David is a director at Family Law in Partnership who has specialised in family law for over 25 years. David's clients include business owners, entrepreneurs, bankers, other lawyers and their partners. The focus of David's practice is financial claims on divorce, particularly those with an international dimension, and the legal issues affecting cohabitants, same sex couples and civil partners. David settles the vast majority of his cases outside the court process but where cases have to go to court he is a determined and effective litigator. His goal is to achieve the best outcome for his client and to do so in a way that produces an efficient, fair and positive result. David is a trained mediator and has FMA senior mediator status. He is an experienced collaborative lawyer and is a Resolution collaborative specialist. David lectures, writes and broadcasts extensively on a wide range of family law matters including on issues affecting cohabitants and same sex couples.
Family
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Catherine is well-known in the field of family law, leading the Family Group at Harbottle & Lewis which has gained significant respect within the industry.Under Catherine’s leadership, the Family team has gone from strength to strength and she has gained a formidable reputation within the industry where it is said she is now 'at the top of the table of London divorce solicitors'.Since early 2020, Catherine has been running an unprecedented, high-value case over numerous hearings in the High Court and Court of Appeal. The case draws on multiple areas of law extending well beyond family and raising important legal questions.Catherine’s client base includes individuals from UHNW families, often with a public profile to protect. Her clients range from royalty to entrepreneurs, business and finance leaders and those in the creative industries. Catherine works closely with the firm’s top-tier defamation/reputation group to protect privacy in the event of invasive media attention.Catherine’s practice encompasses all areas of private family law in the wake of relationship breakdown as well as advising on pre-emptive nuptial agreements.Catherine has particular expertise in handling complex finances and representing international clients with interests under corporate and trust structures across jurisdictions, often working with family offices and trusted advisors.Catherine’s approach to each client is tailor-made – whether low-key negotiation outside of the court process or skilled litigation within it, always thinking expansively and finding inventive ways to cut through a dispute.
Partner dealing with matrimonial finance and children’s work. Most of his work is complex, involving jurisdictional questions and/or high-net-worth individuals. Regular speaker on issues concerning divorce , most particularly those involving trusts and complex financial structures.
Rebecca's practice covers all aspects of private family law. She has specialist experience in matrimonial finance often with international elements and children matters (Schedule 1 and relocation cases, as well as day to day children cases dealing with living arrangements and schooling issues). Rebecca is regularly instructed in City based divorces (receiving referrals from corporate law firms, leading investment banks and broking houses) and also represents wealthy London mothers, entrepreneurs and unmarried parents. Rebecca is collaborative in her approach but a skilful litigator when necessary. Rebecca tends to settle many of her cases outside of court to protect client privacy and confidentiality. She increasingly uses the forums of private FDRs and Arbitration. Rebecca has been described as: "A star performer who has steadily built a stellar reputation and is razor sharp" - The UK Hot 100 Lawyers. "Incredibly bright, knowledgeable and quick witted, with good client interpersonal skills" - Chambers and Partners "Top Recommended Family Lawyer who is outstanding in field and a first rate lawyer with brilliant people skills" - The Spear’s Family Law Index
Jane headed the family department from 2006 until 31 March 2022, when she stepped down as a partner and became a senior consultant in the firm. She is a recognised expert in high value divorce finances with many years’ experience of cases involving trusts, inherited wealth, complicated remuneration structures and assets overseas. Her expertise includes the preparation of pre nuptial and post nuptial agreements. Jane is also a recognised expert in cases involving unmarried couples and has contributed to a number of significant practice guides to the law in this area. Many of Jane’s cases have an international dimension and she is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a worldwide association of practising lawyers who are recognised by their peers as the most experienced and expert family law specialists in their respective countries. Jane has been ranked in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame since 2020, having previously been ranked as a Leading Individual for many years. She is recognised by Best Lawyers UK 2022 as a leading expert in family law and is a Recommended Lawyer in Spears 500 2022. She is ranked as a Leading Individual in Chambers UK High Net Worth and Chambers UK. Jane has played a leading role in the development and practice of family law for 40 years. She is a former chair of Resolution, the leading organisation of family justice professionals in England and Wales. She was the first private law solicitor member of the Family Justice Council, which advises the government on family policy issues, and chaired its private law Children in Families Committee for six years. She is an active member of Resolution’s Cohabitation Committee, which campaigns for reform of the law to provide protection for vulnerable cohabitants. Jane has represented clients involved in some of the country’s leading reported cases, including T v T, a case relating to jurisdiction in European family disputes and Grey, one of the leading Court of Appeal decisions on the impact of cohabitation on maintenance claims for wives and former wives.
Sandra is a Partner of the Firm’s Family department. She has over 40 years' experience of family law practice with Mishcon de Reya. She specialises in complex high net worth and ultra high net worth cases, often with an international element and involving complex tax and trust issues, substantial business assets and partnerships, disputes concerning children - particularly leave to remove and abduction - and pre- and post-nuptial settlements. Her clients include celebrities, entrepreneurs and financiers. Sandra's career highlights have included representation of the Princess of Wales, Jerry Hall, Thierry Henry and Tamara Mellon as well as involvement in leading cases on third-party financing of financial settlements and jurisdiction. She is a member of Resolution, the International Bar Association and a Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Chambers & Partners call her a "phenomenal" lawyer and "the go-to solicitor for high net worth cases". She is described in the Legal 500 as "a giant in the family law world". Sandra won the Gold Award in the Woman of the Year: Leadership (Professional Services) category at the Citywealth Awards and is included in the Citywealth Leaders List 2020. She is also listed as a Family Law expert in the London Super Lawyers directory, which has named her one of the Top 100 Lawyers and one of the Top 50 women. Sandra is also recognised in The Legal 500's Hall of Fame. Sandra is a frequent broadcaster and chairperson, organiser and speaker at conferences on family law issues.
Head of Divorce and Family department. Head of Department Stephen Foster is praised in The Times “for leading Stewarts’ phalanx of family law lawyers to the top of the pack” and as an “intelligent and superbly talented litigator”. The Legal 500 says he has assembled a “scarily bright” team noted for its knack in “unravelling complicated trust structures and assets hidden behind companies”. His clients include figures from the City and entrepreneurs, and many of his cases have an international dimension including Europe, the US and the Middle-East. Stephen is very adept at dealing sensitively with all aspects of children’s matters, including international relocation.
Partner in top ranked niche family law practice; work includes complex financial matters with an international dimension; private children’s law including international adoption; pre- and post-nuptial contracts; cohabitation; mediation, particularly in complex financial cases.
James is a leading family lawyer and advises on all issues arising from relationship breakdown, specialising in difficult or complex cases. These commonly involve international issues, offshore assets and trusts, business interests or hidden assets, and the construction of sophisticated financial settlements. He often advises trustees, intervenors and family offices in relation to divorce proceedings. James has considerable experience of cross-border work, in particular Anglo-French cases. He is also experienced in pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements both international and domestic. He is committed to resolving disputes in a constructive way wherever possible and to that end is trained as a Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a member of the Franco-British Lawyers Society.
Partner in the Divorce and Family department. Emma has achieved top ranking in the Directories as a ‘Star Individual’ and has a reputation as the best technical family lawyer of her generation. Admired for her outstanding intellect, efficiency and constructive approach, clients appreciate Emma’s strategic vision and the passion she brings to secure the best outcome for them. Emma is praised as a “superb, no-nonsense and efficient lawyer who can cope with big-ticket litigation". Emma advises on complex and often high profile matters for high net worth individuals, their families and partners. Her cases typically involve an international dimension and she often works in coordination with other cross-border trusted advisers, particularly in offshore jurisdictions and America. Emma has a breadth of experience in all areas of family breakdown but with particular focus on the associated financial issues. She has expertise in jurisdictional disputes, enforcement and injunctive relief. The majority of Emma’s cases involve global assets in the range of £10 million to over £100 million, and concern asset tracing, trust structures, inherited wealth and owner-controlled businesses. Emma advises regularly in negotiating and drafting pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, both in a domestic and international context. Emma has a leading practice in all private law children matters, especially international relocation. Although Emma is proud of a proven track record for discretion and achieving a negotiated settlement in most cases, she has been pivotally involved in a number of reported cases including the landmark relocation case Re C [2015], where she successfully represented the mother. Recent cases include: Advising family office on an ultra-high net worth ($1b) international prenuptial agreement coordinating advice in Middle East, USA and Cayman. Advising wife of co-founder of private equity firm in case involving substantial assets held through complex corporate structures across several jurisdictions as well as an extensive fine art collection. Significant issues regarding illiquidity and post separation accrual. Representing successful British entrepreneur in litigation involving wealth of £400m with issues of premarital wealth/latent value of business interests and Special Contribution. Advising a business associate of the husband in a high net worth matter involving substantial assets held through complex corporate structures across several jurisdictions to defend claims made by the wife as to the beneficial interest of shares in his legal name and/or held by companies under his control. Advising mother in international paternity and relocation proceedings, including to defend allegations of child abduction. Advising father in case involving parental alienation and allegations of coercive control.
Elizabeth is a director at Family Law in Partnership. She specialises in all areas of family law and has a particular focus in advising HNW and UHNW clients on complex cross jurisdictional issues of family, matrimonial and trusts law. Elizabeth’s work includes divorce, contested financial remedy cases and asset protection, often involving international aspects. Elizabeth also advises on complicated private Children Act cases and Pre and Post Marital Agreements with both domestic and international aspects. Elizabeth’s clients include husbands and wives, cohabitants and sometimes children. They come from a range of backgrounds and include entrepreneurs, City professionals and various high profile individuals and their spouses and partners. As a trained collaborative lawyer, Elizabeth is experienced in using the collaborative process to resolve family law matters. She often prepares Pre and Post Marital Agreements using the collaborative process including those agreements which have an international aspect.
Chair of board of family law niche practice and leading figure in family law for many years specialising in complex financial cases, including those with substantial business assets and partnerships; trusts and tax problem cases involving foreign jurisdictions; cohabitation cases; prenuptial agreements and also private children’s residence and other children’s matters including child abduction.
Jane is a Partner in the Family & Divorce team. She is recognised for her expertise in protecting wealth, both pre and post-divorce. In February 2020, she represented the successful wife in winning a compensation award of £400,000 in RC v JC (2020) EWHC 466. She also represented the wife in the leading financial and trust case of Daga v Daga (Bangur) [2018] EWFC. In December 2023 she represented the successful wife in the decision in PS v NB (2023) EWHC 3486 obtaining a maintenance award in excess of £30,000 per month for her client, plus costs. Jane is a very technical lawyer who is known for finding novel and creative solutions for clients. She represents equal numbers of men and women and works closely with accountants and private wealth advisers. Listed in Chambers UK and HNW guides; the 2020 Spears Top Flight Family Lawyers; The Legal 500; Citywealth’s Top Ten Matrimonial Lawyers and Top 20 Women in Private Wealth and in and in Who’s Who. Regular speaker at conferences and contributor to publications including Law Society Gazette; Family Law; Farmers Weekly; The Lawyer; Spear’s Wealth; and The American among others.
Over 30 years’ experience in dealing with high-net-worth complex financial settlements. Contact with family lawyers worldwide assists in the successful resolution of a significant proportion of his cases that have an international dimension. Trained collaborative lawyer. Recent reported cases include: G v G [2012] EWHC 167; Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane [2006] UKHL; Re S (unmarried parents: financial provision) [2006] EWCA Civ 479.
Partner. Julian is considered one of the best family lawyers of his generation. He headed up the firm’s family law practice for 9 years, until 2017. Julian is a leading expert in the financial repercussions of relationship breakdown. His work frequently has an international dimension, often involving tax and trust implications, substantial assets or incomes. His reputation is for ruthless efficiency and cutting to the chase, and for giving clients the answer from the very outset. Julian has a market leading practice in negotiating pre-nuptial agreements, whether UK or international ones (often Anglo/US or Anglo/European). This is an area of practice which requires wisdom, direction, experience and tact. He also has considerable experience in disputes relating to children, both within and outside of the Court forum. He frequently acts for (or against) household names, but his clients also include City professionals, entrepreneurs, those in the arts/media, financiers, the independently wealthy and their spouses/partners. He speaks fluent French, and consequently is a leader in the field of Anglo-French work. He deals a lot with cases involving the USA.
