Profile

Matthew has developed an interesting and varied practice in all areas of family law. He regularly appears in both the county courts and family proceedings courts in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas, including central London.

 Children

Matthew acts for both parents and children’s guardians in private cases, from conciliation appointments and directions hearings to final hearings. Matthew also acts for a wide variety of parties at all stages of public children proceedings, including Local Authorities. His cases often involve serious allegations of domestic violence, drugs and alcohol dependency and have also involved foreign jurisdictions.

Divorce and Financial Relief

Matthew acts for clients at all stages of ancillary relief proceedings from first appointment to final hearing. His experience also includes applications to enforce orders. He has also acted for clients in transfer of tenancy applications.

Domestic Violence

Matthew is an experienced practitioner in applications under the Family Law Act 1996 for non-molestation orders and occupation orders. He is able to appear at short notice to represent clients in emergency applications, as well as reviews and fact-finding hearings.

Matthew has written articles for a number of websites used by family law practitioners. Recent pieces include ‘Civil Restraint Orders in the Family Courts’ (http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed82227) and ‘Tips on Writing Welfare Reports in Private Law Cases’ (http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/24/10/2011/117656/Tips-on-writing-welfare-reports-in-private-law-cases.htm).

Matthew joined St Albans Chambers after completing pupillage in central London. Before pupillage, Matthew worked as a paralegal for a number of magic circle City firms, before being employed as an outdoor clerk for his local family law solicitors firm in Middlesex, where he gained a great deal of experience in making applications under the Family Law Act in and around the Hertfordshire area.

BVC, BPP School of Law (2007)

LLB, London School of Economics (2006)

 Member of the FLBA