Family law barristers are legal specialists who provide expert advice, representation, and advocacy in matters related to family law. They often deal with complex and emotionally sensitive issues such as divorce, child custody, domestic abuse, and financial settlements. What Family Law Barristers Do: 1. Legal Advice They offer expert legal advice on:
Divorce and separation
Financial disputes after relationship breakdown
Child arrangements (custody, visitation, relocation)
Domestic violence and protective orders
Cohabitation rights
Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
2. Court Representation They appear in:
Family courts
High Court (for complex or high-value cases)
Appeals courts, if necessary
They advocate on your behalf during:
Final hearings
Fact-finding hearings
Interim applications
Emergency protection orders (e.g., non-molestation or occupation orders)
3. Drafting Legal Documents They draft or assist in preparing:
Skeleton arguments
Position statements
Consent orders
Applications for court orders
4. Negotiation and Settlement Many family law barristers help negotiate settlements outside of court through:
Mediation support
Round-table meetings
Collaborative law settings
5. Specialist Areas Within Family Law Some family law barristers focus on specific areas such as:
Children law (public law – e.g., care proceedings involving social services; or private law – disputes between parents)
Financial remedy cases (division of assets, pensions, maintenance)
International family law (child abduction, overseas divorce, cross-border disputes)
Direct Access Family Barristers Many family law barristers are now direct access qualified, meaning:
You can hire them without going through a solicitor
This can reduce costs and streamline communication
However, in some complex cases (especially those involving lots of paperwork or ongoing case management), they might recommend bringing in a solicitor as well.