William is head of the family sector group and specialises in divorce, financial relief (including pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements) and private law children cases. He also lectures on a range of family law issues, including trusts and matrimonial breakdown. William has wide experience of cases with an international element. Experience: many high-profile divorce cases involving international jurisdiction issues and/or trusts.
William Massey is a partner at Farrer & Co and head of the family team. He has specialised in family law since 1991 and has wide experience in money and children cases on relationship breakdown with particular emphasis on complex financial situations. His cases often involve issues covering trusts, companies, tax, pensions and other jurisdictions. His background in commercial law has helped him to build a reputation as a front runner in difficult financial cases.
Partner. Diana is well known as one of London’s divorce lawyer elite. She often advises clients on high value, high profile matters involving complex finances and international, cross border elements. However, she recognises that the stakes are high for any client and, whatever the level of wealth, Diana contributes her experience, strategic focus and ability to come up with creative solutions that minimise the financial and emotional cost of disputes with one's partner. Whilst taking cases before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal where necessary, Diana is also a mediator and renowned negotiator. Her preference is elegant and effective negotiation, providing clear and strategic advice. She fights hard for her clients and her commercial, pragmatic approach keeps everyone enthused. Her objective always is to get the best possible outcome at the lowest possible cost, both financial and emotional. Both clients and opponents attest to her skill: 'There is no one to match her intellectually, or her wide ranging experience.' 'If I had to choose one solicitor in the entire world that I admired the most it would be her'.
Founding partner specialising in all aspects of divorce and family law, including complex financial issues and children. Accredited and practising family mediator, a qualified and practising collaborative lawyer and has a special interest in resolving disputes concerning children. Contributor ‘Rayden and Jackson on Divorce and Family Matters’, 17th ed. Has lectured for the College of Law and was one of the first family law mediators trained by the Family Mediators Association. Chair of the Association 1995 and 1997, and vice-chair of the United Kingdom College of Family Mediators 1996 and 1998. Simon was shortlisted for the prestigious Family Law Awards 2014 in ‘Family Law ADR Practitioner of the Year’ category. In 2015 he was nominated as one of the best family lawyers in London for the Family Law Index, published by Spear’s, a magazine for high-net-worth individuals and their advisors.
James is a director at Family Law in Partnership. He specialises in complex financial issues arising from divorce and separation and non-adversarial and cost effective approaches to divorce including mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. James also has a strong track record of helping clients to achieve excellent outcomes in the Court system. James led Resolution's “Parenting after Parting” inititative to heighten lawyers' awareness of positive co-parenting. James is also the founder of Divorce Diaries, a collection of insights and experiences of former clients going through divorce or separation. He was one of the first lawyers to train as both a collaborative lawyer and a family arbitrator and James is qualified to arbitrate both financial disputes and children matters. As a trained mediator he is also qualified in the commercial model of mediation and direct child consultation.
Fiona advises high profile private individuals in relation to complex and confidential divorce proceedings, many of them with an international element. Fiona has earned a variety of accolades and is regularly named amongst the top legal names in the country. She was appointed to the rank of LVO in the New Year’s Honours List 2006, given an honorary doctorate by Exeter University in 2010 and made a Life Peer that year. In 2019 Fiona was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Legal Services prize at The Legal 500 UK Awards 2019. Fiona has used the knowledge garnered from 40 years in the profession to do a research project in human relationships “The Shackleton Project” with a view to educating people in making the right decision for marriage. Fiona is co-author of 'The Divorce Handbook'.
Described as a ‘guru of international family law’, James Stewart is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and general editor of the definitive publication on comparative international family law, Family Law: A Global Guide (the ‘Blue Book’). James shines in difficult, often international, cases that need strategic vision, diligent execution and a motivated, able team. With a focus on complex family disputes, marital agreements and cases with an international dimension, including claims for financial relief following overseas divorces (Part III), James has become the family lawyer of choice for family offices, trustees and others who find themselves embroiled in complex English divorce and family proceedings. A leading QC describes James as ‘undoubtedly one of the leaders in family law globally’. In September 2020, James was appointed Visiting Professor of Law at Ulster University and also serves on the Consultation Board for Practical Law – Family. James continues to chair the annual Legal Dinner in aid of the leading peacebuilding charity, Co-operation Ireland. Dual-qualified in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, James is also a family arbitrator and a collaborative family lawyer.
Suzanne leads the family and contentious trusts and succession teams in Europe and is one of the most highly accoladed family lawyers of her generation. She has more than 20 years' experience dealing with international financial cases with a special focus on Italy, private international child matters and negotiating multi-jurisdictional nuptial agreements. She regularly deals with family businesses, inherited wealth, tax and pensions issues. Her communication skills and ability to deal, with empathy with highly charged and emotionally sensitive matters is renowned. Her ruthless efficiency and contagious energy is universally recognised alongside her premier levels of client service. She always provides comprehensive strategic guidance from the outset but with an eye on the commercial reality of the situation. She is a practising Mediator and collaborative lawyer and lectures internationally on family law matters. Suzanne is fluent in Italian and well known for her Anglo Italian practice. Client: 'she has the right balance of sympathy for my situation combined with a razor sharp legal brain but a calm and non-confrontational approach to the negotiations with an obvious will to win'.
Ayesha Vardag, Founder and President of Vardags and ‘Britain’s top divorce lawyer’, is known for her ground-breaking family law practice. As the go-to divorce lawyer for ultra-high net worth clients with the most challenging cases, her work often involves complex financial matters, international jurisdictions and other sensitivities surrounding high profile individuals, including managing the press. With an impressive track record of major victories in the English courts, Ayesha is well established as a leader in the field of family law. She is one of the few lawyers called upon to advise heads of state, both on English and international law, and has been involved in many of the cases that have formed the landscape of divorce law in our times.
Rising stars
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Selena is an associate at Family Law in Partnership. She advises on a wide range of issues associated with the breakdown of marriage and relationships, including complex children and financial matters. Selena’s children cases often involve multi-layered child arrangement issues, including those where the most serious allegations have been made against parents. On financial matters, she assists clients at all stages of their divorce or separation with an approach tailored to their needs and circumstances – be it engaging in negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or court proceedings. In her work, Selena is regarded for her client care and emotional intelligence, as well as for her sharp technical skills. She is committed to resolving matters in a proactive and sensitive manner, considering all options to achieve a solution that is both sensible and fair. When this is not possible and court proceedings become unavoidable, Selena will take a robust approach to protect her clients’ interests. Selena is ranked as a Rising Star by Legal 500 2023, and was named as a Rising Star by Legal 500 UK 2022 and 2021. The 2023 and 2024 editions of the UK Best Lawyers guide have also named Selena as ‘One to Watch’. Selena is a fluent Spanish and French speaker. She uses her language skills to assist clients going through court proceedings abroad by working closely with local lawyers and liaising with third parties.
Amy is a senior associate in the Family department. Amy has specialised exclusively in family law since qualifying as a solicitor, with a particular focus on complex financial remedy work involving significant wealth. She regularly advises in jurisdiction disputes and her cases frequently involve families and assets in multiple jurisdictions, complex corporate structures, and overseas pensions. Amy often advises individuals on private children law matters including child arrangement issues and leave to remove cases. Amy has worked on cases being heard at all levels including in the Supreme Court. She has been named by the Legal 500 for the last 3 years as a ‘Rising Star’, described by the directory as ‘ incredibly diligent’ and rated ‘very highly’. Amy featured in the Citywealth Top 50 Private Client and Family Legal Heroes list in 2022 and is an appointed member of Resolution’s Pension, Tax and Financial Remedies Committee.
Alex advises clients on all aspects of family law including divorce and civil partnership dissolution, financial disputes, cohabitation, children matters and pre and postnuptial agreements. He has particular experience in dealing with complex financial disputes as well as children matters, including those involving international relocation.
Joshua specialises in family law including pre and post nuptial agreements, divorce, finances and arrangements for children after their parents have separated. Many of Joshua’s cases have an international element and involve high-net worth, high profile individuals in cases dealing with complex financial structures including trusts, inherited wealth and family businesses. Joshua has significant experience in acting in challenging international children matters, including applications for parents to permanently leave the jurisdiction with their children, cases involving publicity and media law issues, and acting for clients in the sports industry. Joshua was named as one of eprivateclient’s “Top 35 under 35” 2018 and a "Next Generation Lawyer" in The Legal 500 2019. He was also listed as a "Rising Star" in The Spear's 500 2019. He has written a number of articles for Family Law Journal on issues such as legal funding in family proceedings, religious issues in children cases and domestic abuse and harm in international relocation cases. Joshua is admitted to practise in England and Wales. Experience highlights RJ v Tigipko [2019] EWHC 448 (Fam) Re J (Children: Permission to Remove from Jurisdiction) [2018]EWCA Civ 1372 S and V (Children - Leave to Remove) [2018] EWFC 26 Fields v Fields [2015] EWHC 1670 (Fam) H v S [2011] EWHC B23 (Fam)
Partner specialising in private and public children law and care proceedings. As an expert public children law practitioner she is also an active member of both the Central Family Court and the East London Family Court Duty Solicitors' Scheme.
Grace is an associate at Family Law in Partnership. Grace advises on international and high-value family law cases, often involving complex business and trust interests and issues of pre and post-marital wealth. Grace combines an empathetic and diligent approach, with a strong technical ability. Grace seeks to resolve matters outside of court where possible – employing solicitor-led negotiation or alternative processes such as mediation or arbitration. Where court proceedings become necessary, Grace is a confident and strategic litigator and hugely protective of her clients’ interests. Grace was named as a Rising Star and recommended for family law in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Legal 500 directory, which comments that she is “extremely competent, knowledgeable and empathetic." Grace has been involved in supporting guests of the Restored Lives project on a pro bono basis.
Described as “an outstanding family law solicitor with an extraordinary ability to manage the most complex of cases. She is hardworking, astute, her attention to detail is exceptional and she has great judgment and instincts. Katie’s client care skills are superb. She is a star.” And “she has energy, enthusiasm and tenacity, coupled with keen intelligence and a complete understanding of the processes of the courts and the priorities of the judges. She also has a maturity well beyond her years.” Katie is a senior associate in the Family department. She advises in all areas of private family law, including divorce and financial remedy proceedings, nuptial agreements, cohabitation issues and private children matters. She has a particular focus on resolving financial matters between divorcing/divorced couples and unmarried parents. Many of Katie’s cases involve complex financial and/or international elements and involve HNW and UHNW clients. Recent cases include: Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs [2022] EWFC 135 (the award included secured child maintenance in excess of £550,000 p/a) Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs [2022] EWFC 45 Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs: MPS [2022] EWFC 6 Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein: - Re Al M: Publication [2022] EWFC 16 - Re Al M: Final Welfare Judgment [2021] EWHC 3480 (Fam) - Re Al M: Finances [2021] EWFC 94 (the award included a lump sum of £251million and secured child maintenance of £11.2million p/a) - Re Al M: Hacking Fact Finding - Appeal - Court of Appeal [2021] EWCA Civ 1216 - Re Al M: Hacking Fact Finding - PTA - Court of Appeal [2021] EWCA Civ 900 - Re Al M: Immunities - Court of Appeal [2021] EWCA Civ 890 - Re Al M: Lives with [2021] EWHC 1577 (Fam) - Re Al M: Hacking Fact Finding [2021] EWHC 1162 - Re Al M: Foreign Act of State - Court of Appeal [2021] EWCA Civ 129 - Re Al M: Foreign Act of State [2020] EWHC 2883 (Fam) - Re Al M: Non-Molestation [2020] EWHC 3305 (Fam) - Re Al M: [2021] EWHC 915 (Family) - Re Al M: Legal Services [2021] EWHC 303 (Fam)- - Re Al M: Immunities [2021] EWHC 660 (Fam) - Re Al M: Court of Appeal Judgment on publication [2020] EWCA Civ 283 - Re Al M: Publication [2020] EWHC 122 (Fam) - Re Al M: Assurances and Waiver [2020] EWHC 67 (Fam) - Re Al M: Fact Finding [2019] EWHC 3415 (Fam
Nicole is an associate and mediator at Family Law in Partnership. She combines a warm, sympathetic manner with tactical nous and incisive judgment. Nicole handles all aspects of private family law, assisting and supporting clients who are navigating divorce or separation to resolve any financial or children issues that may arise. Nicole’s cases have involved a wide range of issues, and regardless of the subject matter, one constant feature across all of Nicole’s cases is how much better clients feel for having her at their side, with one remarking: “Your advice and counsel has been nothing short of excellent.” Nicole was shortlisted for the award Family Law Young Solicitor of the Year in the prestigious LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2018 and for Family Law Associate of the year in 2023. She was also named as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 UK 2020 and recommended for family law with the editorial noting: “Nicole Phillips is a real rising star. Nicole is commercially savvy and completely at home with complex business cases. She reads accounts and can manage the most complicated figures with aplomb. Don’t be misled by her youth and charm: she knows what she is doing”. Nicole has a strong interest in alternative dispute resolution and in working closely with other professionals such as family consultants and therapists to achieve a successful outcome for her clients. Her interest in holistic support is just one reason why she was elected to Resolution’s Innovation Committee (a national organisation of family lawyers with over 6,000 members), developing tools and business methods to benefit the whole membership and, by extension, the family law industry as a whole.
