At Crown Chambers our barristers are innovative, thorough, determined and formidable. We have a reputation for tough and effective court advocacy combined with an empathetic approach to our clients. Our practitioners are fearless in their approach and will always go above and beyond for those requiring our assistance.

We provide the highest quality of representation and legal advice. Our outstanding advocates at varying levels of seniority and covering all areas of expertise ensures that we always match the right practitioner to each client and each case. Our barristers are regularly instructed in complex and serious cases, as well being richly experienced in the lower courts where we understand that the outcome for the client is of equal significance.

Crown Chambers offer expert, practical and solution-focused legal advice across all areas of family law, from financial disputes to the welfare of children. Our barristers are known for their unwavering tenacity in fighting for the right outcome for their clients.

Urgent applications

At Crown Chambers we understand that our clients may need urgent advice and/or representation at an emergency court hearing, including telephone applications. Our barristers are willing and able to represent clients at short notice and offer their services outside of normal working hours.

Children Law – Public Law

We regularly act for children, parents and local authorities and are frequently instructed by Cafcass, the Official Solicitor and NYAS. Experience of representing all parties in Children Law cases provides us with significant insight and knowledge of how to get the best result for our client. Our work covers public law proceedings including care, supervision, secure accommodation, adoption and inherent jurisdiction cases. We cover all levels of court from the Magistrates Court and County Court, to the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Our barristers have acted in highly sensitive cases involving forced marriage, inter familial sexual abuse, false allegations of sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, injuries to children, FGM and false accusations of parents harming their child. We have also acted in cases involving the disputed ages of children and immigration family cases. We also have significant experience in representing children of all ages and vulnerabilities and supporting them through the potentially distressing process of giving evidence.

Care Proceedings can be daunting for many individuals. Our barristers understand that it is necessary to combine forensic analysis of a case with deep empathy for clients going through harrowing circumstances, especially the most vulnerable. We are experienced in complicated fact-finding hearings and have particular expertise where there have been allegations of abuse, in particular factitious illness, shaken baby syndrome, allegations of fractures, bruises and other forms of neglect. All these require a caring and client-centred approach always focused on the best outcome for the children.

We frequently advise in family proceedings concerning immigration and nationality issues as well as international adoption, transnational care and child placement arrangements. Also, we recognise the difficulties some people will have accessing the justice system and will provide support in securing legal aid. We subscribe to the bar pro bono scheme and regularly undertake cases on their behalf.

Private law

Private law disputes can be some of the most contentious and sensitive cases involving families. We provide specialist advice and representation in the most complex disputes regarding child custody and child arrangements, acting for parents, children, grandparents and other family members.

We are regularly instructed in cases involving issues over child arrangements, including where a parent seeks to relocate with the child within the jurisdiction or abroad, cases involving international abduction, and the application of Brussels II revised.

We can also assist in applications for Specific Issue Orders regarding a child’s name, choice of school and medical treatment, and in the areas of private law adoption, forced marriage, surrogacy, fertility and gay and lesbian parenting. We have particular experience acting in cases where there are allegations of significant harm and where a local authority has become involved.

Our barristers regularly receive instructions to represent children through a rule 16.4 Guardian in private law cases where a large proportion of such work is carried out in the County Court or High Court level.

Divorce and Finance

Family financial disputes can be emotive and difficult to process. Whilst we aim to settle and seek solutions, we are prepared to fight and demand what is just for our client.

We act in financial disputes across the full range of circumstances, from those of modest means to high net worth individuals. It is important to us to support you right through the process, offering practical solutions and pragmatic advice aimed at bringing about a fair and satisfactory outcome with the minimum of stress, both financial and personal. Our barristers are happy to guide you through what can be a challenging time for you and your family by offering reliable and clear advice in conference or in writing, drafting pleadings, questionnaires and orders as and when required.

Some of the matters our barristers deal with include the following:

• Nuptial agreements (pre and post-nuptial)
• The financial consequences of a divorce;
• Cohabitation disputes including the financial and property disputes;
• Finances relating to children under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 and child maintenance;
• Inheritance Act financial claims;
• Jurisdictional disputes;
• International cases;
• Enforcement of domestic and international orders

We recognise in our modern society that more and more couples are choosing to cohabit. That of itself means that capital assets such as the family home are not divided in the same way as they would be on divorce. Whether you are a primary carer to your children or not, it is important to reach a fair settlement for their welfare and on-going financial provision.

Private FDRs

We are conscious that due to the current restrictions, cases are not being regularly heard before the court and when they are, there is no flexibility on time and date. We have a number of leading barristers who can help parties reach a settlement without the need to appear before the court by giving their opinion as to likely outcome on a neutral and impartial basis.

There are many advantages of a private FDR including speed, flexibility, and the ability to choose your judge. This reduces the cost of delay and avoids there being “no available judge”.

For more information please contact clerks@crown-chambers.com