The practice of family law divides broadly into financial work and children work, and Chambers’ expertise covers all aspects of both.
The spectrum of financial cases which we undertake is very wide, and ranges from disputes where the parties’ means are modest to those of the greatest value, very often with a high profile. We have particular expertise in cases with complicating factors such as an international dimension and / or the involvement of trusts or family businesses.
Allied to this main area of practice are other financial disputes such as applications for financial relief for the children of unmarried parents, Inheritance Act claims, financial claims following overseas divorces, and property claims between unmarried and same-sex couples.
Chambers also provides a comprehensive service, spanning all levels of seniority, in the area of child law. We undertake all forms of work relating to children, including residence and contact applications, child abduction, adoption and care proceedings.
Niche areas of practice in which individual members of Chambers specialise include the drafting of pre-nuptial contracts, financial enforcement, professional negligence in the family law field, medical ethics and human rights.
Alternative dispute resolution: mediation and private financial dispute resolution
Hare Court recognises that not all family disputes need be decided in the courts. We also recognise that litigation can be an expensive and lengthy process upon which not all clients wish to embark. We recognise too the need to provide a high quality alternative by professionals who are expert in their field and upon whom you can rely to provide a first class service. Whilst mediation is a valuable alternative to litigation in very many cases, a private FDR Hearing offers the opportunity to short-circuit the litigation process that has already commenced, but where both parties would prefer to settle their differences without the significant cost and delay inherent in the court system at present.
Private financial dispute resolution
In our Chambers we have a number of judicial alumni, highly experienced Queens Counsel who sit currently as Deputy High Court Judges and Recorders in the Family Division, and other practitioners with judicial experience. Their many years of expertise in high-value and high profile family litigation is an invaluable resource. They are available to act privately as an FDR Judge at considerably shorter notice than obtaining a listing from the court.
They will conduct a private FDR, in a similar manner to an FDR at court, hearing submissions from the parties’ representatives and giving his or her indication as to the likely outcome of the case should it proceed to a litigated hearing. The indication will not be determinative any more than an indication from a High Court Judge or District Judge at a court FDR is, but it can be a very useful tool in leading to a sensible and appropriate settlement. There are many advantages to conducting such a private FDR, including the ability to choose a tribunal who may have been involved, whether as advocate or judge, in previous matters with similarities to your case, and to arrange your hearing at a time and place of your choosing. It can be considerably less expensive and much speedier than waiting for a court appointment.
Those available to conduct private FDR hearings at present include Sir Peter Singer (retired judge of the Family Division), Bruce Blair QC (former Head of Chambers, who has sat as a Deputy High Court Judge for 20 years) and Philip Moor QC (current Head of Chambers and deputy High Court Judge), Nigel Dyer QC, Nicholas Cusworth QC (Family Recorder), and Mrs Elisabeth Todd (Deputy District Judge).