AssociateLewis advises on all areas of family law. He has twice been recognised as a “Rising Star” in The Legal 500 (2020 and 2021). The 2020 edition says: “Lewis Powers is bright and is on the up. He is efficient, hardworking and will go far.”Lewis has been involved in family law cases in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He has experience in all areas of family law and has advised and assisted on complex financial settlements, cohabitation disputes, child arrangements (including international relocation) and Family Law Act injunctions. He has assisted on a number of interim applications such as orders for legal services and interim maintenance. He has recent experience of private FDRs (Financial Directions Appointments). Lewis assisted on the landmark financial case of Sharp v Sharp [2017] EWCA Civ 408, concerning the correct approach when dividing wealth in short and dual career marriages Lewis recently acted for the applicant father in an international relocation matter and has represented the respondent in Hague Convention proceedings (international child abduction)
Clare is a Managing Associate in the Firm's Family Department. She specialises in all aspects of the divorce process, including financial issues; jurisdictional disputes; private law children matters, such as residence and contact; and applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction. Clare also deals with pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
Winner of the “Star Associate” category at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2023 and named as a “real superstar in the making” by Chambers High Net Worth 2023, Isabella is a meticulous, perceptive and assured pair of hands who advises on all aspects of family law. She recognises her clients’ legal and non-legal objectives while striving to achieve an early and consensual resolution wherever possible. With a practice ranging from mid to ultra high net worth cases, Isabella is regularly involved in complex financial disputes and jurisdictional issues, often including company valuations, trust structures, art aspects and contested nuptial settlements. She has expertise in pursuing financial assistance for the benefit of children from unmarried parents and is regularly instructed to draft pre-nuptial, mid-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements with a view to limiting future litigation. Isabella also advises on private children matters, including residence and contact disputes as well as leave to remove applications. Recognising that the breakdown of a relationship affects every person differently, Isabella treats every client as an individual. She is praised for her discrete, sensitive and reassuring presence for her clients while holding firm in the face of opposition.
Partner specialising in private and public children law, with particular expertise in international child abduction and relocation. She receives instructions directly from the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU). She acts for both applicants and respondents in cases concerning the 1980 Hague Convention/wardship and non Hague Convention countries. Forum also acts for parents and other family members in care proceedings (her expertise in international children law means she is often chosen by parents residing abroad and who are seeking their child to be placed with them), in living and contact arrangements, applications to relocate abroad and cases involving allegations of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and parental alienation.
Kara is a Senior associate and collaborative practioner at Family Law in Partnership. She advises on all aspects of private family law for a wide range of clients. Kara is a qualified collaborative lawyer. Kara was named Family Law Young Solicitor of the Year 2019 in the prestigious LexisNexis Family Law Awards, having been shortlisted for the award the previous year too. Kara was named winner in the Lawyer Monthly Magazine Women in Law Awards 2019. The 2023 and 2024 editions of UK Best Lawyers have also named Kara as ‘One to Watch’.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Connie is a Partner in the family team and has experience of dealing with all aspects of private family work relating to both finances and children. Connie regularly assists clients who need help with their separation and the practical and financial implications arising out of this. Most of Connie’s clients or their partners work in the City and many have an international connection. Connie therefore regularly works with solicitors in other jurisdictions. Connie has expertise in international surrogacy cases and helps parents with the parental order applications required following their children’s birth. On these cases, she works closely with members of our immigration team to resolve any issues in bringing the children home. Connie is also a qualified mediator and assists as a mediator for clients in respect of all practical and legal issues surrounding family relationship breakdown. She is recognised as a Next Generation Lawyer in Legal 500 UK 2019 for Family: Mediation and in Chambers UK 2020 as an Associate to Watch in Family/Matrimonial.
Sarah Jane advises on all areas of family law, with a particular emphasis on the financial claims that arise on divorce and applications to the English Court for financial settlement following an overseas divorce. She has a growing practice in wealth protection via nuptial and cohabitation agreements and she also advises on all private children law matters, from disputes about parental arrangements and financial claims to the relocation of children across jurisdictions. Sarah Jane has a great deal of experience in complex cases concerning substantial family wealth and those with an international element, as well as more standard domestic cases. Sarah Jane was listed in the eprivateclient 35 under 35 list in 2015 and appears in the 2018 Citywealth Leaders List (having been shortlisted in Citywealth’s Future Leaders awards in 2017). She was also listed in Legal 500 as a New Generation Lawyer in both 2017 and 2018, and then as a Next Generation Partner in 2019. She has recently been quoted in the Times, Financial Times and Huffington Post on recent family law issues.
Matthew advises clients in relation to a broad range of family law issues arising on the breakdown of marriage or cohabitation/relationships. He has a particular interest in dealing with private children matters, including leave to remove cases (where one parent wishes to relocate together with any children of the family) and disputes surrounding children's living and contact arrangements (determining with whom they live and the time they spend with their other parent).
Partner specialising in high net worth and complex matrimonial finance work, including pre and post-nuptial agreements. Cases involving foreign jurisdictions and complex private law children and Family Law Act work.
Abby is a Partner in the Family & Divorce team. She has established her reputation working on some of the team’s most complex and challenging high net worth financial cases, many with an international element. Abby has represented the successful wife in Daga v Bangur [2018] EWFC 91, a significant decision involving trust assets and non-matrimonial wealth estimated to be in the region of £1.3 billion and the Applicant in M v F [2018] EWFC 35, high value Schedule I proceedings, involving a world-wide freezing order and enforcement costs provision. Highly regarded for her capability in complex, HNW financial cases and named in Chambers UK, Chambers UHNW and included in The Legal 500, Abby has also been shortlisted as “Woman of the Year: Rising Star” in the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards and is recommended in the Spear’s Family Law Index. Abby regularly writes and speaks about issues affecting HNW families and she is part of the Next Generation HNW committee for ThoughtLeaders4 HNW Divorce. She has chaired the Divorce Proofing Wealth Planning conference and spoken at Asset Recovery in Divorce and Enforcing a Divorce Award.
Partner with experience in all aspects of family law, and particularly in cases with an international dimension. She often advises clients on complex financial disputes where there are assets in multiple jurisdictions, including offshore trusts. She also represents parents in disputes concerning children, involving issues such as how much time the children should spend with their parents, their health and education, as well as where they should live. She has extensive experience in cases involving the international relocation of children.She works closely with colleagues in the private wealth sector to advise high net worth individuals on all aspects of wealth protection, including cohabitation and nuptial agreements, and financial provision for children.
Kate is a Partner in the Family team. She specialises in all aspects of family law with a particular emphasis on financial issues following divorce. Kate also advises on cohabitation disputes and private law children matters, including applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction. She is experienced in advising on pre and post-marital agreements and cohabitation agreements. A trained collaborative lawyer, she is also a member of Resolution and sits on the Resolution Skills and Support Committee. Kate frequently contributes to legal journals, including Family Law Journal. She was awarded Gold at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2019 as 'Family Lawyer of the Year – Partner'.
Partner specialising in divorce and all issues relating to relationship breakdown, including complex financial remedy proceedings, pre and post nuptial agreements and issues relating to cohabitants including contentious trusts and probate.
John qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and works on a broad range of family matters, both contentious and non-contentious. This includes divorce, complex financial disputes and children matters. A high proportion of John's caseload involves an international element. John was promoted to Partner in May 2023.
Jennifer specialises in legal issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship. Her practice encompasses financial remedy claims (both for married couples and unmarried parents), disputes about how children should spend their time, relocation cases and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Many of her cases have an international dimension or involve trust interests or complex corporate structures, and clients come from many walks of life - often they are high-net worth individuals and sometimes in the public eye, wishing to stay out of it. She works with clients sensitively and pragmatically to reach a settlement swiftly and amicably. In some cases, court proceedings may be unavoidable, in which case Jennifer will litigate to achieve the best outcome for her client. Jennifer has been involved in supporting clients on a number of high profile cases - she worked with Diana Parker in advising hedge fund manager, Sir Chris Hohn, on the biggest divorce in the English courts, successfully protecting his business from division and defending his wife's claim for 50% of the assets. The judge also agreed with Sir Chris that there should be certain reporting restrictions protecting financial and personal information (Cooper-Hohn v Hohn [2014] EWCA Civ 896).
Harriet is a Partner in the Family team. She is an accomplished family law partner, experienced litigator and skilled negotiator. She has been advising clients at Boodle Hatfield for over a decade, steering them sensitively and assuredly through complex personal matters. Harriet’s practice covers all aspects of family law, including divorce and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, children disputes and cohabitation claims. Harriet has particular expertise in international cases, specialising in complex financial disputes involving high net worth individuals. Harriet has acted for some of the wealthiest and high profile families in the Middle East and Europe. Harriet also specialises in complex international private children law matters including international leave to remove and child abduction cases. These cases can be highly emotional, but Harriet guides her clients through them sensitively and assuredly.
A Partner in the family team with experience of all types of private family work relating to both children and finances. Lauren is also a mediator and helps clients to work through the practical and legal issues arising from family relationship breakdown.
Antonia Felix is a Partner in the Family department. She specialises in all aspects of family law with a particular emphasis on complex financial remedy cases often involving assets in different jurisdictions and complicated trust structures. Antonia also advises on cohabitation disputes and private law children matters, including applications for leave to remove children from the jurisdiction and surrogacy. She is experienced in advising on pre and post-marital agreements and cohabitation agreements. Antonia's work involves multi jurisdictions and often involves disclosure issues and obtaining disclosure orders against third parties, including trustees and registered agents in offshore jurisdictions, and joining third parties to proceedings within the context of financial remedy proceedings. Antonia is a member of the Firm's Surrogacy and Modern Families Group and was involved in hosting an event for the Law Commission in respect of its surrogacy reform consultation. Antonia also leads the family team's Education group and has a network of contacts who can assist clients who need guidance on all aspects of their children's education as well as being able to advise on education issues which arise as part of litigation. Antonia was named by Citywealth as one of the top 100 private client lawyers in 2021. Antonia is a member of Resolution and the Association of Women Solicitors, a community for women lawyers supporting each other in their careers. Antonia is part of the Working Party put together by the human rights charity, JUSTICE aiming to improve access to justice for separated families in private family proceedings. Antonia is also on the Board of Governors at St George's school, Ascot. Antonia is a partner of the WealthiHer network.
Elizabeth is a director at Family Law in Partnership. She focuses on all aspects of family breakdown but has a particular interest in managing arrangements for children both in and out of the court arena as well as resolving financial disputes arising from the breakdown of a marriage or relationship. Elizabeth’s clients include professionals and business owners & executives, as well as stay at home parents, including those who have an international background. As the mother of two young children herself, Elizabeth understands all the practical aspects that need to be addressed by parents dealing with a separation and the different anxieties which parents may have in managing those issues. Elizabeth is committed to resolving issues constructively both in and out of court. She is a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer. Elizabeth is a member of The Law Society's Family Law Committee.
Edward advises on all family law issues, helping clients resolve the financial issues that arise on separation, arrangements for children and marital and relationship agreements. His cases often involve high-value, multi-jurisdictional assets, including trusts and his clients include high net worth and highly compensated individuals.
Helen is a director at Family Law in Partnership who advises on all matters relating to family breakdown, divorce and cohabitation. Helen has a particular interest in helping those who have been affected by domestic abuse. This can include anything from isolating a person from their friends and family, monitoring their time, taking control over aspects of their everyday life such as where they can go, who they can see, what to wear, their finances or when they can sleep to threats to hurt to kill or even physical assault. Helen recognises that the legal implications of this are accompanied by a plethora of emotional and other issues. She aims to ensure that clients are able to work through these issues with the right advice and support. Helen is a qualified collaborative lawyer and a trained mediator. Helen is based in both Brighton & London and can see clients wherever is most convenient.
