Legal help and support
for regular people
Compassionate and determined legal help through life's happiest but also toughest moments.


Ilse Kaarnavaara (f/k/a. Lehtimaja)
"I always work my client's best interest in mind – with determination, but also with warmth and compassion."
I am a member of the Finnish Bar Association, an attorney-at-law and the founder of Lady Lex Ltd. My 15 year experience as an attorney has strengthened my calling to help people with legal matters through all stages of life. Life is full of unexpected events and changes. We all face both good and hard times. Navigating these moments requires patience, a strong support system, and sometimes the help of a legal expert who can tell you your rights and obligations and the best way forward.
My experties lie in family and criminal law. When your family, finances, and future are at risk, you need a skilled family law attorney who understands what's at stake. At Lady Lex we provide trusted legal guidance in divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law matters. Our goal is to protect your rights while helping you move forward with confidence.
Not every family law matter needs to be resolved in a courtroom. Mediation can offer a more cooperative, private, and efficient way to reach agreements. I have been helping clients in court mediations since 2011 and always offer problem solving services and mediation when it seems the best way to achieve the best outcome. During mediation, I serve as your legal advisor throughout the mediation process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected. I'll prepare you in advance so you understand your options, priorities, and bottom line before negotiations begin. During and after mediation, I'll review all proposed terms and carefully examine the final agreement before I let you consent, ensuring the agreement is legally sound, enforceable, and aligned with your long-term interests.
Not all cases are suitable for mediation. Sometimes I shield and help my client best by going into trial, where I determinedly and assertively advance my client's intrests in court proceedings. I have specialized in helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. My goal is to be a legal shield to my clients, support and protect them thru out the process.
Specialized legal expertise
Family and estate law
Divorce, custody, child support and foster care
When your family, finances, and future are at risk, you need a skilled family law attorney who understands what's at stake.
Estate planning
Wills, durable powers of attorney, prenuptial agreements
A carefully prepared will helps avoid disputes between heirs. I help you safeguard your future and your family's well-being.
Criminal Law and restraining orders
Domestic violence and sexual assault cases
I specialize in supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout all proceedings.
Why choose Lady Lex
Your interests first
I always put the client's best interests first. I approach every case from the client's perspective and strive to connect with each person on a personal level, so I can fully understand their unique situation and tailor the best solution to their specific needs.
Human and Fundamental Rights at the Center
The law serves as the minimum protection and a sharper weapon than any sword against injustice and wrongdoing — when used skillfully. The law protects the child when parents, caught in the middle of conflict, may struggle to see the child's best interests. The law defines our right to equality and equal treatment regardless of our differences, as well as our personal freedom and integrity. It further establishes that no one may be considered guilty of a crime or punished for an act that was not criminalized by law at the time it was committed. No harsher punishment may be imposed than what was prescribed by law when the offense occurred.
Clear Communication and Thorough Attention to Your Matter
I explain legal matters in a way that doesn't require you to be a lawyer to understand what the case is about and how best to proceed. I handle all types of disputes and criminal cases with great care, thorough attention, and absolute confidentiality.
- Master of Laws, Helsinki University, 2011
- Member of the Finnish Bar Association, 2015
- Advocate in Asianajotoimisto Asianaiset 2011-2026
- Partner in Asianajotoimisto Asianaiset Oy, 2018–2026
- Founded Asianajotoimisto Lady Lex Oy, 2026
- Finnish
- English
- Divorce and separation
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Division of marital property
- Child custody, parenting time, and child residence
- Child support
- Child removal and foster care placements
- Durable powers of attorney (for healthcare and personal matters)
- Inheritance and probate matters



Feel free to contact me for an initial consultation at no cost. Briefly describe the key points of your situation, and we will work together to determine the best next steps.
GET IN TOUCHGet in Touch
For further information about us and our services, please contact us. You can best reach us by phone or email. We don't serve walk in clients. We serve our clients in Finnish and in English. Please note that when we provide our services in English, we charge an additional 25% on top of the prices listed on the prices page.
Our office is situated in Töölö, Helsinki.
00260 Helsinki, Finland








