Matrimonial Finance Law & Practice: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Your Clients

Programme

1. 09:30

   Registration and coffee

2. 10:00

   Chair's Introduction

   Matrimonial Finance Law & Practice: Shaping new developments into solution-focused answers for your clients

   Chaired by Samantha Hillas KC of St John's Buildings

   Samantha is "fantastic on her feet, brilliantly clever, charming and one of the best-prepped barristers out there." "She never fails to put her heart and soul into a case.”

3. 10:10

   Non-matrimonial Property

   What is the latest judicial thinking on non-matrimonial property, including inheritance, pensions and the application of the mingling principles, with a focus on "needs"?

   Answered by Justin Warshaw KC of 1 Hare Court

   Justin is "a strategic mastermind, extremely articulate, and a force to be reckoned with." "His real strength is his totally fearless approach to hard-litigated cases."

4. 10:45

   Conduct and Equality

   To what extent does conduct give you an edge when arguing for a departure from equality following the spate of recent cases, and what type of conduct will the court take into account?

   Answered by Michael Horton KC of Coram Chambers

   Michael is "brilliant - a joy to work with - and a problem solver." He acted for the appellant in Villiers v Villiers [UKSC 2020] over an s. 27 maintenance application.

5. 11:20

   Morning Coffee

6. 11:35

   Pension sharing

   What are the implications of the PAG2 report on pension sharing on divorce? How do you get it right for clients and protect yourself from claims made against you?

   Answered by Grant Lazarus of 7 Harrington St Chambers

   Grant is a member of the PAG and involved in redrafting the sections on Apportionment and Offsetting. "He is an exceptional advocate, legal brain and public speaker.”

7. 12:10

   Spousal Maintenance Claims

   What is realistic and achievable in spousal maintenance claims, and how drastic must the change of circumstances be to vary upwards or downwards?

   Answered by Abigail Bennett of JMW Solicitors

   Abigail is a Deputy District Judge; she frequently sits in the most complicated money cases. "She is totally in command, knows everything and instils real confidence."

8. 12:45

   Overrun

9. 13:00

   Lunch

10. 13:45

    Evolving Costs Rules

    Under evolving costs rules, how do you pitch open and Without Prejudice offers, postpone offers, and what do you do when the other party is not making an offer?

    Answered by James Ewins KC of QEB

    James is “an ace strategist cutting through a brief to identify the magic number for settlement in lightning-quick time.” He sits as a Deputy High Court Judge.

11. 14:20

    Company Valuation Strategy

    How do you make simple the seemingly impenetrable, including sudden changes in turnover, expenses or value, and what do you do if you suspect manipulation?

    Answered by Nicholas Yates KC of 1 Hare Court

    Nicholas is "one of the best legal minds at the family Bar." "He transforms the most complex problems into clear, accessible and pragmatic advice for clients.”

12. 14:55

    Children’s Needs vs. Standard Splits

    What counts and what will sway a court weighing children’s needs, like stable housing, against standard splits such as 50:50 or 60:40 in asset division?

    Answered by Tim Parker KC of Deka Chambers

    Tim is "technically brilliant with fine attention to detail." "He gets superb results for his clients and is a first-class silk for heavy-weight cases involving children."

13. 15:30

    Over-run

14. 16:00

    Close of conference