Flora works on a broad range of family matters, both contentious and non-contentious, for a wide variety of clients. These matters include divorce, complex financial disputes, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and cohabitation. Flora also deals with issues of child contact, residence and leave to remove children from the jurisdiction permanently. Flora has sat on the YRes committee since October 2012, and was appointed Treasurer in August 2013. Flora is also the Website Coordinator for the Family Law Commission of the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA)
Partner known for her expertise in international and domestic adoptions, surrogacy and alternative families, cases involving the relocation and international movement of children, abductions, jurisdictional disputes, and complex care proceedings, often involving cross-border issues, and the most serious allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injuries, factitious illness and radicalisation, with concurrent criminal investigations/proceedings.
Jamie’s experience includes a wide range of private family law proceedings, including contested divorces, civil partnership dissolution, financial relief, pre/post nuptial agreements and arrangements for children on separation. Jamie acts for and against individuals across a broad range of industries and backgrounds – including the sports field, entrepreneurs and those with wider family wealth. She has clients based both in the UK and globally, with a reach beyond Europe in the Middle East and the U.S. She has a strong interest in dealing with complex trust assets on divorce. Complementing her experience in dealing with finances on separation, Jamie is a particular specialist in private law children work and her cases are often cross jurisdictional. She advises individuals on wide-ranging arrangements for their children, including internal and external relocation. Jamie also has experience in dealing with domestic abuse matters. She has contributed to various publications and legal sources, including the mainstream press.
Partner Carly has significant experience with all aspects of family law. Her work focuses predominantly on the resolution of complex, high value financial issues arising on divorce or separation as well as parental disputes. Carly specialises in all areas of family law, with a particular emphasis on the resolution of complex issues arising on divorce. She also regularly advises on nuptial agreements and wealth protection. Carly has extensive experience in financial cases with an international element or those involving trusts or asset holding structures, inherited wealth or businesses, where issues of valuation and liquidity arise. Her clients include entrepreneurs, business owners, landowners, city professionals and their spouses/partners. Carly is equally adept at resolving complex parental disputes and has extensive experience in dealing with residence, contact, relocation and parental responsibility issues.
Tammy is a partner in the London office, specialising in all areas of family law, particularly those with an international element. She regularly advises on child abduction and international relocation of children, financial issues arising from separation, Family Law Act applications, disputes about child arrangements and prenuptial agreements. She is also experienced in representing vulnerable clients, including teenage children.
Caroline, a partner in family law at Vardags, specialises exclusively in family law and most notably on all aspects of children law. Sensitive and tenacious with trilingual capacity, Caroline is well-versed in domestic and international disputes, with particular experience in cross-border disputes. Her expertise spans widely from child arrangements and relocation matters to parental child abduction (Hague and non-Hague), foreign orders, injunctions and protection orders. Coined a ‘rising star’ in her field, Caroline is renowned for her straight-talking, empathetic and unpretentious approach as a lawyer.
Nick is Head of the Family Department at Payne Hicks Beach. Nick is a specialist family lawyer who focuses on all areas of family law, including issues arising from divorce, cohabitation and the financial consequences of a relationship breakdown. He also regularly advises on children disputes involving contact, residence and relocation (including international relocation), as well as pre and post-nuptial agreements. He works for a variety of high net worth and ultra high net worth clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including those with a complex international angle. He also has experience of advising clients upon the breakdown of civil partnerships and Inheritance Act claims. Nick has been involved in a number of high profile and reported cases at both first instance and the Court of Appeal, and has been quoted in national media (The Times, Daily Mail), on family law matters.
Katie is a Partner in the Family team. She advises clients on all aspects of family law, with a particular emphasis on high net worth financial remedy proceedings on divorce. A high proportion of her workload involves complex wealth structures both in the UK and abroad. She often acts for clients where the majority of the wealth is tied up in a family business which raises issues not only about the value of the company but also the ways in which funds can be extracted from it to buy out one spouse’s interest. She has a varied client base with backgrounds in private equity, sport, retail and technology. Katie has a particular interest in the preparation and negotiation of pre- and post-nuptial agreements in order to seek to protect certain assets in the event of a divorce. Katie is also a qualified mediator and is trained to help clients focus on what really matters to them and their family and to help clients to discuss and agree the best arrangements for the future.
Partner in the family department. Olivia Piercy is a talented family lawyer with extensive experience in complex cases, including child abduction, protection, surrogacy, and fertility law. She is also an expert in domestic abuse and coercive control.
Adele deals with all aspects of family law, including divorce and financial remedies, pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and separation, occupation and non-molestation orders, child contact and living arrangements, and other private children law issues. Adele has particular expertise in dealing with complex, often high net worth and with an international dimension, financial division upon divorce. Adele is known for giving clear, strategic and pragmatic advice, to achieve the best outcome for her client, as quickly and painlessly as possible. She tends to settle the majority of her cases out of Court, but if necessary she has no fear in fighting her client's corner in litigation and achieving the desired result that way. In Legal 500 2022, Adele was described as follows: 'Adele Pledger is a Diana Parker in waiting. Adored by clients, especially those with the most complex financial affairs and commercial backgrounds, she is a creative lawyer and a match for anyone doing the work. Her down to earth manner makes her approachable, inspires confidence and she spots points few others do.' Chambers & Partners 2023 said the following about Adele: 'She has particular expertise in high-value, multi-jurisdictional matrimonial finance cases. An impressed barrister reports: "She is so incredibly impressive; she is as numerate as any solicitor I have seen, and I'm a numbers nerd. She is incredibly charming, extremely bright and has such a wonderful manner with clients. She is the total package." A source notes: "She is an incredible lawyer. She is so thorough and detailed, but is also somebody that I find so approachable and easy to deal with."' Adele is well recognised and respected in the market. She won the 2021 Spear's Wealth Management Award for 'Future Leader in Private Client Services', and she was ranked: as 'Up and Coming' in the 2023 UHNW Chambers & Partners Guide; 'Top Recommended' in Spears 500 2023 'Next Generation Partner' in Legal 500 2022; and in Citywealth's 'Future Top 100 Leaders' in 2019. Adele is also a trained Mediator, with particular focus on facilitating resolution of financial matters on divorce, however complex the circumstances may be.
Amy joined Farrer & Co in 2018 from a Tier 1 central London family department. Clients seek her advice on the full range of family law matters.Amy has extensive experience advising clients on all aspects of relationship breakdown and wealth protection, including financial claims on divorce, international and jurisdictional issues, and issues relating to children. She has a particular interest and expertise in drafting and negotiating pre- and post-nuptial agreements and in cross-border children work.
James is a Managing Associate in the Family department. James advises clients in all aspects of financial remedies, including high value financial disputes with complex financial issues and jurisdictional disputes. He has also worked on cases with elements of non-disclosure, insolvency and alleged sham transactions. In addition James deals with pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, cohabitation, separation and civil partnership agreements. James has acted for a number of high net worth and high-profile individuals including a Middle Eastern politician, a leading Queen’s Counsel and a member of one of the UK’s wealthiest noble families. James has extensive experience of private law children matters, including applications for leave to remove children from and within the jurisdiction. He has a particular interest in cases involving allegations of parental alienation. He is a member of Resolution, an organisation which believes in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters and campaigns for improvements to the family justice system.
Partner and Mediator; specialises in divorce, financial and private children cases. She is especially known for her experience in complex high value financial cases, often involving non-disclosure trusts, pensions, and the preparation of pre-nuptial agreements often for international clients.
Katherine Res Pritchard is a Partner in Howard Kennedy’s Family team, who practices children law exclusively, and has a wealth of experience in matters concerning children, both domestic and international. She has specialised exclusively in children matters since qualifying as a solicitor in 2013. She advises on all aspects of children law, both international and domestic, with a particular emphasis on international relocation. Katherine’s international children practice spans all aspects of cross-border disputes as well as international relocation, such as child abduction, both applications under the Hague Conventions 1980 and 1996, and non-Hague applications, inherent jurisdiction, international contact and international adoption. Katherine has a great deal of specialist experience in all domestic children matters, such as child arrangements, applications for specific issue and prohibited steps orders, and cases involving domestic abuse allegations, often with concurrent criminal proceedings. She also advises on issues relating to fertility and surrogacy. Katherine works closely with both industry experts, foreign lawyers and the wider Howard Kennedy network of lawyers to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients and their children. She has established a reputation for achieving the best outcome for her clients in the most difficult circumstances. She regularly represents international clients involved in complex High Court proceedings and regularly works with clients based across the globe in jurisdictions such as Switzerland, Spain, Greece, the US, the UAE, India and Australia to name a few. Her clients are often high net worth individuals with international aspects to their case. Katherine's clients consist of individuals such as financial sector professionals, lawyers, doctors along with entrepreneurs and business owners. Katherine is a regular contributor to legal journals and has co-authored several articles on a variety of Children law topics. She is a Resolution member, and a member of CALA (Child Abduction Lawyers Association), and a native Greek speaker.
Partner with significant experience in divorce and finance cases which often involve complex trust and company arrangements with an international dimension. Amy is regularly instructed to deal with cases of exceptionally high value and complexity, often for high-profile individuals. In addition, Amy has experience in unusual Children Act work, such as cases where the courts’ inherent jurisdiction is invoked, and where guardians are appointed. Amy also litigates property disputes between unmarried couples and prepares pre and post nuptial agreements.
Partner advising on all aspects of family law, particularly financial issues arising upon divorce or separation of cohabiting couples. She advises on a range of complex legal issues, including financial provision for children of unmarried parents, claims in respect of property owned by cohabitees, pre and post nuptial agreements, the treatment of non-disclosure by one party and cases involving a significant asset base. She is also experienced in international cases including advising on complex issues of enforcement in other jurisdictions, securing financial provision for parties who have obtained an overseas divorce, the treatment of offshore trusts or other international assets, and multifaceted jurisdictional issues concerning competing legal proceedings in other countries.
Charlotte is an experienced family solicitor, accredited mediator and collaborative practitioner. She deals with complex financial issues arising from divorce and separation and supports parents in relation to arrangements for their children. Her work has a strong international dimension. She speaks French and has particular expertise in advising on matters with a French element. As a director, Charlotte is part of the leadership team at FLiP. She enjoys the variety that being both a family solicitor and mediator brings to her practice and strongly believes these skillsets complement each other. As a family solicitor she advises clients in contested court proceedings as well as through amicable negotiations (see below for examples). As a family mediator she works with couples to reach agreements with mediation sessions taking place either alongside or outside of the court process. Charlotte’s qualifications as a family solicitor, accredited family mediator and collaborative practitioner enable her to genuinely offer the process that is most appropriate for each individual. Charlotte advises on all family law matters including: jurisdiction disputes where individuals may be able to start proceedings in more than one country financial issues arising from divorce, often involving foreign lawyers, dealing with valuations of businesses, properties, pensions and investments, tax issues, and the treatment of trusts property issues arising from the separation of a cohabiting couple financial issues between separating unmarried parents freezing injunctions to protect assets worldwide variation of spousal maintenance orders pre- and post-nuptial agreements cohabitation agreements separation agreements parenting issues involving child arrangements relocation of children within England & Wales or abroad abduction of children to/from England & Wales. Many of Charlotte’s clients are international. She has an appreciation of the legal and practical requirements in different jurisdictions, and a strong network of contacts worldwide to bring into matters, as required. Charlotte speaks French and has lived and worked in law firms in Paris. She is therefore regularly instructed by clients with links to France. She is familiar with the matrimonial property regimes in France and other European countries and is instructed to advise on pre- and post-nuptial agreements for clients needing to meet the legal requirements of both England and another country with a system of matrimonial property regimes. Charlotte is often instructed by owners (or their partners) of businesses and property portfolios with assets in the UK and abroad, within complex corporate or trust structures. Having previously worked as a corporate lawyer, Charlotte draws on her knowledge of company and property structures when reviewing disclosure documents within the divorce context. She also supports separating parents in relation to child arrangements and requests for permission to relocate with children, both within England & Wales and abroad. Charlotte is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 directory. Feedback includes: ‘I chose Charlotte from personal recommendations and was not disappointed‘ and ‘Charlotte gives great technical advice. Despite it being a very technically challenging matter, Charlotte always remained available to talk to the client and provided clear and pragmatic advice throughout with a reassuring manner for the client in what could otherwise have been an extremely stressful situation‘. Charlotte is also ranked as a Recommended Lawyer in Spear’s exclusive directory for HNW and UHNW clients. The directory notes her ‘diverse and international’ practice and describes Charlotte as a solicitor who goes ‘out of her way to make what can be a painful process as stress free as possible.’
