Private case studies

Case study one

We were instructed by a female client following the breakdown of her relationship with her long-term female partner, who had given birth to a child conceived by artificial means. Prior to the introduction of the Civil Partnership legislation, the law was far from clear or supportive of non-biological parents. Delicate negotiating tactics were deployed to ensure our client was placed in the most beneficial position and a fair and sensible outcome was achieved for both parties and, notably, their child.

Case study two

In 2008 we achieved a tremendous victory in the Court of Appeal acting for a wife on an epic divorce and ancillary relief matter involving 4 different jurisdictions, deception and fraud. Thorpe LJ, one of the leading Family Judges sitting in the Court of Appeal, stated ‘I have never seen an ancillary relief case of greater complexity’.

The case involved the unravelling of a complex factual matrix concerning off shore companies and trusts and the question of beneficial ownership. It was characterised by a chronic lack of disclosure and numerous attempts to frustrate the litigation by the husband and another party in the proceedings. Worldwide injunctions were required and on going litigation in other jurisdictions complicated the issues. The case was also complicated by the recusal (removal) of the original trial judge following comments made by him in the early course of the trial proceedings, which received wide press coverage.