Family/Matrimonial

College Chambers is a well-established and highly regarded set for the full spectrum of family law matters. Members of the Southampton-based set act on financial remedy proceedings that involve pensions, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and TOLATA claims. Barristers are frequently instructed on Children Act matters of the utmost severity, including non-accidental injuries, abuse, and care proceedings. One source comments that the set has "excellent depth and breadth of expertise from the top end through to the more junior counsel."

"Senior clerk J-P Schulz is always accommodating, even at short notice and simply nothing is too much trouble. Clerk Sophie Lanzoni is also brilliant and always on hand to help."

"The clerks, headed up by J-P Schulz, are extremely responsive and helpful at all times."

"The clerks are most helpful and able to offer advice on most suited barristers, depending on circumstances. They make themselves readily available."

Anthony Hand is head of College Chambers' family children team. He regularly handles a wide variety of cases, including adoption work and matters involving the Children Act. He also has significant expertise in non-accidental injury cases. "Anthony Hand is a jewel in the crown in care work. He has the ability to turn the complex into the simple, breaking matters down, exploring and getting to the route of the issues." "Anthony is a fountain of knowledge, highly capable and experienced, but equally excellent with clients and in his engagement with solicitors."

Neil Maton has a very well-regarded practice dealing with matrimonial finance cases ‒ in particular, those related to divorce proceedings. He has impressive experience acting in matters involving pre-nuptial agreements, pensions, and asset division. "Neilis a robust advocate and a very persuasive communicator." "Neil is my first choice for complex financial cases. He has great negotiation and advocacy skills and is easy to work alongside. Clients like his caring and efficient manner." "Neil is always good with clients, putting them at ease. His preparation and advocacy are excellent and it is always a pleasure to work with him." "Neil is a go-to for complex finance and property work. His client care and manner are excellent." "Neil is extremely well prepared and provides robust advice where necessary. His advocacy skills are second to none."

Amy Oke is frequently instructed both in private and public children law work. She has impressive experience dealing with cases involving parental alienation, non-accidental injury matters and care proceedings. She brings additional knowledge of local authority matters, having previously undertaken a secondment in a children's services legal department. "Amy's knowledge of public law is often useful in private law proceedings. She is calm and well prepared." "Amy's client care is excellent. She is a very safe pair of hands for children work. She is a delight to work with." "Amy is an excellent advocate ‒ her communication skills are of a high standard, she has a calm manner and she is easy to get on with."

Elizabeth Bowden has a strong reputation for her work in the division of matrimonial finance, including the complex break-up of family businesses. Her substantive experience also covers TOLATA disputes, familial property and related overlaps within broader civil law. "Elizabeth is a go-to for complex finance and property work. Her client care and manner are excellent." "Elizabeth is a class act. She's become a go-to and never disappoints. She always provides a superb service." "Elizabeth is a really safe pair of hands. She is well prepared and quickly grasps the issues in the case. Her attention to detail is second to none."