Advice Centre

IMD Solicitors is excited to announce the appointment of Shazia Rana as a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Family Law department. With over 16 years of expertise, Shazia is ranked as a Key Lawyer in The Legal 500 for both 2024 and 2025 and brings a strong background in complex family law matters.

A Passion for Supporting Vulnerable Clients

Shazia is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable clients through challenging and often distressing family law cases. She has built a formidable reputation for her work in securing Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders, ensuring her clients receive the urgent protection they need. Shazia has extensive experience in issuing applications, representing clients in court, and ensuring that Special Measures are put in place to protect those at risk.

She has worked closely with domestic abuse organisations, helping clients with urgent without notice applications. In addition to seeking orders on behalf of her clients, Shazia is highly skilled in defending individuals against Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders. She has represented clients where orders were discharged, and where cost orders have been raised. Shazia’s clear, strategic advice ensures that clients understand their options, whether to seek an order, have it discharged, or replace it with an undertaking.

Expertise in Children’s Matters

Shazia’s expertise extends across a full spectrum of children’s law matters, where the safety and well-being of children are her primary focus. She advises on applications for live with orders, specific issue orders, and prohibited steps orders, with a particular emphasis on cases involving parental alienation, allegations of abuse, and international child abduction.

Shazia has also managed cases where urgent action is required, such as when a child has been removed from the primary carer or when a parent attempts to relocate abroad with a child without the other parent’s consent. A recent case saw Shazia successfully oppose a mother’s application to change her children’s surname after remarriage, with the Court agreeing that such a change would undermine the children’s relationship with their father.

Her experience with children’s matters is broad, and she is trusted to provide clear and decisive advice that ensures the best interests of the child are always upheld.

Divorce and Financial Expertise

In divorce and financial matters, Shazia has handled high-net-worth cases involving complex financial portfolios, including international assets. She offers expert advice on the recognition of religious ceremonies, such as the ‘Nikkah’, in the UK, and ensures that financial settlements are practical, enforceable, and fair, particularly when assets span multiple jurisdictions.

Adoption Cases

Shazia also has significant experience in adoption cases, advising clients on the recognition of overseas adoptions in the UK. Her expertise includes guiding clients through the process of having their overseas adoptions legally recognised and ensuring that the process runs smoothly.

Previous Experience and Advocacy

Before joining IMD Solicitors, Shazia was a key member of the management team at her previous firm, which earned high commendations at the Family Law Awards and the Signature Awards in 2023. She also attended the Asian Lawyers Awards in 2024. As a Director, Shazia acted in highly sensitive cases involving non-accidental injury, factitious illness, and complex fact-finding hearings.

A passionate advocate, Shazia conducts much of her own advocacy, representing clients in the Magistrates Court, County Court, High Court, and the Court of Appeal. She has appeared in live-streamed appeals, including one led by King’s Counsel.

Commitment to Clients

Fluent in both Urdu and Punjabi, Shazia is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients, providing compassionate support and expert legal guidance throughout the process.

IMD Solicitors’ Growth

Shazia’s appointment reflects IMD Solicitors’ ongoing growth and commitment to meeting the increasing demand for high-quality legal services both in the UK and internationally. With offices in Manchester, London, and Birmingham, the firm continues to expand its expertise across various practice areas, specialising in complex cross-border matters. IMD Solicitors remains focused on providing clear, responsive, and accessible legal services, all while maintaining the personal and inclusive approach it was built upon.

To find out more about our services, call us 0330 107 0107 or email us at info@imd.co.uk.