In divorce cases that have become acrimonious, one or both ex-partners may behave unfairly toward one another out of spite. One example is where a party to the divorce transfers or sells assets during financial remedy proceedings.
Specialist Barristers: Direct Access
Our Core Legal Services
Family
Strategic advice and expert representation across a wide range of family law, including children proceedings, domestic abuse allegations, finance on divorce, wills and probate, and Court of Protection matters.
Specialist advice and representation across all areas of financial remedy proceedings, including property disputes, children-related matters, and complex cases involving business valuations and foreign property.
Specialist advice and representation across a range of children-related issues and disputes, including Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, and intractable disputes.
Strategic advice on allegations of domestic abuse related to family proceedings, including expert representation at fact-finding hearings.
Specialist advice and representation across a wide range of wills and probate matters, including estate administration, Inheritance Act 1975 claims, contentious probate disputes, proprietary estoppel, will rectification, and trustee or personal representative applications.
Specialist advice and representation across a wide range of Court of Protection matters, including capacity disputes, health and welfare decisions, property and financial affairs, deprivation of liberty, and urgent protective applications for vulnerable adults.
Employment
Specialist advice and tribunal representation across a range of workplace disputes including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, right to work checks, and sponsorship licence matters.
Specialist advice and tribunal representation on unfair dismissal claims and settlements, including unfair procedure and constructive dismissal.
Specialist advice and tribunal representation on Equality Act 2010 matters relating to workplace discrimination claims.
Specialist advice and tribunal representation for whistleblowing disputes, including qualifying disclosures, detriment claims, settlement negotiations, drafting ET1s and witness statements, Employment Tribunal and EAT hearings, and remedy or appeal support.
Immigration
Specialist advice and tribunal representation for both individuals and businesses across immigration and nationality matters, including sponsored working and human rights issues.
Practical and specialist advice for individuals and employers on issues including work visa applications, sponsorship licence matters, and Home Office disputes.
Specialist advice and tribunal representation on Indefinite Leave to Remain and citizenship matters, including eligibility requirements and challenges to Home Office decisions.
Specialist advice and tribunal representation on immigration matters involving human rights and family life.
Specialist advice on British citizenship and nationality applications, including naturalisation and registration routes, complex eligibility issues, and challenges to refusals or Home Office decisions.
Civil
Specialist civil advocacy and advice on commercial disputes, landlord and tenant matters, and professional disciplinary proceedings, with clear guidance and direct access representation.
Commercially focused advice and representation on contracts, shareholder and partnership disputes, insolvency, fraud claims and injunctions, with direct access barristers for strategic support and litigation.
Specialist landlord and tenant advice and advocacy for residential and commercial disputes, including possession, notices, disrepair and service charge claims, with guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 reforms.
Specialist representation for professionals facing regulatory investigations, disciplinary proceedings and fitness-to-practise hearings, including SRA/SDT, GMC/MPTS and NMC matters, with direct access advocacy.
About Demstone Chambers
Demstone Chambers is a modern set of barristers specialising in Family, Immigration, and Employment law. Based in Milton Keynes, our team delivers clarity and strategic legal support for individuals, families, and businesses across the UK. We pride ourselves on close working relationships, flexible appointment times (including evenings and weekends), and cost-effective rates.
What Does a Barrister Do?
Barristers are legal professionals who specialise in advocacy, legal advice, and court representation. Unlike solicitors, barristers are typically instructed for complex or high-stakes cases where courtroom expertise is essential. At Demstone Chambers, our direct access barristers can be instructed by individuals and businesses without the need for a solicitor, saving you time and expense.
Why Choose Direct Access?
You don’t need a solicitor to get expert legal help. Direct access saves time and money by letting you work with a barrister from the start.
Benefits:
- Direct collaboration Work one-to-one with your barrister from day one.
- Faster turnaround Receive advice and representation without solicitor delays.
- Cost-effective Transparent fees and fewer intermediaries.
Recent Articles
Are Prenuptial Agreements Legally Binding in England & Wales?
People often associate prenuptial agreements (or “prenups”, as they are sometimes known in the UK) with individuals who have extravagant wealth or celebrity status. This is not necessarily accurate: prenuptial agreements are increasingly made by engaged couples who wish to have certainty regarding their future financial affairs before getting married.
