Michael is a dual qualified lawyer in both Australia and England & Wales and enjoys appearing in the broad spectrum of family law matters, from public children cases to financial remedies disputes.

Prior to joining New Court Chambers, Michael practised as a solicitor in Australia working almost exclusively in family law with a particular focus on private children, family finance, and related private client matters such as tax, estate and probate disputes.

Children (Public Law)

Michael is regularly instructed across all areas of public proceedings in cases involving chronic neglect, substance abuse, mental health issues, domestic, sexual, physical abuse and injury, and cases with an international dimension. He accepts instructions from local authorities, parents, children’s guardians and intervenors.

Michael is often called upon to draft threshold documents, advise on findings sought, and also to review evidence.

Michael has appeared at all stages of public law hearings, from case management, to fact-finding hearings and up to and including final hearings.

Children (Private Law)

Michael has extensive experience in private children disputes, both drawing from his experience in Australia, and current practice in England.

Michael is briefed to appear at a wide range of private law matters involving intractable contact disputes, parental alienation, complex allegations of physical and sexual abuse, and also cases with an international element.

Michael acts at all stages of section 8 applications, including at fact-finding hearings and final hearings.

Family Finance & Property

Michael has a growing financial remedies practice and enjoys building on his extensive Australian experience in this area.

Michael’s Australian practice involved regularly acting for clients in cases with international features (including forum disputes), statutory financial agreements (pre/post-nups), financial enforcement and non-disclosure, and the analysis of company accounts and family trusts.

 

Domestic Violence & Injunctions

Michael regularly accepts instructions across the full range of Family Law Act applications, including non-molestation orders, occupation orders and transfer of tenancy applications. Michael has experience in proceedings involving allegations of serious domestic abuse, including in cases where allegations are linked to ongoing or imminent Children Act proceedings.