Freddie works on a broad range of family law matters, both contentious and non-contentious, and often with an international element. These include divorce, complex financial disputes, pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation. Freddie also deals with issues of child contact and residence. Freddie was part of the team advising in the landmark case of Prest v Petrodel in the UK Supreme Court. It was an extremely complex divorce case, the importance of which extends far beyond family law and into vital aspects of company law. The case was recently selected by the President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, as one of the five most significant cases heard since the Supreme Court was established. Freddie recently spent three months on a Family Law secondment in Hong Kong.
Sarah is a partner in the Payne Hicks Beach Family department and head of Modern Family Law. Sarah has extensive experience in all children law matters, often with an international and public law dimension, and a Court of Protection practice concerning vulnerable and incapacitous individuals. Sarah also has expertise in all aspects of modern family law, encompassing matters such as domestic and international surrogacy arrangements, adoption, donor conception and issues concerning parentage. Her practice operates at the cutting-edge of family law and, as such, often intersects with matters of public policy and human rights. She is described as being “brilliant on the law” and ranked by The Legal 500 UK 2023 as a “Next Generation Partner” and “a stand-out individual”. Sarah advises on complex, ultra-high net worth, high profile, multi-party sensitive children law matters with serious welfare considerations including, domestic abuse, coercive controlling behaviour, high-conflict disputes, alienating behaviours, abduction, international and domestic relocation of children and health and welfare disputes concerning vulnerable individuals, including those concerning capacity, gender and decisions regarding serious medical treatment. Sarah is prolific legal commentator; recently being invited to speak at a European Chapter meeting for the International Academy of Family Lawyers, The Law Society and at international forums. She is an annual contributing author for the International Comparative Legal Guide (Family Law), regularly contributes to esteemed domestic and international family law journals, the legal press and is a University Guest Lecturer on Family Law and Ethics. Sarah spent the first decade of her career as a practising private and public family law Barrister at a leading set of chambers representing parents, children, guardians, Local Authorities and the Official Solicitor in complex and sensitive children law cases. Sarah’s practice included those concerning serious medical issues such as FII, non-accidental injuries to children, international adoption, international abduction, enforcement of foreign orders, international and domestic relocation of children and cases involving vulnerable adults. Appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown. 2023 Notable reported case: Re S (Inherent Jurisdiction: Transgender Surgery Abroad) [2023] EWHC 347. Acting Pro Bono for the primary carer in this case of significant public interest before The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane. The case concerned the validity of an adolescent’s consent to transgender surgery, wardship, competing medical and legal positions here and in an anonymised foreign jurisdiction, issues of human rights and domestic public policy and the appropriate engagement of the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court. https://www.phb.co.uk/article/inherent-jurisdiction-transgender-surgery-abroad-2023/ 2023 Speaking engagements: The Law Society Cross Border Event: New Challenges for Private Clients in Europe – Modern Families (co-presenter) https://learn.lawsociety.org.uk/product/modern-families-new-challenges-for-private-clients-in-europe/ Guys and St. Thomas’ Medical School: Lectures on Family Law and Ethics and Parentage, Capacity and Consent Podcast with My Surrogacy Journey ‘Family Building via Surrogacy for those in the Public Eye’. 2023 Publications: International Comparative Legal Guide: (Expert Chapter) Family Law Journal. Lifting the Veil: Donor Identification. Co-authored with Jennifer Lee, Barrister Lifting the veil: donor identification (familylaw.co.uk) Revista (Numero 83, Espana): La gestación por subrogación en Europa: situación jurídica y enfoque comparativo entre Inglaterra y Gales, Francia, Italia y España. Co-author https://www.sepin.es/revistas-digitales/familia-y-sucesiones/info-revista.asp?cde=54 2022 Notable reported case: R v S [2022] EWFC 65 Acting for the mother in response to an “unprecedented” application by the father for the disclosure of internal CCTV footage from mother’s home. The application raised grave issues concerning competing ECHR Art 6 and Art 8 rights. The father’s Application was successfully dismissed. https://www.phb.co.uk/article/inherent-jurisdiction-transgender-surgery-abroad-2023/ 2022 Speaking engagements, include: International Academy of Family Lawyers, European Chapter Meeting, Athens ‘Modern Family Law Developments’ Guys and St. Thomas’ Medical School: Family Law and Ethics in 2022 Guys and St. Thomas’ Medical School: Addressing Issues of Capacity in 2022 Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Medical School: The Changing Face of Motherhood in 2022 An Examination of Modern Family Creation and Family Forms in 2022: Comparative European Approaches to Parentage, Payne Hicks Beach International Legal Event 2022 Publications, include: International Comparative Legal Guide: (Expert Chapter) International Family Law Journal: The Legal Status of Surrogacy in Europe – co-author. https://www.libra-avocats.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pages-from-IFL_2022_01_SWilliams.pdf STEP Journal: ‘Legal Conceptions’ (Issue 2) - file:///I:/028000/0135/Docs/Private/PublicMarketing/OldWebsite/www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/legal-conceptions-surrogacy-and-modern-family-law-expert-sarah-williams-article-features-in-issue-2-of-step-journal.html] AJ Famille, France: Le statut Légal de la gestation pour autrui en Europe – co-author.https://www.libra-avocats.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ARTICLE-SURROGACY-FR-VERSION-DEFINITIVE.pdf My Surrogacy Journey blog: What's in store for international surrogacy? file:///I:/028000/0135/Docs/Private/PublicMarketing/OldWebsite/www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/whats-in-store-for-international-surrogacy.html 2021 Speaking Engagements, include: ‘High-Conflict Parenting Disputes – new approaches’. In association with OurFamilyWizard - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/our-family-wizard-high-conflict-parenting-disputes/ Informa Middle East: ‘What Constitutes a Family: Working with non-traditional family structures relating to children’ https://www.phb.co.uk/article/informa-connect-cross-border-planning-international-2021/ Informa Bermuda: ‘Working with non-traditional family structures’ Informa Cross Border Planning: Europe/International: ‘What constitutes a family?’ - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/informa-connect-cross-border-planning-international-2021/ Chair of International Movement of Children Event, following the Supreme Court Decision G V G UKSC2020/0191 https://www.phb.co.uk/article/international-movement-of-children-child-abduction-asylum-regimes-relocation/ TL4 Private Client: Succession Planning for Modern Families- https://www.phb.co.uk/article/thoughtleaders4-privateclient-succession-planning-for-modern-families/ Guy’s & St Thomas’ Medical School: Family Law and Ethics in 2021 Guy’s & St Thomas’ Medical School: Addressing Issues of Capacity in 2021 TL4: Sudden Incapacity: Legal Implications under the Prevalence of Covid https://www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/thoughtleaders4-privateclient-sudden-incapacity-legal-implications-under-the-prevalence-of-covid-sarah-williams-and-jessica-henson MSJ: Surrogacy in the USA: Where to Start? https://www.phb.co.uk/article/surrogacy-in-the-us-where-to-begin-and-who-can-help/ Men Having Babies European Conference in Brussels: Parenting Options from an English Perspective: [file:///I:/028000/0135/Docs/Private/PublicMarketing/OldWebsite/www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/parenting-options-for-men-november-6-7-2021.html] 2021 Publications include: International Comparative Legal Guide: (Expert Chapter) Family Law: Covid-19 vaccination: Capacity and Best Interests – the first reported Court of Protection Judgment https://www.phb.co.uk/article/covid-19-vaccination-capacity-and-best-interests-the-first-reported-court-of-protection-judgment-sarah-williams-for-family-law/ Family Law: Childhood vaccination disputes in the era of COVID 19 https://www.phb.co.uk/article/childhood-vaccination-disputes-sarah-williams-for-family-law/ Capacity and sexual relations. Co-author. TL4 https://www.phb.co.uk/article/thoughtleaders4-privateclient-capacity-sexual-relations-a-radical-re-assessment/ Tatler: The Heir and the Spare: or are they? Co-author - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/top-lawyers-explain-everything-you-need-to-know-about-surrogacy-and-peerages-sarah-williams-for-tatler/ ThoughtLeaders4PrivateClient magazine February 2021 Issue 3: Capacity & Sexual relations - a radical reassessment - co-author https://www.phb.co.uk/article/top-lawyers-explain-everything-you-need-to-know-about-surrogacy-and-peerages-sarah-williams-for-tatler/ Future Lawyer blog lawbore: Surrogacy during a global pandemic - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/surrogacy-during-a-global-pandemic-interview-with-sarah-williams-for-future-lawyer-blog-lawbore/ Podcasts: Winner Gold Award CityWealth Best Podcast - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/payne-hicks-beach-is-delighted-to-be-the-winner-of-best-blog-podcast-of-the-year-at-the-2022-citywealths-brand-management-reputation-awards/ A series of award winning Modern Family Law Podcasts: International Surrogacy: A Guide to New York file:///I:/028000/0135/Docs/Private/PublicMarketing/OldWebsite/www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/international-surrogacy-new-york.html -] International Surrogacy: A Guide to Florida - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/international-surrogacy-florida/ International Surrogacy: A Guide to California - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/californian-surrogacy-arrangements-what-all-uk-intended-parents-need-to-know/ International Surrogacy: An Intended Parent’s Perspective - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/surrogacy-a-parents-perspective/ The Truth behind Egg Freezing - The truth behind egg freezing - Sarah Williams and Professor Joyce Harper - file:///I:/028000/0135/Docs/Private/PublicMarketing/OldWebsite/www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/the-truth-behind-egg-freezing-sarah-williams-and-professor-joyce-harper.html] Donor Gametes: Where to start? - https://www.phb.co.uk/article/how-to-find-the-right-donor-egg-sperm-and-gestational-surrogate-in-order-to-start-your-family/ 2000 Publications include: STEP Journal: The Parentage Trap. Co-author. https://www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/the-parentage-trap-jessica-henson-sarah-williams-for-step-journal] Family Law: Surrogacy in Unusual Circumstances: X, Re [2020] EWFC 39 https://www.phb.co.uk/legal-updates/the-parentage-trap-jessica-henson-sarah-williams-for-step-journal and https://www.familylaw.co.uk/news_and_comment/surrogacy-in-unusual-circumstances-x-re-2020-ewfc-39 ] Family Law Journal: Eyes Wide Open: Transparency in the Family Courts https://www.phb.co.uk/article/eyes-wide-open-transparency-in-the-family-courts-sarah-williams-for-the-family-law-journal/ Family Law: Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust v AB [2020] EWCOP 40 The Times: Landmark ruling restricts puberty blockers for children 2020 Speaking Engagements, include: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Professional Development Conference: The Changing Face of Motherhood 2020 Press interviews/comments include: The Guardian: ‘Parents fight in Court over whether children should return to school in England’ https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/jun/02/parents-fight-in-court-over-whether-children-should-return-to-school-in-england Financial Times: Navigating the lockdown causes stepfamilies further stress: https://www.ft.com/content/c464f112-82ff-11ea-b872-8db45d5f6714
Mariko handles all aspects of private family law and has a broad range of experience, frequently acting for high net worth individuals in financial relief and divorce proceedings as well as acting in children matters. She has particular expertise in cases involving complex pensions issues, and in cases in which mental health issues are a feature. Mariko has acted on a number of complex cross border financial matters, often advising non tax resident and non tax domiciled individuals, entrepreneurs and individuals from the financial sector. She also has experience in dealing with property claims brought by third parties and unmarried cohabitants under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Mariko is experienced in dealing with cross border private children law matters particularly proceedings where one parent seeks to remove a child from the jurisdiction contrary to the wishes of the other. She also advises on financial claims on behalf of the children of unmarried parents under Schedule 1 of the Children Act, including in a cross border context. Mariko was named as a Rising Star in both The Spear’s 500 2019 Index of leading family lawyers and in The Legal 500 UK 2020, where she was also recommended for her family law expertise – “Mariko Wilson is exceptionally able. She is bright, organised, and forthright but charming”. The Legal 500 UK 2017 describes Mariko as “extremely numerate and a joy to work with.” The Citywealth Leaders List 2017 also ranks Mariko as a leading family lawyer noting that “She works tirelessly for her clients, going above and beyond at all times to act in their best interests.” Mariko was shortlisted in the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2018. Mariko is a trained family mediator,
Laura advises on all family law issues that flow from separation, divorce or dissolution with a view to achieving a resolution. She offers pragmatic and sensitive advice and helps her clients to reach commercial solutions.Her practice includes advising and guiding clients through the divorce process, the division of family finances, drafting pre/postnuptial agreements and pre/post civil partnership agreements. She regularly advises on issues between unmarried couples to include drafting cohabitation agreements and advising on property disputes. Laura also advises clients in relation to matters regarding their children, to include contact disputes, international relocation and financial support.Laura advises a broad range of clients including those with complex financial affairs, trusts, company structures and inherited assets. A large proportion of her cases have an international element.Laura joined the family team in 2007 having trained with the firm. She is a member of the Resolution, having formerly being a member of the London Resolution Committee and firmly believes in their ethos of promoting a conciliatory and constructive approach to family disputes. She also regularly volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Claire is a Partner in the Family team, practicing in the area of family law for 16 years. She recognises that changing family dynamics require a flexible and commercial approach, with early intervention and the use of ADR being key. Her diverse practice includes advising international and domestic HNW clients on the financial implications of relationship breakdown, in particular those involving trusts and corporate assets, crypto assets, inherited wealth, complex remuneration structures and where there are allegations of non-disclosure or dissipation. She also has a well-established wealth protection practice advising clients on pre-and post-nuptial agreements. Claire has great experience in private law cases relating to a child's living arrangements, significant decisions regarding their care and applications by one parent to relocate within the UK or overseas with a child. Claire has a particular interest in managing the reputational aspect of relationship breakdown and protecting the balance between personal and private life. Described as "one of the very best partners", "out performing her peers" and whose negotiating skills are "second to none", Claire is adept at ensuring that her clients feel supported in what is often a pivotal time in their lives, working with them to achieve the best possible outcome, enabling them to move forward with confidence.
