"Brilliant in all respects, especially on complex finance issues." Chambers Guide to the UK Bar
Overview
Gareth specialises exclusively in complex financial cases following the separation of parties and has been consistently ranked as a leading practitioner in this field by the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories, which describe Gareth as “exceptional, approachable and extremely knowledgeable.”
Gareth regularly acts and advises in the most complex of financial remedies cases involving high and ultra-high net worth individuals, and is used to dealing with cases involving businesses, trusts and assets located overseas. Gareth also regularly represents high profile clients, both locally and nationally.
Gareth has a particular expertise and interest in acting in cases which involve agricultural elements. Living in rural Lincolnshire, Gareth has a thorough understanding of the particular needs and intricacies of such cases.
Gareth has been a Family Law Arbitrator since 2021 and sits regularly as a Private FDR evaluator across the country. Gareth is acknowledged as one of the leading individuals in the East Midlands for conducting Private FDR’s.
Gareth became Joint Head of Chambers in June 2023 and has led, alongside Claire Howell a transformation of Chambers ethos and has overseen, with Claire, St. Mary’s recent recruitment drive. Gareth was appointed as a Deputy Judge of the Upper Tribunal (Asylum and Immigration) in 2024.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial Finance
Gareth regularly acts and advises in the most complex of financial remedies cases involving high and ultra-high net worth individuals, and is used to dealing with cases involving businesses, trusts and assets located overseas. Gareth appears in courts across the East Midlands and beyond and regularly appears in the Central Family Court and High Court in London.
A specialist in every aspect of family finance, Gareth can provide expert advice in conference before proceedings have been issued to advise the individual as to a realistic settlement, in the hope of avoiding litigation.
Gareth regularly represents high profile individuals, both locally and nationally and is aware of the nuances of such cases and the need for utter discretion.
A niche area of Gareth’s financial remedies practice are those cases which involve an agricultural element. Gareth has been involved in many of the large farming divorce cases that have taken place in the East Midlands over the last 10-years and has an expertise in resolving the same.
The Legal directories have constantly acknowledged Gareth’s expertise in all areas of family finances and have commended him for his meticulous preparation of cases whilst maintaining the ability to put individuals at ease and explain their cases in a straightforward and pragmatic way.
Gareth regularly gives seminars to local solicitors and individuals on a variety of topics, which in 2024 have included, “Periodical Payments – Where are we now?”, “Fact or Fiction – The use of false documents in Financial Remedy Proceedings” and “Arbitration – A Guide.”
Nuptial / Cohabitation Agreements
Gareth advises on and drafts prenuptial, postnuptial and cohabitation agreements for individuals who wish to settle their financial matters in advance of any marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation.
Gareth is also skilled in challenging and defending such agreements when a party seeks to resile from the terms of the same in any subsequent proceedings.
Private FDR
Gareth was a founding member of our Dispute Resolution service and has sat as an evaluator in Private FDR’s since 2018. Leading the way in this field, Gareth regularly sits as an evaluator across the country, giving thorough and thoughtful indications to individuals using the service. Gareth has been constantly praised for his friendly approach to conducting Private FDR’s and the depth of thought that he gives to provide a solution to individuals to settle their financial disputes.
Gareth’ fee to act as a Private FDR Evaluator is £2,500+VAT, with additional sums charged for travel outside of the East Midlands circuit.
Gareth also represents clients at Private FDR’s and has appeared in over 50 pFDR’s to date.
Arbitration
Gareth qualified as an arbitrator under the IFLA Financial Scheme in 2021, since when Gareth has arbitrated a number of complex cases. Under the scheme, Gareth can arbitrate cases which would ordinarily be determined by the Financial Remedies Court, as well as disputes arising under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 and under the Trusts of Land and Appointed of Trustees Act 1996.
Arbitration allows individuals an alternative to having their dispute determined by the court in a timely manner for a fixed fee. The process is completely confidential, (unlike the push in the Financial Remedies Court to report and publicise decisions) and a decision can be provided by Gareth within 14-days of any hearing held before him.
Gareth’s fees to act as an arbitrator in a case are:
Preliminary hearing - £750 to £1,500 + VAT
Arbitration hearing - £3,000 + VAT for a 1-day hearing, with a bundle not exceeding 350 pages
For each additional day required above 1 day - £1,500 + VAT
For each additional A4 bundle of papers (maximum 350 pages per bundle) - £500+VAT
Gareth is happy to facilitate a preliminary free of charge, no obligation, meeting if individuals are interested in appointing him as an arbitrator in any case.
Cases & Publications
Recent cases
Gareth recently appeared in the High Court and was successful in securing s.37 freezing order and search orders on behalf of his client following concerns that assets were about to be transferred overseas.
A further cases involved Gareth representing a farmer during financial remedy proceedings where the assets were worth over £6.2 million. Gareth’s client was able to retain the farm and his business and an order was made by the Court in accordance with Gareth’s original advice.
Gareth sat as an evaluator at a pFDR in a case involving assets in excess of £25 million. Gareth provided a thorough indication, and the parties involved settled the case.
Gareth recently conducted a complex arbitration involving a dispute concerning over 1,000 personal possessions.
Articles
The new costs landscape in Financial Remedy Proceedings
Conferences
Gareth organises the annual St. Mary’s Financial Remedies Conference which this year is taking place on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
Testimonials
“Confident, robust, well organised and overall excellent barrister.” “Gareth has always impressed with his attention to detail and his grasp on complex issues.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar Guide 2024
“Gareth is always well-prepared and well-reputed amongst the judiciary. His advocacy skills are brilliant, whether it is cross-examining or providing submissions. He is well-organised and fills in both the lawyers and the client.” Legal 500 2024
‘Gareth is incredibly committed with a very pleasant and empathetic client manner. Nothing is too much trouble. He works incredibly hard and is not afraid to “think out of the box”.' (The Legal 500 2022)
“Approachable, always well prepared and, when instructed, clients are reassured they are in safe hands” and “my preferred choice on financial matters.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar Guide 2023
“Highly competent and eloquent advocate. He has a pleasant client manner and is always prepared to go the extra mile.” Legal 500 2023
“Gareth is a detailed and knowledgeable counsel who never fails to deliver exemplary advice. He is extremely helpful and a true expert in his field.” “Sensible and focused with an excellent client manner.” Chambers & Partners UK Bar Guide 2022
Contact Gareth
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