Medway Council v Root [2019] EWHC 669 (Fam)
Victoria Roberts summarised recent judgments Medway Council v Root EWHC 669 (Fam) and Root v Medway Council EWHC 1640 (Fam) for Family Law Week. The cases involved an application for committal
OUR 2019 CORAM CONFERENCE IS SOLD OUT
We are delighted to announce that our 2019 Coram Conference is sold out. Thank you to all of our delegates who have booked places, we look forward to welcoming you on 26 September at Ironmongers'
Shokrollah-Babaee v Shokrollah-Babaee
Alex Laing is featured in LexisPSL this month. His article is titled "No exceptions to the ongoing involvement of the judge who hears the FDR (Shokrollah-Babaee v Shokrollah-Babaee)". His
Outta time, but not outta luck
Greg Williams and Alex Laing are featured in Resolution's July/August edition of The Review. Their article, "Outta time, but not outta luck" examines section 4 of the Inheritance Act, and more
Coram Chambers is seeking a Office Junior
Coram Chambers is seeking an Office Junior/Clerking Assistant An opportunity has arisen to join our clerking and administrative team. Grade C or above at GCSE or equivalent qualifications are
Coram welcomes John-Paul McCarthy as a tenant in October
We are delighted to announce that John-Paul McCarthy has accepted a tenancy with Coram, following successful completion of his pupillage. John-Paul will commence his tenancy on 1 October
Coram Chambers appoints new Director of Clerking
PRESS RELEASE (for immediate release) CORAM CHAMBERS APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF CLERKING Coram Chambers is delighted to announce the appointment of Hudson Brewer as our new Director of
Mr. Justice Keehan to give keynote address at Coram Conference 2019
We are delighted to announce updates to this year's Coram Conference. The theme will be 2020 vision. Our keynote address will be given by Mr. Justice Keehan, commencing at 9:30am. After that, we
Application for referral to CJEU
Mark Twomey QC and Alex Laing are in the High Court today (Re: L) on an application for referral to Court of Justice of the European Union. The issue is the meaning of "Member State" in article
Announcement – Sarah McCarthy
We are saddened to announce the departure of our Chambers Director Sarah McCarthy, who will be leaving Chambers on 12 July 2019. For the last two years, Sarah has led chambers with energy
Coram Conference 2019 – Almost sold out
Tickets to our annual Conference are almost sold out. DATE: Thursday 26 September 2019 LOCATION: Ironmongers’ Hall, Shaftesbury Place, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8AA TIME: 9:00 – 17:00 with
A Practical Guide to TOLATA: Out Now
We are pleased to announce that Greg Williams' book "A Practical Guide to TOLATA Claims" is out now via Law Brief Publishing. This work is intended to serve as a reference guide to the
Coram’s international children law blog goes live
Coram’s International Children Law Team is delighted to announce the launch of a blog specifically dedicated to international family law issues. The reputation of Coram’s
MB v EB [2019] EWHC 1649 (Fam)
Rachel Cooper has written a case summary on MB v EB EWHC 1649 (Fam) for Family Law Week. The case looks at preliminary issues within a financial remedy proceeding, including length of
Coram Chambers welcomes new tenant, Amanda Bewley
Please join us in welcoming our newest tenant, Amanda Bewley. Amanda was called in 2005 and practices public and private children law and inquests. She is particularly specialised in
Pension Advisory Group Final Report
The Pension Advisory Group has issued its Final Report which clarifies how pensions are to be treated on divorce. The 2019 Report, "A Guide to the Treatment of Pensions on Divorce" is
Senior Clerk Update
We regret to announce that our senior clerk Sam Carter is leaving Coram Chambers in mid-September to take up an exciting new opportunity outside the Bar. Sam will be heading up a new
Coram Conference 2019 – Book Now
** This year's Coram Conference is now sold out. Send us a message if you would like to be placed on the waiting list. ** We are delighted to announce that you can now book tickets to our annual
Coram acts in Hague Convention appeal involving summary return of child to Israel
Mark Twomey QC and Alex Laing acted for the appellant in judgment, Re NY (A Child) EWCA Civ 1065. The matter was a 1980 Hague Convention appeal, in which Reunite International had intervenor
