Welcome to Crossroads21
Affordable, practical and compassionate advice and support when dealing with a separation or divorce.
When a relationship or marriage breaks down, it can often feel like you are standing paralysed at a crossroads in your life – overwhelmed, confused, and wondering what to do next and who to turn to first for support.
You want clear honest, answers and guidance about separation and divorce - delivered quickly and affordably.
This is exactly what Crossroads21 offers, to help you take those steps forward and to support you throughout the process to enable you to manage this yourself.
My name is Kirsten and I am based in South Manchester, near Cheshire. I created Crossroads21 to help individuals through one of life's most emotionally and practically challenging times, whether it’s a relationship or marital break down.
I have 15 years' experience as a former qualified family and divorce solicitor in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. I also went through my own separation and divorce in 2021. I understand not just how to navigate the processes – but more importantly, the personal human and practical experience behind it.
I left the legal profession in April 2025 for several reasons and I am no longer a solicitor, having been removed from the roll in December 2025. In September 2025, I decided to launch Crossroads21 as a more affordable and easily accessible support service to provide clear, honest, practical and emotionally informed advice and assistance, when you need it the most.
I have a Biology degree and Law degree and have worked at a range of law firms over the years. I started out as a family law paralegal in 2007, a trainee solicitor in 2008 and I qualified as a family solicitor in January 2010. Between 2010 and April 2025, I worked in small niche boutique family, high street and large national law firms, so I have a vast amount of experience in family law and working with an array of client’s in all different types of situations all over England and Wales.
Initial Appointment
Take the first steps towards getting the information, guidance and support you need to move forward by clicking the link below.
Support & Services
If you are at the early stages and only just thinking about separation or divorce, or you are already navigating the process or issues have arisen later on in life, I offer support with:
Understanding why you have reached this point in life and options should you wish to stay in your relationship or marriage;
Assessing whether there is any domestic abuse or risk of harm and how you can deal with this, including controlling and coercive behaviour, alienating behaviour and narcissistic or gaslighting behaviour.
Understanding your options should you wish to formally separate and/or divorce;
Guiding you through the initial and ongoing arrangements and considerations involving finances, childcare arrangements and pet arrangements;
Discussing how you can work towards reaching an overall financial settlement and/or agreement on the long term child care arrangements.
Helping you organise evidence and complete various financial documents such as a financial statement (Form E), statement of information (D81) and children documents such as a parenting plan or court application forms in children proceedings (Form C100 and Form C1A).
Explaining court processes and procedure in general;
Helping you with Mediation and/or court support (such as “litigation coaching”) and preparation (including strategy planning);
Attending mediation and/or court in a support role as a “McKenzie Friend” (depending on the location and proximity);
Providing you with practical guidance and tips should you wish to instruct a family solicitor/lawyer;
Signposting you to trusted professionals (most of which I have used or worked with personally), including family solicitors, mediators, barristers, mortgage advisors, financial advisors, Will writers and therapists.
Click on the link below to access more information about all the services and help I can offer.
“…absolutely amazing - not only sound legal advice but practical advice as well. Honestly couldn’t tell you how much she helped me through… her advice worked so I didn’t need to proceed with further legal action….”
– Former client
“I was at a crossroads, feeling very emotional and distressed; Kirsten was very calming and empathetic. She really listened and offered very practical, measured advice.”
– Former client
My Approach
Calm and Professional
You will receive, empathetic, clear and non-judgmental guidance that is grounded in both professional and personal experience.
Everything discussed with me remains confidential.
My approach is calm and understanding but I am also honest and direct, getting straight to the point.
I aim to provide you with as much information as possible during our appointment so that you leave feeling confident, well-informed and with a plan to enable you to move forward with clarity, strength and dignity.
Flexible and Affordable
I work with all individuals, and I offer flexible, affordable, fixed-fee appointments, either in person (if you live within a reasonable radius to postcode SK7 within Greater Manchester or Cheshire) or remotely via phone call, video call or Teams call.
There will be no surprise or hidden costs.
I offer either 90 minute, 60 minute or 30 minute appointments depending on your needs.
I can also offer bespoke fixed fee services depending on your needs.
Next Steps
If you need help and support with any issues arising from a separation or divorce – you are not alone and you can take your first step with me today:
View my services page to learn more about what type of issues I can help with.
Previous clients...
“Kirsten is excellent. Kirsten was recommended to me by someone I know, and I was really impressed after meeting with her myself. She is extremely knowledgeable, and she also made me feel very comfortable throughout our conversation.”
– Former client
“Kirsten was so lovely and informative having spoken with her on the phone. She explained everything in great detail and made it easy for me to understand. I would highly recommend.....”
– Former client