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Amanda is a partner in the family team and a member of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s private wealth group. She offers a depth of resource for clients and brings more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of family law, but especially complex children matters and high finance including offshore trusts, complicated property aspects and corporate structures. She also regularly negotiates complex pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Amanda is a trained mediator who strongly believes in resolution without recourse to court proceedings wherever possible. She approaches all her cases with the same pragmatic and empathetic approach, seeking to find sensible and fair solutions at the earliest opportunity be it in relation to children or the financial aspects of relationship breakdown.
Consultant solicitor specialising in domestic and international adoption, surrogacy, fertility law and childrens law. Naomi was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Family Law Awards. She also is a previous recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Family Law Awards. Osbornes is an approved legal partner of the leading surrogacy organisation, My Surrogacy Journey, which helps couples and individuals exploring international surrogacy. Naomi also appears in the Tatler Advisory Address Book as a recommended lawyer.
Simon has an extensive and busy family law practice specialising right across the spectrum of divorce, financial claims, civil partnership disputes, co-habitee disputes and disputes relating to children. In addition, he advises on and drafts cohabitation, separation and pre-nuptial agreements, of which there are a growing number. Much of his work includes an international element and he frequently advises on choice of jurisdiction as well as on the removal of children out of the jurisdiction. Simon's clients have included nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, and from the sports of horse racing, tennis and golf. Simon is in a unique position of having had two family law cases heard in the House of Lords/Supreme Court, which have been reported both nationally and internationally. Simon acted for Pamela White in the ground-breaking decision on the distribution of property and assets on divorce, White v White (2000), which provides for equality as the starting point in the division of assets to ensure the absence of discrimination between the breadwinner on the one hand and the homemaker on the other. This is still the current law. Simon acted for Tini Owens in Tini Owens v Hugh John Owens (2018) in which the Supreme Court refused her a divorce notwithstanding the fact that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and the parties had separated. The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the lower courts that in spite of Mrs Owens having provided 27 examples of Mr Owens's behaviour towards her, he had not behaved in such a way that she could not reasonably be expected to live with him. In the light of the Judgment in Tini Owens v Hugh John Owens, widespread sympathy for Mrs Owens for the way in which she had been treated by the Courts and the overwhelming support from the public, the media, judges, lawyers and politicians for a change in the law, the Government has passed the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 to bring in "no fault" divorce. The purpose of this Act is to allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame for the marriage breakdown. The Act came into force on 6 April 2022 and has been well received. Simon's other reported cases include Court of Appeal decisions: In the Matter of R (Children) (2016) a Court of Appeal Judgment of Lords Justices McFarlane and Lindblom dismissing a father’s appeal against losing direct contact with his children. Hayat Youssef Alireza v Hossam Youssef Ibrahim Radwan and Others (2017) a widely reported Court of Appeal Judgement of Lady Justice Gloster, Law Justice Lewison and Lady Justice King relating to extent to which a prospective inheritance was capable of being a financial resource which could be taken into account in an application for financial relief in divorce proceedings. The case was remitted back to the High Court to determine extent of the lump sum Ms Alireza should receive from Mr Radwan. Tini Owens v Hugh John Owens (2017) a widely reported Court of Appeal Judgment of the President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby, Lady Justice Hallett and Lady Justice Macur refusing the wife a divorce. and High Court decisions: RH v RH (2008) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Singer relating to financial remedy claims on divorce and costs. Seagrove v Sullivan (2014) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Holman in a cohabitee dispute involving claims under The Trusts of Law and Appointment of Trustees Act and under Schedule 1 of The Children Act. NR v AB (Financial Remedies) (2016) a High Court Judgment of Mrs Justice Roberts relating to financial remedy claims on divorce, the principle of the clean break and extent to which a prospective inheritance was capable of being a financial resource which could be taken into account in an application for financial relief in divorce proceedings. K, L and M (Children) (Child Arrangements Order) (2016) a High Court Judgment of Ms Justice Russell relating to child arrangements re a father losing direct contact with his children due to his conduct towards them. ABX and SBX and DX (2018) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Francis relating to financial remedy claims on divorce and issues concerning add backs, section 37 (set aside) applications and offer letters. MY v FY (2020) a High Court Judgment of Ms Justice Russell relating to child arrangements concerning an 8 year old boy and the Father’s wish to see him in circumstances where, whilst he undoubtedly loved his son, he had behaviour issues which made supervised contact necessary. Simon is recommended by the law directories as a leading family lawyer, including Chambers, The Legal 500 UK and Legal Experts. Quotes include: “Simon Beccle was exceptionally responsive and conscientious and was measured and helpful” and “Simon Beccle is empathetic and wise – client care is second to none.” He is listed in the Honours List for Leading Family & Matrimonial Lawyers in the Citywealth Leaders List 2022 and Spear’s 500 2022 as a Recommended Family Lawyer ranked “outstanding in field” with a specialist focus on international divorce. Simon is regularly quoted in the national and legal press.
Partner. Claire's predictions of outcome are spot on and she delivers the best results for her clients by being creative, solution focused but tough when needed. She protects her clients absolutely and they value her no nonsense approach, absolute support, and determination to achieve the right solution. Her work spans the full range of family law. Whether working with domestic or international clients, she deals with complex financial claims, children issues, pre and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitant disputes and has extensive experience advising on cases involving trusts. Her clients are in commerce, finance and tech, professionals, families with inherited wealth and those in the public eye. Whilst being highly experienced in difficult litigation she also has a thriving dispute-resolution practice as a mediator and collaborative lawyer.
Emily is the Head of Family and specialises in family law with particular expertise in complex financial proceedings, often with an international dimension. Emily's experience ranges from drafting pre and post nuptial agreements to litigating on children disputes in the High Court. Emily frequently advises on cases involving family businesses or private equity assets. She is widely respected for her combination of compassion for her clients’ unique circumstances, and her astute ability for intelligent problem-solving.
Partner specialising in financial matters, particulary complex HNW cases. He also has wide expertise in children matters as a result of his caseload in pro bono family law clinics in London. Simon is known for his naturally empathetic and caring style. He is also an experienced mediator and collaborative lawyer.
Partner in the family law team. Undertakes financial orders on divorce/relationship breakdown/civil partnership dissolution; nuptial agreements; Children Act cases, with an emphasis on same-sex disputes; and pre-conception agreements. Regularly contributes to legal journals and writes articles for the gay press.
Partner specialising in divorce, high-value ancillary relief, cohabitants’ disputes and non-marital finance.
Rebecca is a partner in the family department, advising on all issues arising from divorce and relationship breakdown, both financial and children related. She is experienced in drafting pre- and post-nuptial agreements, both domestic and international, and in resolving issues between unmarried couples. A member of Resolution, the leading association of family lawyers in England and Wales, she is also a trained collaborative lawyer. Highly regarded by clients and her peers, she is one of the few family lawyers to have been recognised by The Lawyer as a prestigious ‘Hot 100’ alumni. She is also listed in the Citywealth Leaders List. Her recent work includes acting in the reported case of AI and MT, where the High Court agreed to refer the children, divorce and financial issues between a couple to religious arbitration; advising the successful defendant in F v Y (Abduction: Acquiescence) involving an alleged wrongful removal of a child to Russia; and acting in Re: B (Children), one of the first reported Court of Appeal cases to focus on the English court’s jurisdiction under Article 3 of the European Maintenance Regulation.
Pamela is a consultant at Family Law in Partnership. She is a very senior and highly regarded family lawyer having specialised in family law for over 35 years. Pamela is known for her pragmatic and constructive style and her strategic vision. Pamela’s primary focus is international and domestic family law matters particularly the financial aspects of relationship breakdown, private law children matters (including international relocation) and pre and post nuptial agreements. Pamela regularly deals with jurisdiction issues, cross border tax issues and cases involving complex business valuations. Pamela’s clients include senior lawyers and financial advisers, private equity and hedge fund professionals, business owners and their partners. Many of her clients are international, including foreign trustees and trust companies. Pamela has a litigation background and experience of a broad range of areas of the law including trusts, corporate and employment law. She is known for her financial numeracy and is regularly referred work by senior judges and members of the family law bar because of her depth and breadth of experience and her innovative and insightful approach to finding solutions to complex and challenging issues. Pamela is a qualified collaborative lawyer.
Daniel is a director at Family Law in Partnership. He handles a wide variety of family law issues, with particular emphasis on resolving financial matters following divorce, and applications concerning children. He has particular experience of high net worth and international finance cases and complicated children cases, including those involving children born into same-sex families, parents with mental health issues and international relocation cases. Daniel's clients include senior businessmen and women, professional sportsmen and women, medical professionals, actors and those in the film industry, and their partners. Daniel is a trained mediator and collaborative family lawyer, as well as a determined litigator when required.
Partner. Philip specialises in divorce and medium-to-high net worth financial settlements representing homemakers, city professionals, celebrities, entrepreneurs and sports people. His work regularly involves family companies, offshore funds and trusts and he has extensive experience with the international relocation of children. With a strong equine background, Philip has a real interest in farming families and all things involving horses. He is a “go to” for Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements and has negotiated agreements involving significant national and international wealth. Philip also advises non-married clients on family and property issues arising on relationship breakdown and represents non-married parents with “Schedule 1” claims for the benefit of their children.
Partner specialising in all areas of adoption, with a particular interest in international adoption with complex immigration/legal difficulties and in co-parenting, surrogacy and parental orders. Jemma Dally represented the adopters in the leading case in respect of recognition of a foreign adoption order (D v D (foreign adoption) [2008] 1 FLR 1475), also Re Z + Z (recognition of a Brazilian adoption order) [2013] EWHC 747 (Fam); Re R (recognition of Indian adoption) [2012] EWHC 2956 (Fam).
Associate, Family and Matrimonial. Maud specialises in children law, representing children in complex care cases. She is an experienced advocate and deals with hearings at all levels, including the Court of Appeal.
Sofia is adept at advising high-level celebrity clients in the music, entertainment, sport and technology sectors. Many cases are both complex and high value, frequently involving the resolution of sensitive issues relating to children and financial matters involving trusts and companies both in the UK and abroad.
James is a Partner in the Family team and specialises in family law dealing with all matters arising from the breakdown of a marriage/relationship. His legal specialisations include: separation and divorce, financial proceedings, children, and pre-marital pre-civil partnership and separation agreements.