Lessons to be learned from Re: L [2019] EWHC 867 (Fam)
Anarkali Musgrave acted for the Children's Guardian in the recent appeal matter, Re: L (A child) EWHC 867 (Fam). She has also written an article for Family Law Week on this matter,
Clarification to test for change of residence
What is the test for changing a child's residence? Anarkali Musgrave acted for the Children's Guardian in the recent appeal matter, Re: L (A child) EWHC 867 (Fam). The court
A day in the Life: Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper was featured in Family Law's column, a day in the life. The article looks at a day in the life of a family barrister, the challenges and the memories that come with it. As Rachel
Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre wins at Attorney General awards
Coram Chambers wishes a heartfelt congratulations to the Queen Mary Law School, on their award for Best Contribution by a Law School at the Attorney General Awards. Coram is a proud
Greg Williams Speaks at the Bermuda Conference
Greg Williams, a specialist family barrister in TOLATA and chancery matters, will be speaking at Chancery Bar Association's Bermuda Conference on Friday 10 May 2019. Greg will be in the
Save the date: Coram Conference 2019
Save the date! This year's Coram Conference is taking place on Thursday 26 September. DATE: Thursday 26 September 2019 LOCATION: Ironmongers' Hall, Shaftesbury Place,
Calming the Brexit waters: the UK – Switzerland citizens’ rights agreement
Written by Richard Yorke, international family law barrister in London and Zurich True to its word, the Swiss government’s “Mind the Gap” strategy (assumed to have been thought up by
Coram Chambers opens in Zurich
Coram Chambers are delighted to announce our presence in Zurich, Switzerland. Our base in Switzerland allows professional and corporate clients to have easy access to legal counsel and
Siobhan Kelly and Helen Harper appointed as Deputy District Judges
We are delighted to announce that Siobhan Kelly and Helen Harper have been appointed as civil Deputy District Judges. Each will be sitting in the south-eastern circuit. This is a fantastic
Passing the Brief – Interview with Martha Cover
Martha Cover is interviewed in this month's Counsel magazine. In the interview, she speaks about her career as one of the leading child law barristers, her involvement in recent Supreme Court
The Domestic Abuse Bill – Commentary
Hannah Gomersall wrote a recent commentary on the Domestic Abuse Bill for Family Law Week, titled "The Domestic Abuse Bill: a long-awaited overhaul or flawed legislation with an implementation
Supreme Court grants permission to appeal in Villiers v Villiers
Mike Horton and Alex Laing have been granted permission to appeal to UK Supreme Court in Villiers v Villiers on four grounds (appeal discussion here). The appeal decision is cited as EWCA Civ
Out Now: 101 Questions About Separating With Children
We are pleased to announce that "101 Questions Answered About Separating With Children" is out now, in whichMatthew Richardson has authored a section. The book provides simple answers to
LASPO Update
Shiva Ancliffe appeared before the Justice Select Committee on behalf of the Bar Council last Tuesday in respect of their enquiry into the MOJ's LASPO review (before the publication of the report
Out Now: Child Protection and the Family Court
We are delighted to announce that Child Protection and the Family Court: What You Need To Know is out now. The 3rd edition is authored by Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane, Madeleine Reardon (1 KBW) and
Coram is Recruiting
Coram Chambers is currently recruiting and welcomes applications for tenancy from practitioners with a proven record of excellence to join our expanding practice groups: Finance and
Arbitration – Private law children disputes
Arbitration – the future is brighter for private law children disputes By: Shiva Ancliffe, a barrister and child arbitrator in London With the start of a new year the time is ripe for
Family Law Update – Legal Action
Alex Laing has authored the family law update in the December 2018 / January 2019 edition of Legal Action. In his article, he examines the latest developments in the care crisis, the FDAC National
Emergency removal of children placed at home under a care order – new guidance
