Martin Kingerley KC is a family law barrister who specialises in the law relating to children. His practice encompasses the most serious and complex private and public law cases. Martin is also renowned for his expertise in respect of surrogacy, assisted conception other aspects of the HFEA 2008 and he regularly advises and represents parents and fertility clinics both within the UK and internationally.

Martin is much sought after in cases which involve fact-finding hearings in respect of domestic abuse, parental alienation, intractable disputes and domestic and international relocations.

Martin is Head of the Children Team at 36 Family.

In 2018, Martin was appointed as a Recorder. He sits as a Judge in the Family Court on the South-Eastern Circuit

 

Key cases & testimonials

Re Z (Embryo Adoption: Declaration of Non-Parentage) [2018] EWFC 68, [2018] 4 WLR 169
Acted for pro bono for the successful applicant mother. Advised on, sought and obtained a declaration of non-parentage in this important authority which highlights the pitfalls and legal implications of undertaking fertility treatment outside the UK.

BT & GT (Children: Twins-Adoption) [2018] EWFC 76
Represented twins, via their children’s guardian, in these factually and legally complex proceedings. Following findings of ‘incompetence and social work failings of the local authority’ advised on and obtained significant damages for breaches of the twins’ human rights.

Re C (A Child) [2016] EWHC 3473 (Fam)
High Court proceedings which clarify the extent to which children in care are able to consent to being deprived of their liberty.

PD, SD, JD and X County Council [2015] EWHC 4103 (Fam)
In these complex and emotionally sensitive proceedings, Martin acted for the local authority and sought clarification as to the extent to which an adopted child (who was diagnosed with gender dysphoria) was permitted to exclude his adoptive parents from all aspects of his life including relating to medical treatment.

In the Matter of the HFEA 2008
(Cases A-H Declaration of Parentage) [2015] EWHC 2602 (Fam) – Munby P – Groundbreaking multi party litigation concerning declarations of parentage in cases of assisted conception.

Martin is very hardworking and has an excellent knowledge of the law. He is a calming influence in court and is always appreciated by the court. Legal 500 2024
Martin Kingerley has a hypnotic way about him which immediately puts everyone in the room at ease. He is calm, measured and extremely knowledgeable. Martin really cares about each of the families he is working with. Chambers UK 2024
Has huge knowledge of children law and gives brilliant, strategic advice. He also has a wonderful bedside manner. Chambers UK 2024
Quiet and understated, but quite excellent in terms of his advocacy skills.Chambers UK 2024
Martin knows all there is to know about children's law. He has a hypnotic way of speaking, which reassures all those around him. He gives honest, fair and pragmatic advice too. Chambers UK 2023

Further information

  • Queen’s Counsel – 2020
  • Head of the Children Team – 36 Family
  • Leicester and Leicestershire Family Justice Board Member (Chair) 2014 – 2020
  • Recorder – Family Court – 2018
  • Lincoln’s Inn
  • Family Law Bar Association
  • Midland Circuit
  • Chairman Leicester and Leicestershire Family Justice Board Education and Training sub-committee
  • Member of Resolution

2017 SFE CONFERENCE

Martin Kingerley spoke alongside Baroness Finlay of Llandaff at the 2017 SFE conference.

SOLICITORS FOR THE ELDERLY CONFERENCE

Martin Kingerley spoke alongside Senior Judge Denzil Lush at the 2016 Solicitors for the Elderly Conference.

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