Miranda specialises in family law, including prenuptial agreements, financial settlement on divorce and arrangements for children after parents separate. She has been a specialist family law practitioner for over twenty years, and is equally adept at dealing with complex financial disputes and the most difficult children cases. Her financial cases often involve trusts, inherited wealth, family businesses, offshore asset structures, and the protection of family wealth through pre/post nuptial agreements. Miranda is experienced in international family law cases involving financial issues and the relocation of/arrangements for children, applications to the English Court for financial settlement following divorce proceedings overseas, and jurisdiction disputes, particularly concerning Eastern and Western Europe, the United States of America and the Middle East. Miranda has expertise in Islamic family law issues and is Head of the Charles Russell Speechlys Middle East Family Practice. She is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). Miranda regularly advises high profile clients, including in the sport and media industries, and is accustomed to dealing with privacy issues. She is co-author of Privacy and Disclosure for Family Lawyers for Resolution and Child Contact: Law and Practice for Law Society Publishing.
Head of National Children Team, Partner, Solicitor specialising in all areas of children law, adoption, child arrangements, domestic abuse, relocation, child abduction and surrogacy. Resolution Accredited Specialist in Child Abduction, Adoption and Children Law, Law Society Children Panel Solicitor, Solicitor-Advocate with Higher Rights of Audience.
Sital is Head of Department for Kingsley Napley's Family and Divorce team. She specialises in complex financial matters within relationship breakdown including international jurisdictional cases. She has extensive experience in difficult cases involving off-shore trusts, family businesses, tracing assets, third party interests and inherited wealth. Sital is known for her strategic advice in complex cases, and has great instincts in manoeuvring the case to achieve the right result for her clients. Examples of her cases include: acting for the Wife in complex financial remedy proceedings where the assets totalled £38m plus and the matter proceeded to a 5 day final hearing; acting for the Wife of an American banker with worldwide assets and representing her at the Arbitration; acting for a lawyer in financial remedy proceedings involving complex trust structures and off-shore interests with assets of over £100m. Sital won silver in the "Woman of the Year - Future Leaders (Partner)" category at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2020.
Brett advises clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce, cohabitation, children, prenuptial agreements and civil partnerships with a particular emphasis on the resolution of complex financial disputes.
Mark is a partner in the family department and has been the managing partner at Osbornes since 2001. He joined the family department on qualification in 1994 quickly progressing to partner. Mark specialises in all areas of family law with a specific focus on high-profile and high-net-worth divorce and finance cases, as well as complex cases involving overseas assets and trusts. He has acted for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals before the Central Family Court and the High Court with excellent results. Mark sets out to achieve the very best for his clients and has earned himself a reputation as a tough negotiator both in and out the court forum. He regularly conducts round table meetings bringing finance cases to a swift and cost-effective conclusion as an alternative to court hearings. His work involves multi-jurisdictional divorce and children cases, with particular emphasis on Europe and the Middle East. He has successfully represented clients in all areas including under the new child arrangements programme. Mark is a well-known and highly regarded family and divorce lawyer often receiving referrals from existing and former clients as well as other family lawyers. Mark has run a number of cases in the Court of Appeal and is a well-respected family law practitioner. He regularly appears on TV and radio commenting on issues and changes surrounding family law. He is accredited by Resolution and is a trained mediator.
Claire enjoys a diverse client base and an extensive caseload involving all aspects of family law for high net worth individuals, covering divorce, financial settlements, private law children matters, enforcement, civil partnership matters and unmarried couples. She also has considerable experience of drafting and advising upon pre and post-nuptial agreements. Her cases regularly include very complex financial, business and international matters, often involving offshore assets and trusts. Claire is a collaborative lawyer and a mediator and regards both practices as valuable alternative means of settling disputes.
Partner. Michael advises on all aspects of divorce and family law (including pre- and post-nuptial agreements) with particular focus on the resolution of financial issues for wealthy individuals, whether married or cohabiting and often with international interests (including in particular those with US, Middle-Eastern and Russian connections). He also has extensive experience of child law matters, including international relocation. Michael has acted in numerous complex high-value divorce cases involving trusts and businesses, and in conjunction with his colleagues in the trust, tax and estate planning teams at Withers he is regularly instructed to advise on stress-testing of wealth structures. His clients include city professionals, entrepreneurs and business people, landowners, sports and music stars, politicians, and their spouses/partners. Michael is a certified family law arbitrator and a qualified collaborative lawyer.
Partner and specialist financial and children lawyer who heads up Mills & Reeve's London family team, Joanna is a trained barrister who is also a mediator and collaborative lawyer. Joanna’s work involves advising clients both within and outside of the jurisdiction who have complex financial and children issues arising from family breakdown, often involving trusts, business assets and pensions. She works with clients on wealth protection, drafting and advising on pre and post marital agreements. From a client: “A tremendous asset….Calm, assured, diligent and clearly very knowledgeable, Joanna performed superbly throughout proceedings” From Counsel: “Brilliant and has a steely determination to do the best for her clients” From Counsel: “Joanna is clever and charming. Her clients love he. She has a real warmth and sense of humour that disguises her determination to win. She commands a dedicated team and leads by example – fearless hard work
Kate has considerable expertise in acting for barristers, solicitors and clients in the financial sector. Many of her cases involve foreign jurisdictions with off-shore assets and/or international lifestyles. She has expertise in disputes between property owners, being either family members or couples, financial provision upon divorce/dissolution, intervening in divorces, advising unmarried parents in their claims, undertaking complex children work such as leave to remove applications and negotiating pre and post nuptial agreements. Reported cases: Re: D (A Child) (Abduction: foreign custody rights) [2006] UKHL 510, El Gamal v HRH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed al-Maktoum [2011] EWHC B27 (Fam); Re A (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 1577 and GN v MA [2015] EWHC 3939 (Fam), Ashby v Kilduff [2010] EWHC 2034 (Ch.).
Partner specialising in family law matters including financial matters with an international element involving trusts pre-nuptial agreements. Acted for John Charman in the leading case on the treatment of trusts in divorce. Also acted for Stuart Crossley in a leading case on pre-nuptial agreements.
Sarah handles all areas of family law with particular focus on financial applications, children, cohabitation and marital agreements. Sarah advises those involved in disputes concerning their financial arrangements following relationship breakdown, whether as spouses/cohabitants or third parties such as trustees. Many clients are international or have assets abroad. Sarah is experienced in advising civil partners. Children issues include acting for parents or other family members. Sarah is experienced in dealing with cases with substantial and complex assets in various jurisdictions in particular where there are trusts, and where there are issues of non disclosure and disputed valuations. She drafts and advises on both marital and civil partnership agreements. Her children work includes acting in cases where one parent wishes to relocate to a different country with a child. Sarah is experienced in dealing with matters where there are allegations of drug or alcohol abuse. She is a trained mediator and a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Partner in the Divorce and Family department. The Legal 500 has described Richard as "ferociously clever and very solution focused" and a "star in the making". Richard focuses particularly on negotiating the financial aspects of divorce (and civil partnership dissolution), separation and preparing pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Richard focuses particularly on negotiating the financial aspects of divorce (and civil partnership dissolution), separation and preparing pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Often, these matters will have an international element and, with pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements especially, Richard is accustomed to liaising with lawyers in several different jurisdictions. Reflective of his private client background, Richard is also regularly involved in cases involving complex tax and trust issues. Richard acted for HRH Prince Louis of Luxembourg in the successful application for a reporting restrictions order relating to family proceedings – [2017] EWHC 3095 (Fam). Richard also acted for the wife in XW v XH 2017 EWFC 76 (and XW v XH (No.2) (Reporting Restrictions Order) [2018] EWFC 44) in which the wife was awarded one of the highest recorded English divorce settlements. In addition the case dealt with issues of special contribution, privacy and whether foreign marital contracts should be treated as pre-nuptial agreements. At the Court of Appeal the wife was successful, exceptionally, in her application for the reporting restrictions order granted in the High Court to be maintained (XW v XH [2019] EWCA Civ 549). Furthermore her lump sum award was increased from £115m to £145m (XW v XH [2019] EWCA Civ 2262).
Caroline advises a diverse client base on both contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular focus on cases involving an international element. Her practice ranges from drafting and negotiating pre-nuptial agreements to advising in complex financial disputes arising out of all aspects of relationship breakdown. She also has considerable experience advising in private law children matters, including in relation to contact disputes, relocation applications and abduction. Her practice involves a significant level of international work and she has particular expertise in complex cross-jurisdictional cases. She speaks French and Italian and frequently uses her language skills and experience to assist clients whose cases involve international elements. She has also spent time on secondment with a top family law firm in Los Angeles, California. Caroline recently advised in the important case of Prest v Petrodel which was heard in the UK Supreme Court. The extremely complex case, the importance of which extends beyond family law and into important aspects or trust and company law, was ultimately decided in her client’s favour.
Partner and head of the family department dealing with all aspects of family law, in particular matrimonial finance, prenuptial agreements, often of very high value, and private law children work.
Financial settlements on divorce, dealing with complex asset cases and international family law issues. Also advises on pre and post marital agreements, including those involving multiple jurisdictions and other asset protection issues. Specialist in pensions on divorce.
Partner in the Divorce and Family department. Matthew has specialised exclusively for over 25 years in resolving financial and children issues arising upon divorce or family breakdown. He represents high net worth individuals, or their spouses / partners, frequently in cases involving complex financial structures (often with an international element) or in cases where there are disagreements regarding arrangements for children. Matthew also regularly advises upon the negotiation of nuptial agreements. Matthew is a senior partner in the Divorce and Family department at Stewarts, the pre-eminent divorce and family practice in England that is top ranked in the legal directories. Whilst Matthew is known for his expertise in complex litigation, he is also a renowned negotiator determined to settle cases whenever possible to do so in the best interests of his clients. He is a keen proponent of arbitration. His practice encompasses high value financial claims, including those on behalf of the children of unmarried parents, as well as resolving areas of disagreement over arrangements for children. He attracts particular recognition for his understanding of clients and their needs, together with his prolific legal knowledge allied with his skills and strategic thinking. Matthew has conducted significant recent cases before the Family Court including: IR v OR [2022] – acting for the wife, achieving an award of over £70m. The case dealt with the treatment of wealth generated before the marriage and from the sale of a family business, as well as the enforceability of a pre-nuptial agreement. Fuchs [2022] – acting for a billionaire husband in response to the wife’s application for interim maintenance of £4.2m a year, demonstrating the level of interim maintenance payable in very wealthy cases. WC v HC [2022] – acting for the husband in a case involving pre and post nuptial agreements and inherited wealth. The case also considered the relevance of future (significant) inherited wealth pursuant to forced heirship provisions. DR v UG [2023] – acting for the husband where the case involved arguments about his ‘special contribution’ and post separation endeavour where the main asset increased in value by a multiple of more than seven times after the date of separation.
Mark is a Partner within the firm's Family department. He handles all aspects of private family law with a particular emphasis on complex financial and children cases, and those with an international dimension. Mark has considerable experience advising clients in relation to financial claims upon the breakdown of marriage and other relationships. He is often instructed to advise on the care and living arrangements for children, including international relocation cases, and advises regularly on pre and post nuptial agreements as well as cohabitation agreements. Mark advises clients from all walks of life. Many have substantial assets, offshore and corporate asset-holding structures, are in the public eye or have reputation management concerns. Mark’s particular skill is in providing clients with smart strategies and solutions, simplifying complex legal issues and communicating in a down to earth and collegiate manner. Mark has been described by Patrick Chamberlayne QC as “an outstanding family lawyer with an exceptional strategic brain” and by Alex Verdan QC as a lawyer with “excellent judgment” who “knows when to litigate and fight a case hard, and yet also is astute and reasonable and knows when to compromise”. In addition to Mark’s client work, he holds a number of management positions within the firm.
Consultant Suzanne is widely known for her expertise in all aspects of family work, in particular the resolution of complex financial issues for high net worth individuals. Suzanne’s cases often have an international element and she has considerable experience in dealing with prenuptial agreements and cohabitation issues. Often referred to as “the Queen of Arbitration and Mediation’, Suzanne has a thriving mediation and arbitration practice and teaches both
Partner. Katharine has an abundance of energy, which drives her efficient and effective practice. She has particular expertise in complex cases involving an international element, whether concerning the relocation of children, trusts, or families with assets worldwide. Katharine is a deft handler of highly contested litigation and has represented clients in a number of reported cases. She will always fight her client's corner and she is an excellent strategist and problem solver. But she knows when to put her negotiation skills to good use, settling cases where it makes sense to do so. Katharine is recognised for her attention to detail and ability to combine theory and practice. Her client service is second to none and she builds strong client relationships, combining empathy with clear advice and well defined strategy. She is known for her 'intelligent, sharp, and emotionally intelligent approach'.
