Family

3PB is highly respected for family law, advising and representing clients throughout the UK and overseas. Our specialist barristers, including trained mediators, those with part time judicial appointments, and Queen’s Counsel, provide skilled advice and representation in all tiers of Court up to the Supreme Court.

We are known for our friendly professional approach and are recognised as experts in financial provision (divorce, cohabitation and death), child arrangements orders, property disputes, childcare / adoption, judicial review, professional negligence, regulatory matters, incapacity / Court of Protection welfare issues, international children’s issues and human rights.

The family team acts for individuals, local authorities, care organisations and charities. The set boasts an outstanding reputation in both public and private law children work, including complicated care proceedings.

Chambers has an exceptional record in financial remedy cases, including business and farming assets, in partnership with 3PB’s specialist probate team including contentious probate. Details on 3PB’s probate specialists can be found here.

We work hard to achieve the best possible result, whether through careful negotiation or contested trials, our preparation and excellent advocacy sets us apart.

Chambers & Partners 2020 directory - Band 2 - Midlands Circuit says: 3PB Barristers has built a notable presence in the Midlands, advising across the full spectrum of family and matrimonial law. Their barristers provide comprehensive advice on private law matters, including issues involving parental alienation and residency, as well as counsel on obtaining non-molestation orders. The set also houses public law specialists who act in cases regarding the death of a child, fabricated illness and sexual abuse, including those involving complex medical evidence and issues of human rights. Its members also provide comprehensive experience across matrimonial finance disputes, regularly acting in cases involving multi-jurisdictional proceedings and assets.

Client service: "In the professionalism of their clerking and the range of counsel available, I have never failed to be impressed by 3PB." "They are well organised and forward-thinking." "My overall impression is excellent, from clerks to counsel and everything in between. They have fantastic teamwork." Robert Leonard and Ian Charlton are family practice directors.

Chambers & Partners 2020 - Band 2 - Western Circuit says: "3PB houses a strong family law team whose experience spans all aspects of the market. Barristers at this set have particular expertise in Court of Protection matters, and frequently work with vulnerable clients. The set also takes on financial disputes, with members appearing at all levels of the judicial system. The last year has seen the group grow even further, with three new barristers added to the family team. "They are certainly my first choice for chambers when I am looking to instruct counsel, "confirms one source, while another highlights their "good range of expertise, which you need to be able to function well."

Client service: The clerking team is lead by Mark Heath. "The clerks are very helpful and are always willing to go the extra mile to help." "I have a very high opinion of the whole set. The clerks are always friendly and helpful."

Legal 500 UK Bar Directory 2020 - Midlands circuit says: 3PB is rapidly developing its presence on circuit, with some viewing it as 'a go-to set for family finance work'. Members are also instructed on complex public law proceedings involving non-accidental injuries, care arrangements, and fabricated or induced illnesses, as well as private law proceedings dealing with contact, alienation, and relocation. 3PB (Birmingham) is ranked Tier 3.

Legal 500 UK Bar Directory 2020 - South Eastern circuit says: 3PB is praised for its ability to 'meet a variety of client needs from the basic to the complex' and its 'very knowledgeable' members. Nicola Martin is instructed on both financial remedy claims and children act cases, with a particular specialism in applications for international relocation, while James Legg is particularly notable for his work in public law children cases.

Legal 500 UK Bar Directory 2020 - a family team with ‘high-calibre barristers’.

Western circuit says: 3PB has 'exceptional depth in family law', and is praised by clients as 'an exceptional set' which 'overshadows its peers'. The set is home to members who specialise in all areas of family law, including complex care proceedings and high-value financial disputes. Hamish Dunlop, as junior to Nigel Dyer QC, represented the husband in Supreme Court Case Owens v Owens, which considered the legal requirements for divorce without spousal consent.

Legal 500 UK Bar Directory 2018/19 - Western circuit says: "‘Excellent set’ 3PB’s family team is ‘very strong on both financial specialists and child law specialists’. Key areas of instruction include matrimonial finance, child abduction, non-accidental injuries, domestic and sexual abuse cases and care and placement applications, among others. In a major highlight for the set, Hamish Dunlop appeared in the Supreme Court in the high-profile Owens v Owens divorce case; the key issue is whether the current divorce laws should be reformed to allow no-fault divorce. In June 2018 Simon Lillington joined from College Chambers."

Legal 500 UK Bar Directory 2018/19 - Midlands circuit says: "3PB’s team has expertise across a broad range of family law matters, including matrimonial finance, international child abduction and relocation, as well as cases of fabricated and induced illnesses. Vanessa Meachin QC took silk in 2018."

Legal 500 UK Bar Directory 2018/19 - South Eastern circuit says: "At 3PB, members are adept at handling cross-jurisdictional cases, financial remedy matters and public and private children law issues, including cases of abduction and relocation."