My Child Is Refusing to See Me: A Guide to Parental Alienation in the Family Court
Parental separation can be very difficult for children to adjust to, and can cause them to feel upset and angry toward their parents. Sometimes, a child can react in a way that exceeds this, by suddenly or persistently resisting a relationship with one parent.
False Allegations of Domestic Abuse in the Family Court
In recent years, children proceedings have included an increasing number of domestic abuse allegations. In many cases, these allegations are true. These are taken very seriously by the family court which must take appropriate steps to safeguard any children involved.
How does the Family Court split assets in a divorce?
When divorcing, a couple must decide how to divide their wealth and manage any ongoing financial obligations to one another. Where they can agree amicably, this is relatively straightforward. However, if they cannot reach an agreement, the Family Court can make a financial order setting out how the parties shall manage and split their assets.
Can I Make My Ex-Partner Leave the Home? A Guide to Occupation Orders
Following the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship, questions of living arrangements must be resolved: who is entitled to stay in the home, and can that person make their ex-partner move out? These issues are particularly pressing in cases where the relationship has become high-conflict or unsafe.
When Does Conduct Affect a Financial Remedy Order?
One of the most common questions asked during divorce is whether a spouse’s behaviour can affect the financial settlement.
Fathers’ Rights in the Family Court: Child Arrangements After Separation
Following separation, many fathers are concerned about whether they will continue to play a meaningful role in their child’s life.
Can I Move Away With My Child? A Guide to Moving Within the UK or Abroad
If you are separated from your child’s other parent and wish to move home, you may be wondering whether you need their consent. The answer depends on the nature of the move and the existing arrangements for your child.
Non-Matrimonial Assets in Divorce: Can inheritance, gifts and pre-marital property be protected?
In Family Court financial remedy proceedings, non-matrimonial assets are distinct from matrimonial assets.
Specific Issue Orders: A Guide for Parents
A specific issue order allows the court to decide a particular issue of importance about a child when parents cannot agree.
British Citizenship Applications: who can apply and how?
1. Why is British citizenship important? Becoming a British citizen is a life-changing milestone for many people
Funding Living Costs and Legal Fees During Divorce: MPS and LSPOs
1. Introduction When two people divorce, financial remedy proceedings run alongside divorce proceedings to determine the division
Child custody and child arrangement mistakes you must avoid in court
What do judges see as “custody/arrangements mistakes”? Misguided or poorly thought-through actions which suggest a parent cannot
Family Court Fact Finding Hearings: a Guide
Allegations of domestic abuse are very common in family court hearings involving children. Where a parent in
Navigating Child Contact Disputes: A Short Guide
Family court disputes involving children are among the most difficult and challenging cases that any litigant (i.e.,
A Guide to Financial Remedy Proceedings
1.What Are Financial Remedy Proceedings? The term “Financial remedy proceedings” describes a type of court process relating
What Is A Direct Access Barrister?
A direct access barrister offers services directly to clients and members of the public without the need
What Is The Difference Between a Barrister and a Solicitor?
Barristers and solicitors both practice law in the UK, providing legal representation for their clients. Traditionally, the
Can I Sell My Business Before a Divorce?
The divorce process can leave you feeling like you are in limbo, as you wait to see
What Is An Expert Witness In Court?
During a hearing, the court will often deal with complex subjects which require specialist knowledge to understand.
Whistleblowing claims: an overview
Whistleblowing is the common term for what, in technical legal terms, employment lawyers would define as a worker being subjected to a “detriment” because they have made a “protected disclosure.” Under section 43A of the Employment Rights Act 1996, such claims broadly comprise four elements:
Race discrimination: what is it?
The Equality Act 2010 (“the EA 2010”) protects employees against discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on a “protected characteristic”. One protected characteristic is race. This short article provides an overview of the key concepts in race discrimination claims.
Financial Remedy after Overseas Divorce: Establishing Jurisdiction & Obtaining Leave
Where two people have separated and obtained a divorce in an overseas country, they cannot apply immediately for a financial remedy in England and Wales. Instead, they must first seek the leave of the Court under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (“the 1984 Act”). Such applications entail a two-part procedure, as set out below.
Financial Remedy Proceedings: First Hearing, FDR & Final Hearing Explained
Where a person’s marriage or civil partnership has broken down, they may apply to the Family Court for a Financial Remedy. Once…
Can you appeal against a decision of the Family Court?
Family lawyers are often asked: “can you appeal against a decision of the Family Court?” The short answer is: “Yes, you can”.