Partner, Head of Family and Matrimonial. Alison specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children. She has a particular interest in domestic abuse, forced marriage, so called ‘honour’ based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM) issues. Alison regularly represents parents in complex care proceedings including those involving international elements; where non-accidental injury, physical abuse or sexual abuse of children has been alleged; fabricated illness; domestic abuse and cases with parallel criminal proceedings. She is experienced in acting in private and public law children cases where there are issues of radicalisation. She also advises parents in respect of disputes about where a child lives and who child spends time with. This includes cases where one parent is seeking to relocate outside of England and Wales and cases where there is social services involvement with the family. Alison is experienced in acting for parents where there is a dispute with treating doctors as to what treatment a child should receive, and she provides training in her fields of expertise for other professionals including lawyers, social workers, health care professionals and advice agencies.
Partner specialising in financial remedies and private law children matters. Widely regarded for her expertise in complex cases, Sarah Jane has extensive experience in challenging and emotionally charged matters involving allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation and safeguarding issues. She is also known for advising individuals with substantial income and assets with complex international elements, and a variety of financial, business and trust structures.
Partner specialising in international children work: child abduction, jurisdiction disputes, registration and enforcement of foreign contact orders, leave to remove, contact, adoption, cross borders placement and public law cases. She also has experience in the law relating to surrogacy (both domestic and international), family formation and assisted reproduction rights.
Philip is a partner in the Family department. An expert in complex high value financial remedy cases, often with an international dimension, he is held in equally high regard for his expertise in pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation contracts, asset protection and private children law. Philip advises on all aspects of family law, with his primary focus on financial remedy work. With a reputation for being commercially minded and pragmatic he is regularly instructed in complex financial litigation, more often than not with an international dimension involving HNWIs. He advises on pre/post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements and cohabitation contracts. Philip has a busy practice in pre/post-nuptial agreements, often with a foreign element working with overseas experts. Philip represented the successful husband in one of the early post Radmacher cases (V–v-V (Prenuptial Agreement) [2012] 1 FLR 1315). Philip also deals with disputes relating to children; principally schedule 1 and section 8 CA 1989 applications. Philip acts for (and against) many clients who are household names, as well as for city professionals, entrepreneurs, family business owners, financiers, personalities in the sports/arts/media and their spouses/partners; always with an eye to avoid as much as possible the glare of publicity in what are obviously highly personal and very often distressing matters. His preference is, and has always been, to deal with the disengagement process, and the practical implications, in an environment which seeks to guarantee the parties confidentiality, speed and economy. The Court process, he believes, ought to be regarded as the ultimate default position only. Cases of interest: Rothschild-v-De Souza [2020] EWCA Civ 1215 MB-v-EB (No.2) [2019] EWHC 3676 (Fam); MB-v-EB [2019] EWHC 1649 (Fam); SR-v-RS [2014] EWHC 4305 (Fam) MA-H -v- ZS [2012] EWHC 3271 (Fam); H -v- S (Recognition of Overseas Divorce) [2011] EWHC B23 (Fam); V -v- V (Prenuptial Agreement) [2011] EWHC 3230 (Fam); B -v- B (Ancillary Relief) [2010] 2 FLR 887; Judge -v- Judge [2009] 1 FLR 1287 CA; Corbett -v- Corbett [2003] 2 FLR 385 CA; Attar -v- Attar (No's 1 & 2) [1985] FD 649 & 653.
Simon, Senior Partner at Vardags, specialises in the top end of high net worth divorce. He has particular expertise in managing ultra-high net worth cases involving very complex financial issues and cross-jurisdictional disputes. He has the expertise and command of both broad lines and forensic detail to be in complete command of his multi-billion pound cases. Simon also deals with separation and cohabitation disputes and private children law proceedings, including international relocation. Simon has great experience in representing individuals or their partners from the venture capital, hedge fund, City, banking, entertainment and sporting sectors, and leading entrepreneurs. He has particular expertise in handling the sensitivities around celebrity cases. As a trained collaborative lawyer, he is able to settle cases through conciliatory negotiation as well as through tough litigation.
Partner dealing with matrimonial finance including complex and high net worth cases, pre and postnuptial agreements, cohabitation cases and private law children work.
Described in The Lawyer Hot 100 2019 as a "protégé of Fiona Shackleton", Ben is a partner in the Family department and advises on all aspects of family law: children, divorce/civil partnership, co-habitation, pre/post nuptial agreements, complex financial disputes and jurisdictional issues. Much of his work has an international element. He has dealt with cases involving the relocation of children and on matters involving same-sex parents. Ben has experience of dealing with matters where decision-making capacity is an issue and often acts in cases involving trusts. Ben has worked on the leading case involving “special contribution”, as part of the team representing HRH Princess Haya and recently on a case where a wife’s behaviour was so bad that the judge awarded her less than half the matrimonial pot. He has a broad practice and gives as much care and attention to a case in the Central Family Court where every penny spent on lawyers really matters, as he does to a Supreme Court case. He is one of a handful of lawyers doing heavy weight financial and complex children work. Ben read law at Merton College, Oxford and trained at Mishcon. Clients say Ben always remains cheerful under pressure and tries to find humour when things get grim.
Partner Kathryn has specialised in family law for over 30 years. Her practice encompasses substantial financial remedy cases often involving complicated company/family business structures. She is widely experienced in the involvement of trusts, particularly offshore. Leave to remove from the jurisdiction/ internal relocation cases for international and domestic clients and nuptial settlements and multi-jurisdictional issues form an important part of her practice. Kathryn’s 20 years of experience sitting in a part-time judicial capacity, most recently in the Financial Remedies Unit in the Central Family Court in London, give her a particular insight into any case from all perspectives. The Legal 500 directory notes that Kathryn is ‘highly recommended’ and very active in children matters including Schedule 1 financial applications. She is a notable practitioner in Chambers & Partners which has previously commented on her being “extremely astute and gifted at analysing the situation and individuals, recommending the best course of action at every turn, and executing it in such a succinct and powerful way” and notes that clients describe her as “extremely plugged-in and immensely effective”.
Senior partner at Goodman Ray, specialising in all aspects of complex children work, both public and private law, and adoption.
Barbara is a Partner and Head of the firm's Family department. She is widely recognised as one of London's leading Family lawyers, and has been constantly top-ranked by the major professional directories, including being listed in eprivateclient as one of the 2022 50 most influential in the Private Client profession. She is an accredited specialist in all aspects of Family law, and provides a multi-faceted and flexible approach in relation to the needs of families, having led cases involving substantial wealth, complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and trust issues. Many of the cases that Barbara works on have an international dimension, including the US, Russia and the Middle-East. She is renowned for her handling of the financial fall-out from divorce, with significant experience in cases with an element of non-disclosure and enforcement issues. She is also adept in dealing with the wider issues affecting families, such as separation; property disputes; injunctions; marital agreements; cohabitation and all private children arrangements, including residence and contact arrangements, overseas relocation, surrogacy and adoption. She is a trusted advisor for many families which includes assisting with opportunities and challenges, that require the expertise of the wider firm including tax and wealth planning, asset protection, reputation management, real estate and immigration. Barbara has acted in a number of high profile cases in relation to divorce, matrimonial finance, and financial provision for the children of unmarried parents. Her clients include high net worth and international clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, owners of family businesses, City professionals and the independently wealthy. Barbara is a qualified mediator and is a member of the ADR Group, which is recognised for its cross disciplinary depth in the fields of family, civil, and commercial mediation. She is a member also of the Advisory Panel of Insuring Women's Futures, a programme established by the Chartered Insurance Institute, aimed at promoting and enhancing the insurance and financial planning profession’s role in relation to women and risk. She is a member of the Development Board of the Young Vic and a trustee of the WOW Foundation.
Sarah is a partner in the children and education law team. She specialises in complex cases involving vulnerable adults and children during care proceedings and family disputes such as children spending time with and or living with one family member. In this changing world of how families develop and are formed, Sarah has the ability to adapt and change as well as take on new challenges to meet her clients changing needs. Sarah is particularly experienced in advising and representing children, parents and family members in difficult and sensitive cases which are often life changing for families - for example, where there are issues of parental drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence and or a mental health difficulty. Sarah has a reputation for being able to tackle a difficult area in a case such as mental health without being phased by the added complexities. Many cases often involve allegations of sexual abuse or physical harm to children. She handles these highly emotional cases with sensitivity and kindness. Sarah is also experienced in international and domestic adoption and surrogacy and advising LGBTQ+ families.
Partner Family Law Head of Department Children and Money with an emphasis on international work (particularly London, UAE/ Gulf States, Monaco, USA)
Neil is a Partner and Head of our Family Department. He advises on all aspects of relationship breakdown, including divorce, children and finances. His clients come from all walks of life, from stay at home parents to captains of industry, high-profile celebrities and owners of family businesses. A career-high was acting for the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in his divorce (a matter of public record).Neil deals with the most straightforward to the most complicated cases involving Trusts and international issues, and has extensive expertise in advising on Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements.A member of Resolution and pioneer of Divorce Funding, Neil is known for his pragmatic approach and respected for his experience and ability. He advises clients on all aspects of the process and assists with ways to deal with the costs involved - using the law to unlock and protect clients’ financial interests. In this, he endorses the words of Lord Justice Thorpe “…where there is everything to fight for and nothing to fight with”.When dealing with children related matters, Neil regards the children as his invisible clients. His aim is to protect their future through his advice, steering clients towards an outcome that leaves the family best placed to move forward following the breakdown of a relationship.Neil is recognised in Legal 500 as being "one of the 'go to' men in the London matrimonial world". Neil is also a Family Law commentator and regularly appears on LBC Radio on the Family Legal Hour.
Nicholas is an experienced family barrister. He previously practised at Queen Elizabeth Building and draws on his experience at the Bar to provide clients with a unique perspective. However, he has been a partner since April 2013.Nicholas specialises in complex matrimonial matters. He is particularly experienced in protecting family wealth, drafting nuptial agreements and advising in cases involving complex asset-holding structures. In the last year, Nicholas has represented a wide variety of clients in the public-eye, including: several well-known artists in the music industry and Premier League footballers. Nicholas has also advised the trustees of a Guernsey trust who have been joined as parties to financial remedy proceedings in the High Court. He has advised in relation to multiple pre-nuptial agreements where the assets exceed £100m. Nicholas also just obtained permission to pursue an application under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984, seeking provision from a husband worth in excess of £100m+. Stewart Leech QC describes Nicholas as follows:“He is an exceptionally gifted family lawyer and his experience on both sides of the legal profession gives him the cutting edge. He is easily one of the best, if not the best, of his generation.”
Bradley is a director at Family Law in Partnership. He has a comprehensive family law practice specialising in complex financial remedy proceedings, applications regarding the property of non-married couples and private children law issues, often with an international element. Bradley’s clients include City professionals, business owners and executives. Many of Bradley’s clients are international and most have substantial assets. Bradley has extensive experience of international family law cases. His work regularly involves: jurisdiction issues international relocation of children financial provision following an overseas divorce enforcement of foreign judgments; and pre and post nuptial agreements across jurisdictions, including the application of foreign matrimonial property regimes. Bradley has a reputation as a highly skilled negotiator and litigator, with finely tuned judgment and wide ranging technical expertise. He is adept at evaluating cases at an early stage helping clients to make informed choices to achieve effective long term solutions. Whilst Bradley strives to settle his cases out of court, he recognises that this will not always be possible or in the best interests of every client. He has acted on several landmark cases which have developed legal precedent. Bradley is a qualified mediator and family arbitrator (financial matters) and a collaborative lawyer.
Anna is the head of the family law department, and specialises in matrimonial, financial and children cases. She has extensive experience in cases of a complex nature (including those with international aspects) and a particular interest in international relocation cases. She represented the father in Re C [2003] 1 FLR 1066, the mother in Re D [2006] Fam Law 1006 and the father in Re C (International Relocation) [2015] EWCA 1305. Anna was included in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 2016. She is a trained collaborative lawyer.
Partner and Head of the Family team. Toby specialises in family and matrimonial matters with emphasis on Financial and Private Children Act work, particularly with international elements. An acknowledged expert on Prenuptial contracts.
