiries@mbsfamilylaw.com
Phone: +44 20 3818 7773
Contact Us
If you are in need of expert legal assistance in family law matters, with a focus on cross-border issues involving France, Switzerland, or Monaco please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.