Midland law firm Thomas Horton LLP Solicitors has appointed Stephen Outhwaite as head of matrimonial services.

Mr Outhwaite, who is from Solihull, brings extensive experience to the role and is keen to further expand the firm’s family and childcare divisions.

After qualifying as a solicitor Mr Outhwaite spent time working in the American legal system before returning to England, where he has spent the last ten years in practices across the West Midlands, focusing on family and criminal disciplines.

He is a panel member of the Law Society Accreditation Scheme for specialists in family law and also a member of the Association of Lawyers for Children.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m delighted to be joining Thomas Horton at such an exciting time.

“Thomas Horton has an enviable reputation and they are specialists in helping families to resolve problems. This is an area I am passionate about - it is varied and complex and every case is different.”

Richard Hull, managing partner of Thomas Horton, said: “It is great to have Stephen on board and he brings valuable experience to the firm.

“He is extremely knowledgeable and has shown a real passion for his specialism, supported by a far-reaching reputation for his skills as an advocate. We are very fortunate that he chosen to join us and he is already proving his value to the clients of Thomas Horton.”

Thomas Horton operates from offices in Bromsgrove, Worcester, Barnt Green and Redditch.