If you are experiencing difficulties in reaching agreement in relation to a family or relationship breakdown, I may be able to assist you in obtaining a fair and just outcome. I have practiced nationally from London for over 10 years and have extensive experience in assisting clients with all aspects of separation and divorce matters, including:-
• negotiating disputed living and contact arrangements for children and, when negotiation fails, appearing before the family courts in order to obtain a just resolution, particularly in cases where one party is in fact seeking to frustrate contact, whilst professing to encourage it;
• parental responsibility disputes, where one party has sought to exclude the other from information or consultation concerning choice of nursery and/or school, holidays, relocation and medical decisions;
• fact‐finding, non-molestation and occupation order hearings concerning allegations of harm, where the outcome will largely pre-determine the finality of child arrangement and/or financial order applications;
• contested financial proceedings, particularly where one party attempts to understate/undervalue assets or use subterfuge/financial superiority in order to retain an unfair advantage.
I am frequently instructed in matters where rigorous analysis of evidence and thorough cross‐examination of witnesses is required. Many cases involve allegations of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, where the potentially life-changing consequences for a client are never underestimated. As an experienced trial lawyer, I have successfully acted in matters which have extended to related criminal and civil proceedings and have considerable experience in dealing with cases where CAFCASS, social services or the courts have misinterpreted matters and are openly hostile to one party.
My approach
Preparation: There is simply no substitute for examining the relevant detail of a case with a client, after having thoroughly read all of the relevant papers, in advance of going to Court or even drafting an initial letter: time and again pieces of information emerge which are either not considered by a client to be factually significant or legally relevant, although which are in fact capable of either materially improving his or her position, or even turning things around entirely. The benefits of listening carefully must rarely be more pivotal. The careful and detailed preparation of witness statements for use in the case is also absolutely essential in order to ensure that no important point is omitted, as a lack of attention to this early in a case can prove to be fatal at trial.
Support: I understand the pressure individuals can be subjected to in litigation and am always willing to discuss case preparation and management in order to overcome anxieties. I am always available out-of-hours and at weekends if that is what the circumstances of a case require; family legal disputes are inevitably one of the most distressing and emotionally draining experiences an individual can face in his or her life.
Advice: my aim is to give straightforward advice about the likely outcome of a dispute based on experience and analysis - and to give a decisive recommendation as to the best way forward. I will help the client to understand the perspectives of the court and other participants and quickly guide as to the most effective way in which to defend a position or advance a case, or even avoid having to go to court altogether. Most of my work comes through referrals and the greatest job satisfaction I can receive is when those I have worked with recommend me to others.
Cost: A major concern for a client is the cost of becoming embroiled in legal action and going to court. My fees are agreed in writing in advance. Every aspect of work is time-recorded and continuously updated to the client by e-mail in order to help meet individual needs and objectives.
My work
Significant cases in which I have successfully represented my clients:
LBC -v- SR: Children Act 1989 proceedings with a 20-day split fact-finding/final hearing into custody and contact, allegations of spousal rape, domestic violence, violence and neglect towards children and fabrication of audio evidence and documents;
R -v- R: Ancillary relief/financial provision proceedings involving significant asset base (including four limited companies and multi-jurisdictional assets), allegations of bigamy, forgery and asset concealment;
LBS -v- JR: Children Act 1989 proceedings with a rolled-up final hearing into residence and contact, allegations of drug and alcohol abuse and neglect of children;
T -v- T: Occupation order proceedings, domestic violence, immigration status;
MCC –v- X: High Court proceedings with “baby shaking” allegations resulting from brain injury to child, with multiple expert medical witnesses.
About me
I am a civil litigation barrister with a practice encompassing commercial, property, administrative and family law.
Professional & academic
Education & Qualifications
LLB (Hons)
Major Scholarship, The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Inns of Court School of Law, London: “Very Competent” (“Outstanding” in Civil and Criminal Litigation and Evidence)