Matrimonial Finance Law & Practice 2025: 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, 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 and the mingling principle, including inheritance and post-separation earnings, and how do you gain an edge for your clients?

   Answered by Justin Warshaw KC, 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

   NCDR and Costs

   What is the real-life, on-the-ground approach to the new mediation and NCDR rules? How can a failure to engage be justified and adverse costs orders for conduct be avoided?

   Answered by Alexis Campbell KC, 29 Bedford Row

   Alexis is "staggeringly good, not only at grasping detail and commercial practicalities of a case but also in presenting them." "She gives you answers rather than opinions."

5. 11:20

   Morning Coffee

6. 11:35

   Manipulation and Dissipation

   What are the golden rules for handling a sudden post-separation decline in a private company owner's income or valuation, and what do you do if you suspect dissipation or manipulation?

   Answered by Sally Harrison KC, St John’s Buildings

   Sally is an "absolute superstar." She is "one of a select few of the best mat finance KCs in the country." "Her submissions in the Supreme Court leave others standing."

7. 12:10

   Asset Splits

   How far can you push the court over standard splits in asset division such as 50:50 or 60:40, including factors such as short marriages, needs and contributions?

   Answered by Michael Horton KC, 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] and sits as a Deputy District Judge.

8. 12:45

   Overrun

9. 13:00

   Lunch

10. 13:45

    Beneficial Interests

    In the face of judicial inconsistency, when do 3rd party contributions give rise to a beneficial interest in financial remedy cases, and how do you quantify it and evidence it?

    Answered by Christopher Miller, Fourteen

    Christopher is "a superb advocate: relentless, persuasive, incredibly knowledgeable and meticulous in his preparation.” “His abilities are nothing short of miraculous.”

11. 14:20

    Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements

    What counts and will sway the court over pre and post-nuptial agreements, in particular, whether they are fair and binding, supported by new case law and practical examples?

    Answered by Nicholas Yates KC, 1 Hare Court

    Nicholas is "one of the best legal minds at the family Bar." "Exceptionally persuasive," "astonishingly good," "incredible on his feet," "charming and a pleasure to work with.”

12. 14:55

    Spousal Maintenance

    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 Edward Boydell KC, Pump Court Chambers

    Edward is “fiercely bright with the ability to absorb and simplify the most complex facts and arguments”. He sits as a judge of the Financial Remedies Court.

13. 15:30

    Over-run

14. 16:00

    Close of conference