Stewarts Law LLP’s children team focuses on complex private law disputes for high-net-worth and high-profile clients, including cross-border relocations, abduction, Schedule 1 claims, and allegations of abuse or alienation. Carly Kinch advises on child arrangements involving safeguarding concerns, alienation, and abuse. Toby Atkinson is noted for his international expertise, particularly in abduction and jurisdiction disputes. Trevona Hettiarachchi handles contentious proceedings, often involving cross-jurisdictional elements, welfare disputes, and Schedule 1 claims. Sophie Chapman specialises in high-conflict children matters, and Rosie Stewart is experienced in disputes concerning contact, parental responsibility, relocations, and serious allegations of abuse. Sam Longworth and Emma Hatley are also key team members. Alex Verdan KC, formerly of 4PB, is set to join the firm as head of the children team.
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Testimonials
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‘Trevona Hettiarachchi is exceptionally bright and has what I can only describe as having a photographic memory. She knew me and responded to me as an individual. In the end, I got a no-contact order and will be forever grateful.’
‘Stewarts are one of, if not the finest, full-service firms in London by a country mile. The quality and depth at all levels sets them apart from their competitors, and they continue to go from strength to strength under the stewardship of Stephen Foster. Stewarts are highly sought after by the ultra high net worth individuals with their specialist children and finance team adept at dealing with both area in such a universally regarded manner. Their family team is one which is revered by all who come across them.'
‘Top-flight team in family law.’
‘Toby Atkinson is particularly talented in children matters, especially in complex, high-conflict private law cases, and those involving high-net-worth and high-profile clients.’
‘Stewarts have a deserved reputation as one of the very top firms in the country. The team can handle any case, big or small, and are adept at handling the most complex of issues. Their profile in children cases has risen exponentially over the last few years as a result of the experience and impressive understanding across the team of the approach needed to get the best outcome for their clients.’
‘Carly Kinch has all the facets of a top class family lawyer – hardworking, tough, strategic and savvy about her cases. Clients very much like her approach and her record in cases is extremely strong.’
‘Stewarts family team is one of the best, if not the best, in London. I cannot think of a weakness or criticism. Every case they do is done to the highest standard, and their clients receive a gold-plated service from beginning to end. The creation of a specialist children team is innovative and recognises the different skills required for such cases. Their client base is enviable, and they are invariably involved in all the complex, high-profile cases.’
'Every member of their team is superb. In a competitive market, the Stewarts team still stand out as offering their clients that much more.'
'The team work very well together in that if someone is away for a short period, there will be someone else who takes over.'
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Practice head
Alex Verdan KC
Other key lawyers
Stephen Foster; Carly Kinch; Sophie Chapman; Toby Atkinson; Emma Hatley; Sam Longworth; Trevona Hettiarachchi; Rosie Stewart; Nicola Hogg; Lydia Fowler; Sophie Parris; Fiona Porter; Lucy Swinton