The emergency removal of children placed at home under a care order – new guidance from the Court of Appeal Matthew Richardson and Richard Beddoe appeared in the Court of Appeal in Re: S (A
the7stars foundation grants open
Coram is again pleased to announce our partnership with the7stars foundation, a charitable foundation that works to support the most challenged under 16 year olds in the United Kingdom, assisting
Coram at the 2018 Family Law Awards
Coram is delighted to announce its success at the 2018 Family Law Awards. This year, we had five individual nominations including Mark Twomey QC (QC of the Year), Sarah Branson and Matthew
Martha Cover – Finalist for Inspirational Woman of the Year Award
We are proud to announce that Martha Cover, our joint head of Chambers, is a finalist for this year's Inspirational Woman of the Year (Barrister) Award. The Award is being issued by First 100
LGBTQ Divorce and Relationship Dissolution – Book Published
We are delighted to announce that Katy Rensten is a contributor to the recent publication: LGBTQ Divorce & Relationship Dissolution: Psychological and Legal Perspectives and Implications for
Litigants in Person – Inherent problems with the justice system
Matthew Richardson has authored an article on the fundamental problems caused by the removal of legal aid, including the increase in litigants in person, which has been published on Family Law
2018 Coram Family Law Conference – Recap
Thank you to all of our guests who attended our annual Coram Family Law Conference on 8 November 2018. We are grateful for the support we received and hope the sessions were engaging and
2019 Chambers and Partners Rankings
We are pleased to announce that Coram Chambers was again ranked in Chambers and Partners as a leading set in Family: Children Law (including Public and Private law). We are quoted as a
2018 Legal 500 Rankings
We are pleased to announce that Coram Chambers has maintained its Legal 500 ranking as a leading set in Children Law (including Public and Private law). It is quoted as one of the ‘strongest
The Financial Remedies Court: Latest Developments
Matthew Richardson provided an update on the progress of the Financial Remedies Court in his latest article for Family Law Week. In his article, he discusses financial remedies news in the
Ramanjit Kang Nominated as Rising Star 2018
Congratulations to Ramanjit Kang on her nomination as the Society of Asian Lawyers' 2018 Rising Star. The Asian Legal Awards began in 1995 as a way to promote and celebrate Asian lawyer
What Next for Deprivation of Liberty
Mark Twomey QC and Alex Laing recently acted for a young person in T (A Child) EWCA Civ 2136, a case dealing with the inherent jurisdiction of the Court to authorise deprivation of a child's
My Mini-Pupillage at Coram
Last week, Radha Bhatt completed a mini-pupillage with our barrister, Katy Rensten. Radha had the below to share about her experience. My mini-pupillage at Coram Chambers was an invaluable,
Public Children Law Book Launch – Recap
Last night we celebrated the launch of Alex Laing & Dr. Bianca Jackson’s book, Public Children Law: Contemporary Issues, at the Society of Antiquaries. The book was released by Bloomsbury
Post Adoption Contact
Dr. Bianca Jackson's latest article for Family Law Week, "Wait a Minute, Mr. Postman" examines the issue of post adoption contact after the Children and Families Act 2014. "Historically, the
Mark Twomey QC Speaks on Juvenile Justice in Kazakhstan
Mark Twomey QC was invited to speak on 21 September at the Unicef Kazakhstan and Supreme Court Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan. He presented on the topics of Juvenile Justice and the Family Courts,
Coram Conference 2018
CORAM CONFERENCE 2018 PROGRAMME RELEASED: BOOK YOUR TICKETS Coram Chambers is pleased to announce that this year’s Coram Conference will be held on Thursday 8 November at the Law Society. The
Coram Chambers Shortlisted in Family Law Awards
Coram Chambers is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted as Family Law Chambers of the Year (London) in this year’s Family Law Awards. The shortlist was selected by a judging panel
Back to School (Work) – Handy Updates in Family Law
Matthew Richardson summarises some of the key practical developments in private client family law in 2018 Some key developments in private client family law have been seen in 2018, including
Coram Conference 2018: 8 November
