Welcome to my world - a day in the life of a family solicitor

It's all been happening in Hollywood. First, Sharon Osbourne rejected rumours that she was about to divorce husband Ozzy and then it has been suggested that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones are back together following their separation in August.

I don't know how we keep up particularly as we are all living such busy lives. That's why I thought it would be a good idea to share one of my 'typical' days with you to give you an insight into the life of a Wirral divorce lawyer.

6.30am - the start to another busy day. I am always the first one downstairs so I can get everything ready for the day ahead. Then my husband Anthony, who is the business development manager for Tracey Miller Family Law, appears with my twin daughters and I make them all breakfast.

7.30am - it's time to get fit. My personal trainer, Jean Jacques, arrives on the doorstep and puts me through my paces. We go for a run, do a variety of exercises and then finish off with some boxing which I absolutely love. I find it really sets me up for the day and gives me the energy to power through.

8.30am - I jump into the shower quickly as Anthony and I have to be out of the door within the next 30 minutes. In between getting dressed and applying some make-up, I take calls from both clients and barristers - another busy day is ahead of me!

9.00am - Anthony, who not only plays a key role in the business, is also my 'chauffeur' and drives me to work. This gives me the chance to take and make more calls.

9.30am - as soon as I arrive at our family law firm in Liverpool, my secretary Leah, ushers me into my office and starts discussing my schedule for the day. She hands over several telephone messages that need responding to and we discuss my plans. Quickly, I do some dictation before my first client arrives.

10.00am - my first client arrives and we initially discuss how his divorce is progressing. Latest research carried out by the University of Nebraska suggests that divorced men are more likely than married men to suffer life threatening medical conditions and a higher mortality rate. Having gone through a divorce myself, I know first hand how painful it can be and I try to do what I can to make it go as smoothly as possible for my clients.

11.00am - Time for a quick cup of coffee, while I sit down and open the mail. I have a quick look to see if anything needs my attention and then it's time for some more dictation. I like to keep on top of the dictation so my team know exactly where we are with all our clients.

12noon - my second client arrives and it's to do with an existing children matter. My advice as a family lawyer is for parents to try to always put the needs and welfare of their children first as they are also affected by the break-up of the family. Having good contact arrangements definitely minimises the impact on them.

1pm - Leah hands me a sandwich which I will be eating whilst I review some counsel's advice regarding an on-going case.

2.00pm - I am in family court with a client for a financial dispute resolution. After two hours of negotiation, the proceedings come to an end and it has been a good outcome for my client. As a family law firm in Liverpool, we aim to settle financial matters between the parties as quickly as possible and hopefully without the need for full Court involvement.

4.00pm - I go back to the office and return calls to clients who have left messages. I really like to make sure I get back to clients as soon as possible as a lot of the time they need some reassurance and quickly.

430pm - My last client of the day arrives. It relates to cohabitees and we are discussing the options available should my client's relationship break down. I recommend that the couple sign a cohabitation agreement and that they both make wills. Read my blog Isn't it time cohabitating couples had some rights?

5.30pm - it's time to leave for the day and I pack some files for further dictation at home.

6.30pm - I put the dinner on - salmon, salad and new potatoes followed by sticky toffee pudding - my favourite!

7.00pm - while everything is cooking, I start doing the dictation - I need to get it done to make sure I keep on track with my work load.

7.30pm - my parents join Anthony, the twins and I for dinner. It's lovely to have everyone together.

8.30pm - at last I get to sit down and relax in front of the TV - I usually tend to doze off at some point and Anthony has to wake me up so I can go to bed.

10.00pm - time for a relaxing bath and then bed. Only 8 hours until it all starts again!

What does your typical day involve? How do you balance your work/home life?