Michael has vast experience in dealing with a huge cross section of family law matters with a particular emphasis on matrimonial finance claims, including high net value cases, cases concerning business assets and companies, pensions, trusts and overseas assets, and cases with an international element.
He is also regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of non-disclosure of assets, misconduct by company directors, misappropriation of funds, and enforcement of orders.
Michael is particularly experienced in managing complex litigation, as well as being an accomplished and polished advocate. Courteous and empathetic, he is greatly in demand from solicitors as a reassuring presence in very stressful proceedings.
Michael is also a trained collaborative lawyer and family arbitrator. He is also instructed as a private FDR ‘judge’, using his extensive experience to provide a high-quality solution to parties which avoids the long delays often experienced in the family court system.
Key cases
O v O – Highly contentious matrimonial finance proceedings involving assets in excess of £50m and complex off-shore business structures.
Various matrimonial finance cases involving issues including non-disclosure and adverse inferences, matters involving significant periods of delay and the treatment of post-separation assets, assets held overseas, and complex business structures.
Areas of expertise
Michael has vast experience in dealing with a huge cross section of family law matters with a particular emphasis on matrimonial finance claims, including high net value cases, cases concerning business assets and companies, pensions, trusts and overseas assets, and cases with an international element. He is also regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of non-disclosure of assets, misconduct by company directors, misappropriation of funds, and enforcement of orders.
Michael acts in a significant number of cases with an international dimension. In both financial and children cases, he has experience of dealing with jurisdiction disputes. In financial disputes, he is regularly instructed in claims under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 after a foreign divorce. He is also able to advise on how to deal with assets held abroad.
Michael has a reputation for being tough in court whilst appreciating that his clients need support and understanding at a difficult time in their lives. He is efficient, approachable and highly sought after by solicitors and clients who recognise that he is one of the best in the business.
As a solicitor Michael was accredited by the SRA under the Family Law Accreditation Scheme, and also by ‘Resolution’ in the areas of Advanced Financial Provision and Co-habitation.
Michael appreciates the value of settling difficult and contentious litigation out of court where possible and is able to advise and represent clients in most types of alternative dispute resolution. His involvement with separating families over many years means that is able to offer creative but practical solutions to resolve conflicts in the best way for his clients.
Michael acts in a significant number of cases with an international dimension. He has experience of dealing with jurisdiction disputes. In financial disputes, he is regularly instructed in cases involving overseas assets and claims under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 after a foreign divorce. He is also able to advise on how to deal with assets held abroad.