Family and children law in Regional Bar
Broadway House Chambers is a key set for family law in the region, with clients praising its 'strength in depth'. The set is instructed across the area, but is most notable for members' financial remedy practices, particularly in cases involving international assets.
Dere Street Barristers is active across the spectrum of family law matters, though it is most notable for members' particular experience in public law children proceedings, often involving non-accidental injury. The set is recommended by clients for its 'considerable strength in depth' and its 'welcoming and friendly approach'.
Members of KBW are instructed primarily on private law proceedings, with a particular focus on complex fact-finding hearings involving abuse allegations. Olivia Checa-Dover is notable for her increasing prevalence in complex private law children proceedings, while Manisha Marwaha has considerable experience in cases with an international aspect, as well as representing vulnerable clients.
New Park Court Chambers is home to Valerie Sterling, who is active in all aspects of family work, including both private and public child law matters, predominantly acting for parents in such cases, as well as maintaining a matrimonial finance practice.
Park Square Barristers' family team is most notable for its work in complex care proceedings, though members are instructed across the full range of public and private law matters, including family finance. According to clients, the team is a 'first-choice set' for family law matters on the circuit. Martin Todd joined the set from Dere Street Barristers in March 2019.
Parklane Plowden has a strong reputation in family law work, and is 'particularly good with children matters', as well as being praised for their 'strong, growing team in financial remedy'. TLATA specialist Elizabeth Darlington recently represented an individual seeking to set aside her ex-partner's ownership of a property held jointly, but for which the vast majority of purchase monies had been provided by the client. In another recent highlight, Alex Taylor represented a local authority in a complex case in which care proceedings were brought against a set of parents concerning their second child, who was born in Ireland after the parents relocated when their first child was subject to adoption in the UK, with further jurisdictional issues being raised upon the birth of a third child.
As the circuit's only specialist family law set, it comes as no surprise that Spire Barristers is home to a strong contingent of experienced family barristers. Key areas of work include cases concerning non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, accusations of coaching, and fabricated or induced illnesses.
At Trinity Chambers, members are instructed across the spectrum of family law, including both children law and financial remedy. Of recent note, Margaret Sweeting represented the respondent father, a serving police officer, in a case involving implacable hostility between the parties and which had to take into account the mother's psychological difficulties.
Regarded as one of the leading sets for family law work on circuit, Zenith Chambers is praised by clients for its 'wealth of experienced barristers', 'good junior counsel', and strong private law experience. In addition to private Children Act cases, members are also active in public law proceedings and financial remedy cases.