Divorce & Financial Remedies

St Ives Chambers has always been at the forefront of the development of Family Law in the Midlands and is proud of its reputation as ‘the Midlands’ leading family law set’ (Legal 500) and its growing reputation as ‘a nationally recognised family chambers’ (Chambers & Partners).

Many members of the group are individually praised in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners each year. The clerks are also recognised as being ‘very good’ and noted for being ‘commercial in terms of fees’ (Chambers & Partners 2016). Members are noted for their ability and preparation but also their approachability. They are noted for their ability to provide pragmatic, straightforward advice to clients and their powerful negotiation and advocacy at Court.

The strength of the group lies in its depth and the good professional relationships between team members and their clerks. The range of work undertaken and experience of members means that clients benefit not just from the experience of the individual barrister but from the collective knowledge and experience of the group which includes KCs, Deputy High Court Judges, Recorders and Deputy District Judges.

Work Undertaken

At St Ives we recognise that family finance is a broad jurisdiction. Members have a wealth of experience dealing with high net worth cases, those involving multi-million pound pensions, partnerships, companies, farms, offshore assets and trusts. We also recognise that cases involving modest resources can often present the greatest challenge and to that end we remain committed to ensuring appropriate representation is provided to those with more limited budgets.

The following areas of work are undertaken by members of the Divorce & Financial Remedies group:

• Divorce – defended petitions and issues as to jurisdiction
• Financial provision for children
• Financial provision for cohabitants
• Financial provision on dissolution of Civil Partnerships
• Financial provision on divorce
• Inheritance Act claims
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements

Alternative methods of resolving disputes

St Ives Chambers continues to evolve. In recent years the use of alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law has grown as parties pursue a speedier, less litigious route to securing a fair outcome. To meet this need St Ives Chambers has introduced Counsel Led Dispute Resolution to the Midlands facilitating an early resolution in suitable cases. It is also piloting a scheme where couples wishing to achieve a negotiated settlement can obtain a joint written advice or meet with a barrister in conference to identify a fair order. With many of our number now sitting as Deputy High Court Judges, Recorders and Deputy District Judges we are able to bring considerable experience to resolve disputes via these methods.