Coram Chambers is pleased to announce that this year’s Coram Conference will be held on Thursday 8 November at the Law Society. Speakers and ticket information to follow. Please see our Save the
Template orders for deprivation authorisation
In his recent judgment, Re A-F (Children)(No 2) EWHC 2129 (Fam), Sir James Munby has drawn up proposed template orders for authorisations to deprive children of their liberty. The proposed orders
The 7Stars Foundation grant deadline
Coram Chambers is a proud supporter of the 7 Stars Foundation, a charitable foundation which provides small grants to children under 16 years old, who are affected by homelessness, addition, abuse
Enforcement and the powers of the family court
This month's Family Law Week newsletter features an article by Mike Horton in which he outlines the jurisdiction of the family court in enforcement proceedings. Mike's article focuses on VS v RE
IICSA Investigation Report Released
Today, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse issued its Investigation Report, outlining its examination into the dealing with and response to child sexual abuse allegations in the Roman
The Aftermath of Owens v Owens
Georgina Rushworth has written an article for Family Law Week, on the aftermath of Owens v Owens UKSC 41. As a specialist in the financial outcomes of divorce, Georgina has looked at the case of
Introducing our new Senior Clerk
We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Senior Clerk, Sam Carter. Sam will start at Coram on 17 September. Sam is joining us from another London based Chambers, and brings his
Our barristers speak about LASPO effects on court system
Both Shiva Ancliffe and Greg Williams were recently quoted by the Bar Council when speaking about their thoughts on LASPO's effects on our court system. Shared via social media: "There are
Supreme Court clarifies powers of local authorities under section 20, Children Act 1989
Mark Twomey QC and Alex Laing acted on behalf of the Association of Lawyers for Children in recent Supreme Court judgment Williams v LB Hackney, UKSC 37. This case considers the limits on a local
Martha Cover Named 2018 Legal Aid Barrister of the Year
Martha Cover, joint head of Chambers, has been announced as the 2018 Legal Aid Barrister of the Year. This year’s ceremony was led by Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE and took place in front of over
Advancements in Surrogacy Law Reform
Dr. Bianca Jackson was recently quoted at length in The Times about advancements in surrogacy law and reforms on the horizon. “As the paramount interest of the court is the child’s welfare,
HHJ Sapnara awarded honorary doctorate from Royal Holloway College
Her Honour Judge Sapnara, a former member of Coram Chambers, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Royal Holloway College, University of London. Lady Justice Arden was present at the ceremony
Sheila Donn of Philcox Gray
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sheila Donn, senior partner and child law specialist at Philcox Gray. Sheila was a very skilled and talented solicitor, who especially
Hague Convention Proceedings to be Swift and Summary
Alex Laing appeared before Mr. Justice Holman for a mother, on proceedings involving the Hague Convention for a summary return of two children to America. The judgment is cited as Letts v Letts EWHC
Court clarifies terms for Special Guardianship Orders
Coram Chambers' Hannah Gomersall appeared for a set of paternal grandparents in an appeal, cited as P-S (Children) EWCA Civ 1407. This decision, handed down by the Court of Appeal on 18th June
Commentary on the Steinfeld challenge to civil partnership laws
Commentary on: R (on the application of Steinfeld and Keiden) v Secretary of State for the International Development (in substitution for the Home Secretary and the Education Secretary) UKSC
Villiers – Jurisdictional Challenges
Mike Horton and Alex Laing recently acted in Villiers v Villiers - an spousal maintenance case involving English and Scottish jurisdiction. This matter was recently heard before the Court of Appeal
Court states importance of tailor made approach to examining children
Caitlin Ferris (acting for the second appellant) and Sue George (acting for the local authority) were recently involved in a Court of Appeal matter before Lord Justice McCombe, cited as Re M-Y
Ending a marriage in the 21st century, A look beyond no fault divorce.
