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Family Law

“Spire Barristers is a notable set with particular expertise in all matters related to children, ranging from public to private children law. Its members are respected for their advice in highly sensitive cases such as those involving sexual and physical abuse, fabricated and induced illnesses and child removals. ”

- Chambers & Partners 2024

Spire Barristers are Family Law specialists who provide expert legal advice and representation in a wide range of Family Law matters.

We are approachable and understand the client’s needs and concerns at the heart of every case. We ensure that our solicitors and lay clients are reassured throughout the court process, and also, without exception, ensure there is a robust presentation of their case in court.

“Great strength and depth. A reliable and impressive set with a wealth of experienced and well-respected barristers.”

- Legal 500 - Leading Set 2023

As the Circuit’s only specialist family law set, Spire Barristers is home to a strong contingent of experienced family law barristers. Key work areas include cases concerning non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, accusations of coaching, and fabricated or induced illnesses.

 

Our Family Law barristers have a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of Family Law, including:

  • Public Law Children
  • Private Law Children
  • Finance & Private Client
  • ADR – Mediation and Arbitration
  • International Family Law

In addition, where a child needs the protection of the Court outside of statutory proceedings, members of the team have experience in Wardship, and other Inherent Jurisdiction (High Court) matters.

Specialisms

Public Law Children

Our core client base consists of parents, guardians, grandparents or other extended family members, and as required, the children themselves. We have well-established relationships with Local Authorities and Government bodies at all levels of the Family Court across the North-Eastern Circuit and beyond.

 

We frequently appear in matters dealing with:-

  • Care Proceedings
  • Wardship and the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court
  • Special guardianship
  • Adoption
  • Disputes between parents concerning children’s healthcare
  • Resolving conflicts with local authorities regarding children in care (including Judicial Review)
  • Enforcement of orders in England and internationally
  • Alleged inflicted injuries or NAI
  • Appeals to all levels of Courts
  • Secure Accommodation/Deprivation of Liberty
  • Forced Marriage applications.

Private Law Children

Our members are proud of their dedication to achieving both practical and effective solutions to disputes for all parties, including parents, grandparents and guardians of children.

Our members uphold the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in giving advice, assistance and representation to those clients with whom we act.

 

These cases in which we are often instructed cover issues such as:-

  • Child Arrangement Orders – Including issues of Parental Alienation
  • Schooling or medical treatment
  • Relocation and Child Abduction Cases
  • Injunctions and Forced Marriage applications
  • Adoption and Surrogacy
  • Appeals to all levels of Courts

Finance and Private Client

Members of chambers are instructed across the full spectrum of financial matters following the breakdown of relationships, from multi-million-pound complex matrimonial finance cases to more straightforward issues requiring advice and clarification of an individual’s financial position.

In addition, members of our Finance and Private Client Team have a broad range of experience in specialist practice areas across all aspects of civil dispute resolution, some have an emphasis on property, trusts, inheritance and probate.

 

Our expertise includes:-

  • Matrimonial Finance
  • Separation
  • Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements
  • Cohabitee Agreements
  • Civil partnership
  • Consent orders
  • Inheritance Act
  • Schedule 1 Provision for Children
  • Trusts, Inheritance, Property & Probate

ADR: Mediation and Arbitration

Separating can be hard enough without the stress or cost of going to Court.

Our Mediation and Arbitration specialists can enable clients to make decisions and reach an agreement amicably away from Court or to provide a private forum to deal with disputes efficiently and effectively. At Spire Barristers, we want to help clients discuss and agree on what’s going to happen to their children, property, finances or debts following separation or divorce.

Spire Barristers have many experienced Family Law Barristers who have trained as Mediators to help resolve the type of disputes that families or couples face when separating, and some who are qualified to sit as Arbitrators (Private Judges) in both financial and children related matters, to resolve issues in a more efficient way over traditional court proceedings.

International Family Law

Spire Barristers’ specialist International Family Law barristers have an excellent reputation for representing clients concerning all International Family Law issues. As well as accepting instructions in matters involving the Hague Convention and Brussels II, clients can feel reassured by our International Law specialists’ expertise in urgent cases requiring Injunctions, Wardship and the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court. We are regularly instructed in short-notice cases where our barristers have sought emergency relief and protective measures, requiring a swift and appropriate response from the courts.

 

These issues can relate to the following:-

  • International movement of children:
  • Child abduction,
  • A ‘leave to remove’ application to take children permanently to live abroad,
  • Surrogacy or Adoption,
  • Forced marriage abroad,
  • Vulnerable or trafficked children.

Team Members

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Further reading

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