Coram Chambers

Adult and social care, children, family finance, human rights, international and dispute resolution.

Neil specialises in family law. Much of his work encompasses complex Public Law (care proceedings) where issues of non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, drug/alcohol addiction, neglect, mental health or learning disabilities feature. A persuasive, approachable advocate, he has a reassuringly no-nonsense approach to advising clients which puts them at their ease. Always meticulous in his preparation, he rapidly gets to the heart of the matter, and, when dealing with sensitive and difficult cases, operates to exemplary standards of client care.

In financial claims Neil represents and advises parties and interveners in all types of claims: financial remedies upon divorce, claims under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 and claims brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointments of Trustees Act 1996.

Called in 1992, Neil has considerable specialist expertise in matters relating to the care and protection of children. Cases of sexual, physical and emotional abuse figure highly in his work, as do those involving parents with long-term addiction or mental health issues.

His recent work has included

Public Law proceedings acting on behalf of Local Authorities, parents or Children’s Guardians in applications for Emergency Protection Orders, Care or Supervision Orders and Secure Accommodation Orders Placement Order and Adoption applications Private Law applications for Special Guardianship Orders, Child Arrangements Orders (previously involving “residence” and “contact” or “custody” and “access” disputes) and is often instructed to act for rule 16.4 Guardians Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps Orders often featuring domestic or international “relocation” cases Financial remedy and financial provision pursuant to Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989

He also deals with financial remedy cases, property disputes, and cases where there is an argument about children, providing both written advice and advocacy. He appears in many ‘leave to remove’ cases, many of which have an international dimension or involving a domestic relocation.

A keen understanding of client care is central to the way in which he deals with families experiencing stress and trauma. They appreciate his straightforward and compassionate approach, and value his clear-cut and realistic advice which helps them prepare for the likely outcome of proceedings.

He is qualified by the Bar Standards Board to accept instructions under the Public Access Scheme direct from litigants who might otherwise choose to act in person, and is a trained mediator.

Inner Temple Family Law Bar Association Association of Lawyers for Children Southern Eastern Circuit

LLB Hons (Exon)