Our pupil, Sophie Crampton, recently authored an article for Family Law Week on the case for reforming the law of divorce. This article comes after the Jersey social media campaign which sought to
Court Warns Local Authorities to Conduct Deeper Analysis of Evidence
Shiva Ancliffe acted for the mother in care proceedings that have spanned over 37 days and raised a number of issues in relation to how evidence is gathered and interpreted by the local authority in
Welcoming Our New Tenant: Matthew Shaw
We're delighted to announce that Matthew Shaw is our newest Member of Chambers, as he joins our private client team. Matthew is experienced in family finance, private law children, and all other
Court Remains Reluctant to Cross Examine Children
Marcia Hyde was recently involved in a 15 day fact finding hearing in respect of six children involving allegations of sexual abuse. This particular matter was an appeal against a single finding
Capacity carefully considered: Family Justice Council 2018 Guidance published
The Family Justice Council recently published new guidance for judges and lawyers working within the Family Court entitled ‘Capacity to Litigate in Proceedings involving children’. The Guidance
Looking at the Court’s inherent jurisdiction to deprive children of their liberty
Alex Laing recently authored a piece for Family Law Week on the inherent jurisdiction of the court to deprive children of their liberty. This article was in light of recent case law, including EWHC
Announcement – Our sincere thank you to Paul Sampson
Dear colleagues, As many of you will be aware, our much loved and respected senior clerk, Paul ‘Sammy’ Sampson has been away from chambers for the past three months. In his absence, the rest
The Pension Advisory Group – Interim Reports and Conclusions
A must-know for family finance practitioners whenever pension assets are considered, the PAG are producing guidelines to assist in the understanding and management of pensions in the context of
Court Outlines Approach for Evaluating Child Assessment Order Applications
Shiva Ancliffe acted for the mother in a recent appeal by a local authority - Y (A Child) (S.38(6) Assessment) EWCA Civ 992. For background, care proceedings had been brought against the parents
JY v RY: An Indictment of the Impact of Legal Aid Cuts
Matthew Richardson commented on JY v RY for Family Law Week - a case DJ Read described as ‘the most unsatisfactory’ he has heard, and in which the outcome ‘would have been very different’ if
Judgment Sets Aside Divorce Petition With Inaccurate Address
Nick O’Brien of Coram Chambers recently acted for the petitioner in the reported case Hermens v Hermens EWHC 3742 (Fam). This was a multi-jurisdictional case involving an application by the
New Judgment on International Child Abduction and Determining Habitual Residence
Alex Laing of Coram Chambers acted in the just-reported case of AB v CD EWHC 1021 (Fam). The case concerned international child abduction and the determination of habitual residence. For
Martha Cover Shortlisted for Legal Aid Barrister of the Year
We are delighted to announce that Martha Cover has been announced as one of the top three candidates for this year’s prestigious Legal Aid Barrister of the Year award. Martha, a long-time
Family Justice Council releases updated guidance on financial needs on divorce
In late-April 2018 the Family Justice Council published a second edition of their ‘Guidance on “Financial Needs” on Divorce.’ An immensely useful resource for all practitioners undertaking
Court Makes Proposal for Improved Police Disclosure in Cases of Death or Serious Assault of a Child
LB Southwark v US and RT and Others EWHC 3707 (Fam) Mark Twomey Q.C. and Sarah Tyler of Coram Chambers were instructed in a case dealing with the tragic death of a child by and allegations of
New judgments on deprivation of liberty and rights under art. 5 of ECHR
Alex Laing of Coram Chambers acted on two cases, resulting in important new judgments on the deprivation of liberty and rights under article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights
Georgina Clark Newly Appointed as Family Law Recorder
In a recent appointment of 13 Recorders, Georgina Clark has been selected to act as a family law Recorder on the South Eastern Circuit. Her appointment will take effect from 25 April 2018, following
Coram’s Alison Easton and Chris Archer Appointed as Recorders after Most Recent Competition
