Family: Matrimonial Finance | UK Bar

1 Hare Court is a universally lauded set with distinguished matrimonial finance practitioners. It has seasoned silks and highly commended juniors, who tackle the largest and most challenging and acrimonious financial disputes following the dissolution of relationships. Many of these cases involve issues relating to complex offshore assets, trusts, pensions and concealed wealth. Individuals here have decades of cumulative experience in the handling of multi-jurisdictional disputes and many are fully trained private FDR judges. One recent work highlight for the set was Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs, a large financial remedy case. Its clientele consists of exceptionally high net worth and high-profile individuals, including politicians, royalty and multibillionaires. Sources say that 1 Hare Court is "an incredibly strong set of barristers at every level."

QEB boasts sought-after silks and juniors with valued expertise in matrimonial finance law, who act for a high-profile, high net worth client base in the full gamut of family proceedings. Cases undertaken by the set frequently involve highly complicated issues relating to such matters as jurisdiction disputes, injunctions, Inheritance Act and TOLATA claims, trusts, offshore accounts and prenuptial agreements. Many of them are multinational in nature. Although primarily known for their strength in finance proceedings, some members are also proficient in the handling of children cases. This year, members of the set have appeared in the Supreme Court in Hasan v Ul-Hasan, English financial proceedings related to a foreign divorce.

1 King's Bench Walk is a popular choice for high-profile children and matrimonial finance matters. Individuals here have practices that encompass both domestic and cross-border disputes, and expertise in the handling of child abduction, adoption and surrogacy cases. The barristers are sought after by high net worth, often international, clients as well as a host of professionals to handle complex proceedings. The set's money practice, in particular, receives unanimous praise, with practitioners taking on the full gamut of high-value financial disputes before the highest courts in the country. Specific prowess exists in cases involving prenuptial disputes, Schedule 1, offshore trusts, TOLATA, and many other issues. Recently members have acted in Al Maktoum v Al Hussein and Others, a case that involved wardship, Schedule 1 and Part III issues. Solicitors say: "1 King's Bench Walk is an extremely strong set with a wide range of highly skilled barristers."

A set with demonstrable strength at silk and junior level which assists clients in both children and divorce proceedings. Members here are sought after by high net worth clients for their extensive experience of handling financial cases involving complex business structures, assets, trusts, Schedule 1, TOLATA and tax issues. Many of these are multi-jurisdictional and international in nature. The barristers also have significant expertise in private and public children law work, and are equipped to represent their clients in all manner of care, relocation, and child abduction proceedings. Their diverse clientele consists of people from all levels of society. Important cases handled of late include Villiers v Villiers, a Court of Appeal case on the correct interpretation and application os s27 MCA 1973. One interviewee states: "29 Bedford Row Chambers has a full range of individuals who are leaders across a wide range of family law issues."

A renowned set of barristers who handle a wide range of public and private family proceedings. Members appear in both matrimonial finance and children cases for clients who include high net worth individuals, celebrities, politicians, and members of the general public. Matters of the greatest complexity are handled including those complicated by the presence of trusts, assets, pensions and tax issues. Individuals here also appear in highly sensitive children proceedings, many of which include serious allegations of abuse, FGM, parental alienation and drug use. The set is further noted for having specialist expertise in disputes involving unmarried couples. Recent standout work includes Unger v Ul-Hasan, a Supreme Court case considering whether claims for divorce and consequential financial remedies can be brought by or against the estate of a deceased person. Commentators note that "36 Family has a great depth of experience of handling complex matrimonial finance cases including those with an international element." Another adds: "They have an excellent set of barristers dealing with complex children matters."

An immensely respected set recognised for its immeasurable expertise in private and public children law, as well as its complementary skill in matrimonial finance work. Its venerated silks and juniors regularly appear before the highest courts in the country, handling a broad range of matters including those relating to international child abduction, historical child sex abuse, radicalisation, non-accidental injury, and many more. The set's extensive client base consists of individuals from all walks of life, including household names, businessmen, and some of society's most vulnerable individuals. When it comes to matrimonial finance, the barristers here handle complex, acrimonious, high-value disputes, often involving multiple jurisdictions, offshore accounts and trusts. In recent times, the set has been heavily involved in cases at the forefront of the law relating to fertility, female genital mutilation and transgender rights. The set has been involved in a huge raft of reported cases in recent times. One source comments that "their barristers have excellent knowledge and experience and are able to tackle the most complex issues."

A recognised specialist set for private and public children's law and matrimonial finance proceedings. Barristers here are sought out by those seeking representation across the full spectrum of children law cases. Their areas of expertise extend to inquiries into historic sexual abuse, care proceedings involving FGM, radicalisation, abuse, child death and severe mental health problems, among others. Members are further experienced in private children's work, and frequently deal with the most complex cases concerning relocation, abduction, leave to remove, allegations of domestic abuse, and wardship proceedings. The set is regularly instructed in high-value divorce proceedings, and has an ultra high net worth clientele which includes members of foreign royal families. One source says: "I think they are becoming one of the best sets for a variety of family work, but they still keep their human element." Another adds: "1GC has barristers at all levels of experience with the expertise required to meet a client's needs."

A respected set with substantial strength in both children and matrimonial finance proceedings. Barristers here frequently appear in cases with multi-jurisdictional elements, and regularly handle matters of great complexity involving issues such as trusts, offshore accounts, and allegations of abuse. Both public and private law work is undertaken for a wide range of clients, some of whom are high net worth. Commentators note: "Every member of Fourteen is a stand-alone expert. They often work together sharing ideas and knowledge, so no matter who we instruct we are in safe hands."