Stephen’s practice encompasses all areas of family law at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal.

He is ranked as a 'Leading Junior' barrister by The Legal 500.

Stephen combines robust advocacy with clear, practical and sensitive advice in what he recognises are difficult and emotional situations. Stephen quickly gains the trust of his clients. He is praised for his calm, reassuring and empathetic approach which his clients find invaluable. His meticulous preparation and eye for detail enable him to get to the heart of the issues quickly and present his clients’ strongest case.

Stephen helps his clients through all stages of the Court process. He provides strategic advice and guidance to clients from the beginning when they are drafting and issuing applications, through to the conclusion of the case. Stephen also advises on the gathering of evidence and preparation of statements and other Court documents.

Stephen is widely recognised for his timely and effective communication throughout a case, including before and after hearings.

Stephen frequently provides formal and informal training sessions to firms of Solicitors.

Area of Law

What sort of work do I do?

Stephen’s private children practice includes applications for child arrangements orders, specific issue orders, international and internal relocation, occupation orders, non-molestation orders and enforcement orders. He also deals with applications for committal to prison. Stephen is regularly instructed to represent clients at urgent hearings. He regularly deals with cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, alienating behaviours by parents (‘parental alienation’), drug and alcohol misuse and neglect. He also deals with applications for shared care. Stephen represents clients at all stages of proceedings, from FHDRA through to final hearing. He often represents clients at finding of fact hearings. Stephen regularly represents guardians.

Stephen has experience of Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 proceedings, notably representing a premier league footballer.

Stephen enjoys dealing with financial remedy proceedings at first appointments, FDRs and final hearings. He represents clients living within the jurisdiction and clients living overseas. He is experienced in the division of family homes, pensions, companies and property portfolios. He often deals with cases valued in excess of £1 million.

Stephen represents clients alone and is often led by King’s Counsel. His cases involve the most serious allegations of non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, alienation, drug & alcohol misuse and neglect.

Who do I work for?

Stephen is qualified to accept instructions in any of the above areas of practice directly from members of the public under the Public Access scheme, through which members of the public can instruct Stephen directly without going through a Solicitor in appropriate cases.

Stephen welcomes the opportunity to have a free initial discussion with prospective clients in order to assess the suitability of their case as a Public Access case.

Stephen travels nationwide, representing clients at Courts throughout England and Wales.

Stephen is a member of Exchange Chambers.

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