Pump Court Chambers

Stuart is a highly regarded barrister with a wealth of experience in cases concerning finances when parties separate, whether in a divorce, civil partnership or co-habitation breakdown, and regularly represents both the main parties and intervenors who seek to protect their interests in such disputes, whether on behalf of Trustees or family members who had provided financial support that was not intended to be shared on divorce between the couple.

Stuart applies a forensic manner to the numbers and takes a sledgehammer to cross examination; having unearthed hidden assets, exposed blatant lies and revealed the true colours of a witness, all in recent cases where more than a robust approach was required.

Stuart’s case preparation is appreciated by clients who value an inclusive approach to ensure their case is properly heard and understood by the Court; his experienced battles on points of law and ability to interpret and apply past cases and legislation has been noted by Judges at the highest levels, including the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Stuart is often instructed where cross-jurisdictional issues and foreign assets are involved, having been successful in recent times in the Court of Appeal in a matter involving Italian parties, such being regarded a case of such significance, it was live-streamed, and he gladly provides the link to anyone who may require it, and even to those who have no interest!

Cases involving pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements are among the matters Stuart has been involved with, where such are considered as a preliminary issue in Court, or as part of the main hearing, and, even when initially being drafted, Stuart is able to advise as to risk and prospects of being upheld and assist with strategy planning to seek to achieve the best outcome for his clients.

Outside of Court, Stuart has a host of interests and endeavours, some more successful than others, although now having improved his photographic competency beyond the famed “demon-baby”.

Examples of Stuart’s cases include:

A v A [2023] EWFC 200

Housing Needs & Schedule I where other litigation between the parties impacted the resources.

Manetta v De Filippo [2022] EWCA Civ 409

Jurisdiction in divorce proceedings – Italy v UK & the issue of lis pendens

Stacey v McNicholas [2022] EWHC 278 (Fam)

Schedule I – Lump sums used as regular monthly payments for rent & Trusts

F v F [2025]

Finances on divorce – assets in USA and s.37 relief where assets had been disposed of mid-proceedings.

ND v GD (Litigation Friend) [2021] EWFC 53

Divorce case concerning inherited wealth at the end of the relationship & a party who had developed a life limiting condition that increased needs beyond the matrimonial resources.

Called 2000, Lincoln’s Inn.

Family Law Bar Association; Western Circuit.

LLB (Hons) (Sheff); LLM (Dunelm).