Paul advises upon all aspects of the financial consequences of relationship breakdown (whether marriage or cohabitation) involving a range of multi-disciplinary problems including trusts, freezing orders, ante and post nuptial settlements, complex corporate interests and financial misconduct, cohabitation disputes between unmarried couples under TOLATA, financial provision for children pursuant to Schedule 1 of the Children Act and Inheritance (Provision for Dependants) Act applications. Paul’s practice also regularly involves advising clients on interim maintenance applications, variations and appeals in relation to interim and final orders.

Our specialist family property and finances team has a wealth and breadth of experience and expertise covering all aspects of the financial consequences of relationship breakdown (whether marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation).

The dedicated team cover:

• Matrimonial finance following the breakdown of a marriage or the dissolution of a civil partnership
• TOLATA claims over property and all aspects of disputes arising from unmarried cohabitation
• Financial provision for children under Schedule 1
• Claims upon death under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act

In an emergency when assets are at risk of being disposed of, we will provide urgent advice and representation to obtain the necessary orders to prevent financial loss. Please contact our clerking team on 0330 390 4303.

Matrimonial Finance

Members of the team are instructed by an impressive client base in high-value cases to needs-based cases made complex by limited assets.

We have particular expertise with:

• complex business arrangements
• farms & agricultural assets
• inherited wealth & non-matrimonial property
• trusts
• assets held abroad & jurisdiction disputes
• large pension arrangements
• third parties claiming beneficial interests in matrimonial assets
• asset bases comprised of significant Personal Injury awards
• annulment of sham bankruptcies designed to defeat the other spouse’s claim

The team combine commercial acumen and a strong understanding of business and finance. Where applicable, this includes having a thorough understanding of the application of the chancery principles in the Family Court.

We advise in writing and in conferences on all aspects of matrimonial property and finance, including on the terms of marital agreements whether pre-nuptial (ante-nuptial), post-nuptial or separation agreements.

We facilitate and host private FDR’s and early neutral evaluation: the barrister of your choice to conduct the FDR, at a convenient location and on a date fixed to your availability.

Cohabitation

Disputes arising from cohabitation are often complex and require specialist counsel: we provide that expertise. The team provides advice and representation in all aspects of complex cohabitation disputes between unmarried couples but particularly concerning claims over property under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA). This includes drafting the pleadings pre-issue or the defendant’s response.

The team also has significant experience of advising on and obtaining financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act.

Inheritance Act

Our team advise and represent in cases where financial provision is sought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act following the death of a family member. These are often complex applications where early advice pays dividends.

Family Law Bar Association (FLABA) North Eastern Circuit Direct Access Qualified Family Mediator (Private Law/Finance) ADRg

Re F (A Minor] 2016 Representation of the Children in a matter before Mr Justice Hayden at the RCJ where it was alleged that a consultant clinical psychologist had fabricated quotations and documentation after the mother had recorded their sessions. Hayden.J concluded that the Doctors evidence could not be relied upon and a new report was ordered. Led by Jonathan Cohen Q.C

Chair Football Association Anti-Discrimination Panels 2015 - present

Wills, Probate and TLATA Claims 2016 Child Abuse Compensation Claims 2015 Recent Financial Remedy Cases 2014 Removal from the Jurisdiction 2014 Defeating TLATA Claims and Schedule 1 Applications 2013

University of Hull - Law and Politics (European Legislative Studies) (Erasmus Scholar) LLB 1996-2000