The Lord Chief Justice has recently announced the outcome of the most recent Recorder competition. Amongst others, he has appointed Miss Alison Jane Easton and Mr James Christopher Archer of Coram
Michael Horton and Alex Laing in high-profile, finance case in the Court of Appeal
Michael Horton and Alex Laing are pleased this week to have represented the husband in his important appeal to the Court of Appeal on an Anglo-Scottish maintenance dispute. The case focusses on the
Training on Modern Families in the Family Court
The training in February will include Dr Bianca Jackson highlighting the relevance and implications in the Family Court looking at: Parenthood, Parental Responsibility & Child Arrangements for
Advanced ToLATA Training Offered
Advanced ToLATA Course to be Presented by Greg Williams on Friday 16th February - Courtesy of MBL Seminars Greg Williams from our Finance Team will be presenting an Advanced ToLATA course to
Supervised Visits Overturned After Pattern of Fabricated Allegations
High Court overturned a decision that a mother be permitted to spend time with her daughter, following a pattern of found-to-be fabricated allegations made against the father A High Court judge
Court rules on giving orphan account of parent’s death
East London Family Court Rules: Orphan Girl should be told that her Father Killed her Mother before Killing Himself when she Comes of Age NAA was left orphaned after her father, who had a history
Head of Chambers Mark Twomey QC as well as Alex Laing will Appear in Supreme Court on Behalf of ALC
Head of Chambers Mark Twomey QC as well as Alex Laing will Appear in Supreme Court on Behalf of ALC On 14 - 15 February 2018, Mark Twomey QC and Alex Laing will appear in the UK Supreme Court on
Alex Laing will be Speaking at the Bloomsbury Family Law Conference
Alex Laing will be Speaking at the Bloomsbury Family Law Conference We are pleased to announce that Alex Laing is speaking on children’s evidence in family proceedings at the Bloomsbury Family
Julia Queen Provides a Roundup of 2017 Law Cases heard in the European Court of Human Rights
Julia Queen Provides a Roundup of 2017 Law Cases heard in the European Court of Human Rights Coram’s very own passionate advocate of children’s rights, Julia Queen, provides a round of law
Welcoming Our New Tenants: Victoria Roberts and Sophie Hill
Welcoming Our New Tenants: Victoria Roberts and Sophie Hill December was a busy month here at Coram Chambers. We are proud to announce the commencement of two new tenancies; Victoria Roberts and
Press Release – Chambers & Partners 2018
Press Release - Chambers & Partners 2018 We are proud to announce that Coram Chambers have continued to be recognised in the Chambers & Partners 2018 edition; ranked Band 3 in Family:
The Times: Taking Charge of Chambers
The Times wrote a special focus on those taking charge of chambers, following coverage of the Bar conference. We are delighted that Coram’s Chambers Director Sarah McCarthy is said to be a
Press Release – Legal 500 2017
Coram Chambers have yet again been recognised as a leading set in the legal 500, achieving a tier 3 status for children law (including public and private law). “Coram Chambers is ‘always a
Welcome to the Coram 2017 annual conference
Coram is delighted to welcome delegates from across the country to the 2017 annual conference at etc.venues Monument. The day features a diverse range of speakers and topics with a programme that
Review of Compromise in Family Law: Law and Practice by Michael Horton
Rebecca Bailey–Harris from 1 Hare Court reviews Compromise in Family Law: Law and Practice by Michael Horton in the Spring Edition of Family Affairs; the newsletter of the Family Bar Association.
Court highlights fair procedure by local authorities in adoption
The case of R (On the application of EL) v Essex County Council EWHC 1041 makes important reading for all local authorities. It was a judicial review heard by Mr Justice Charles, who quashed a
Coram Chambers are delighted to invite you to join us for our first annual family law conference.
The one day conference will be held over 2 rooms covering 10 talks from our Barristers and guests. The day will include breakfast, lunch and tea and cakes. For the full itinerary CLICK
Sharland and Gohil: A Cheat Sheet
Sharland and Gohil Parties Who Cheat – A Cheat Sheet Michael Horton Matthew Richardson Extract: A ‘cheat sheet’ to the recent key judgments about parties who cheat their disclosure